Dubai: Where the Grass Really is Greener
Stuart Stobie • January 23, 2025
Dubai: Where the Grass Really Is Greener
In a twist that feels less like migration and more like a plot twist in the global expat sitcom, a growing number of Brits, Americans, and Canadians are packing up their sensible shoes, bidding farewell to drizzle and beige office parks, and heading back to Dubai. Yes, back. Because why slog through tax returns and icy commutes when you can live in a city where the winter "chill" involves swapping shorts for linen trousers?
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This so-called "reverse migration trend" has caught the attention of everyone from economists to the guy running the pool bar at your old apartment complex. According to Haider Qureshi of Amity Mortgages, it’s not just nostalgia drawing people back. It’s Dubai’s everything-is-possible-and-tax-free vibe. "The business ecosystem," he says, "is unmatched," and if that phrase sounds like it came directly from a glossy brochure, it’s because Dubai actually delivers on it.
Consider this: Dubai has over 45 Free Trade Zones. That’s basically 45 places where foreign entrepreneurs can live their best, fully tax-exempt lives, complete with 100% ownership of their businesses. Add in the Golden Visa—a shiny ticket to long-term residency—and suddenly, your midlife crisis involves launching a tech startup on the beach instead of buying a motorcycle.
Meanwhile, back in Canada, the UK, and the US, the economic landscape isn’t exactly an expat magnet. Soaring costs of living, taxes that seem to grow like mold, and inflation nibbling at savings have left many wondering if "home" is overrated. Against that backdrop, Dubai looks like a gilded oasis. No income tax. Luxury everywhere. Weather that doesn’t try to kill you (okay, except maybe August). It’s not so much a hard sell as it is the answer to a question you didn’t realise you were asking: “What if I could have it all?”
And have it all they do, especially when it comes to real estate. Returning expats are buying into Dubai’s booming property market, buoyed by attractive mortgage rates and rental yields that make landlords back home weep into their spreadsheets. The city’s infrastructure, shiny and new, makes relocating almost suspiciously easy. Combine that with a social scene that moves at warp speed, and it’s no wonder people are trading their snow shovels for sundowners at the Marina.
Of course, this isn’t just a one-way win for expats. Dubai is reaping the benefits too. Returning professionals bring international expertise, fresh perspectives, and probably a few more people willing to buy overpriced coffee. As they settle back into the city’s multicultural swirl, they enrich the very fabric of a place that thrives on its global DNA.
So here we are, at the crossroads of opportunity and air-conditioned bliss. Dubai, once the great expat experiment, is now the answer to a world that feels increasingly out of balance. For every returning wanderer, there’s a reminder that sometimes the best new chapter is the one you already lived—and this time, it comes with a Golden Visa and a view of the Burj Khalifa.
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If you’ve missed your Corporate Tax registration deadline or already paid the AED 10,000 fine, there’s now a golden opportunity to waive or reclaim that penalty — but only if you act quickly. In a recent move to support businesses during the first year of the UAE’s Corporate Tax rollout, the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has announced a limited-time grace period. The initiative allows eligible businesses to apply for a full penalty waiver if they file their Corporate Tax return early. This is a major relief for thousands of companies who have either: Missed their Corporate Tax registration deadline, or Registered late and were hit with the AED 10,000 fine Why is this happening? According to Gulf News, this initiative is part of a broader effort by the Ministry of Finance and the FTA to ease the transition into the new Corporate Tax system and promote long-term compliance. What You Need to Know: Deadline for the waiver: July 31, 2025 BUT: You must file your return well ahead of your official tax deadline to qualify. Don’t wait – gathering your financial records and preparing your tax return can take time. For most businesses operating on a calendar year basis (Jan–Dec), that means filing within the next couple of months. Who qualifies for the penalty waiver? If you’re asking: “Can I get a refund on my Corporate Tax late registration fine in the UAE?” “Is it possible to waive the AED 10,000 Corporate Tax penalty?” “How do I apply for the UAE Corporate Tax penalty relief?” Then the answer is – yes, you may be eligible. But there’s a catch: you must file your tax return early, ahead of your normal deadline. This is not automatic, and if you miss the window, the fine will not be waived or refunded. Why early filing matters: The FTA has made it clear: early compliance is the only route to relief. This means: Completing your Corporate Tax registration (if not already done) Preparing your financials for your first tax year Submitting your Corporate Tax return well before the deadline This one-time waiver won’t be repeated – so don’t leave it until the last minute. How Mosaic Chambers Group can help: At Mosaic Chambers Group, our FTA-certified tax advisors and legal consultants are ready to guide you through the entire process. Whether you need help: Understanding your eligibility Filing your Corporate Tax return early Claiming your AED 10,000 fine refund Or ensuring future tax compliance We’re here to take the stress out of Corporate Tax. Book a free consultation today and get expert support from our team. Click here to get in touch or below to book your call.
