The UAE has 0% personal income tax. Calculate UAE corporate tax (9% above AED 375K), estimate VAT on spending (5%), and compare total tax burden vs London, Singapore, and Hong Kong. AED.
UAE Tax System 2026
The UAE remains one of the world's most tax-friendly jurisdictions for individuals. While corporate tax was introduced in 2023, personal income tax remains at 0% โ a deliberate policy to attract global talent.
UAE Tax Summary
Personal Income Tax: 0% (zero)
Corporate Tax: 0% up to AED 375,000 net profit | 9% above AED 375,000
VAT: 5% on most goods and services
Capital Gains Tax (personal): 0%
Inheritance / Estate Tax: 0%
Wealth Tax: 0%
Who Pays Corporate Tax?
Businesses with net taxable profits above AED 375,000 pay 9%.
Free zone businesses with qualifying income: 0% (subject to conditions)
Multinationals (Pillar Two): minimum 15% effective rate
Freelancers earning under AED 1M: generally not subject to corporate tax
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the UAE have personal income tax?
No โ the UAE has zero personal income tax. Individuals living and working in the UAE pay no income tax on salaries, wages, investment income, or capital gains. This applies to both UAE nationals and expatriates. The UAE also has no inheritance tax, wealth tax, or gift tax at the personal level. This zero income tax environment is one of the primary reasons Dubai and Abu Dhabi attract high-earning expatriates from around the world.
What is the UAE corporate tax rate?
The UAE introduced a federal corporate tax effective June 1, 2023. The corporate tax rate is 0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000 and 9% on taxable income above AED 375,000. Free zone entities may qualify for a 0% preferential rate on qualifying income. Multinational companies subject to the OECD Pillar Two framework face a minimum effective rate of 15%. For small businesses with revenue below AED 3 million, a 0% corporate tax rate applies until 2026.
Does the UAE have VAT?
Yes. The UAE introduced a 5% Value Added Tax (VAT) on January 1, 2018, applied to most goods and services. Essential items like basic foods, healthcare, education, and residential properties are zero-rated or exempt. VAT is charged at point of sale and ultimately borne by the consumer. For a resident earning AED 200,000/year, estimated VAT on spending ranges from AED 4,000โ8,000 depending on lifestyle and consumption patterns.
Are freelancers in the UAE subject to corporate tax?
Freelancers operating through a free zone or mainland license may be subject to corporate tax if their business income exceeds AED 375,000 annually. Sole proprietors and individual freelancers with qualifying free zone income may benefit from the 0% free zone corporate tax rate on qualifying income. Individual natural persons conducting business activities with income below AED 1 million are generally not subject to corporate tax under current rules. However, this area continues to evolve โ professional advice is recommended.
How does living in Dubai compare to high-tax cities like London or Singapore?
A Dubai professional earning AED 500,000/year (approx. ยฃ108K / SGD $182K) pays no income tax, compared to ~35-40% in London or ~18-22% in Singapore. Over 10 years at that income, the tax saving vs London is approximately AED 1.5โ2 million (ยฃ330Kโ440K). Dubai's VAT (5%) is significantly lower than UK VAT (20%) or Singapore GST (9%). However, housing costs in prime Dubai areas can rival London, and healthcare/education costs should be factored in for families.