April 6th, 2025 marks the beginning of a major shift in UK taxation. Labour’s new tax reforms have officially scrapped the long-standing non-domiciled (non-dom) tax status — a move that targets wealthy individuals who live in the UK but, under the new non dom regime, have been able to mitigate UK tax on their overseas income and gains. This change spells the end of a tax break that attracted many high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) to the UK and is already causing ripples across the country’s elite financial circles. The message is clear: if you live here, you pay here. Let's break down what has changed. What Was the Non-Dom Tax Regime? The non-dom tax regime allowed individuals residing in the UK, who claimed their primary home (domicile) to be outside the UK, to avoid UK income and capital gains taxes by not bringing any foreign earnings or gains back into the UK. This system made the UK an attractive location for individuals with international earnings. We covered this in more detail here. What Has Changed? Since 2025-26 tax year, the government has implemented several significant reforms. These reforms include: 1. End of Non-Dom Status All UK tax residents will now owe UK income tax on all global income and gains, regardless of whether these were brought into the country or not. 2. Inheritance Tax (IHT) on Foreign Assets Non-doms could previously avoid UK Inheritance Tax on assets they held outside the UK; now individuals who have lived here for more than four years will be liable for IHT on all their global estate assets. 3. Temporary Reliefs To assist the transition, temporary measures include the following: Tax Year 2025-26 will see a 50% reduction on foreign income tax. Capital Gains Tax (CGT) laws allow us to rebase overseas assets based on their value as of April 2019 for CGT purposes. Temporarily, bringing money from abroad may not incur full tax charges upon entering the UK. Why Has the Government Made These Changes? According to Labour, eliminating non-dom status will provide many advantages: Enhance tax fairness Raise extra funds to support public services Close longstanding loopholes used by the wealthy Rising Tax Bills HNWIs with overseas assets and income will now face significantly increased tax obligations that may have an effect on personal finances, family planning and wealth transference. Making Decisions About Moving Abroad Some individuals are already leaving the UK in order to settle in countries with more advantageous tax regimes. Some common destinations for relocation include: United Arab Emirates (UAE) does not levy income or capital gains tax Switzerland provides fixed annual tax arrangements for its most wealthy citizens Italy - flat tax of EUR100,000.000 on foreign income for new residents Monaco does not levy personal income tax for residents Concerns Raised About Impact Within Industry Concerns are being expressed that this could lead to a decrease in: Investment into UK businesses Jobs funded by private wealth Donations to UK Charities What About Entrepreneurs? Many entrepreneurs utilise non-dom status to reduce tax on international business earnings, however, these changes could require: Establishing headquarters or structures outside the UK Reconsider ownership of intellectual property or company shares An investigation of how profits and dividends are managed is important to ensure long-term growth. What Should Be Done Now? If you or those you work with have been affected, taking immediate steps is key to their safety. Here are a few things you can do. 1. Consult With A Specialist Tax Advisor Every situation varies. Seek tailored guidance from someone familiar with both UK and international tax regulations. 2. Evaluate Your Financial Structures Evaluate how you hold assets - for instance through offshore companies or trusts. Any necessary changes must be implemented for optimal efficiency and compliance purposes. 3. Consider Relocating If the UK's new tax rules no longer suit, you might wish to explore living elsewhere where tax liabilities would be lower. Be sure to carefully consider all legal, financial, and family aspects prior to making any decisions. Summary The changes to the non-dom tax regime mark a profound transformation for those who rely on global income and wealth for tax payments, especially those living abroad. Although intended to increase fairness, these reforms also pose challenges to those accustomed to using it. Now is the time to review your plans, secure your assets, and seek professional guidance. How Can We Assist? At our offices in both the UK and UAE, we assist individuals, entrepreneurs and professional advisors in making well-informed decisions. If you have any queries about this article or need advice then get in touch.