Relocating to Dubai fact sheet

Andy Wood • March 28, 2022
A city skyline at night with a bridge in the foreground.

In recent years, Dubai has emerged as a prominent destination for high net worth individuals seeking favorable tax environments. Its strategic location, vibrant economy, and attractive tax policies have made it a haven for those looking to optimize their financial affairs. Relocating to Dubai for tax purposes requires careful planning and understanding of the legal and financial landscape. In this article, we'll explore the steps involved in relocating to Dubai for tax purposes as a high net worth individual.


Understand Dubai's Tax System: Dubai offers a tax-friendly environment with no personal income tax, no capital gains tax, and no inheritance tax. However, it's essential to understand the nuances of the tax system, including corporate taxes and the impact of international tax treaties.


Consult with Tax Advisors: Before making any decisions, consult with experienced tax advisors who specialize in international tax planning. They can provide tailored advice based on your specific financial situation and objectives.


Establish Residency: Residency is a key factor in determining your tax obligations in Dubai. High net worth individuals can obtain residency through various channels, including employment, property investment, or setting up a business. Each residency option has its own requirements and benefits, so it's crucial to choose the most suitable route based on your circumstances.


Structure Assets and Investments: Properly structuring your assets and investments is essential for tax optimization. This may involve setting up offshore companies, trusts, or other legal entities to manage your wealth efficiently. Tax advisors can help devise a customized strategy that maximizes tax benefits while ensuring compliance with local regulations.


Consider the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC): The DIFC offers a unique legal and regulatory framework tailored to the needs of the financial industry. High net worth individuals can benefit from the DIFC's sophisticated infrastructure, robust legal system, and favorable tax environment.


Review Estate Planning: Estate planning is an integral part of tax relocation for high net worth individuals. Dubai's absence of inheritance tax makes it an attractive jurisdiction for estate planning purposes. However, it's essential to work with legal experts to draft comprehensive estate plans that address succession, asset protection, and wealth transfer.


Comply with Reporting Requirements: Even though Dubai has lenient tax policies, it's crucial to comply with reporting requirements to avoid any potential issues with tax authorities. This includes disclosing overseas assets, income, and financial transactions as required by local regulations.


Stay Informed of Regulatory Changes: Dubai's tax and regulatory landscape is subject to change, so it's essential to stay informed of any updates or amendments that may affect your tax planning strategy. Regularly review your financial affairs and consult with advisors to ensure compliance with current laws and regulations.


Maintain Substance: While Dubai offers attractive tax benefits, it's important to maintain genuine ties to the jurisdiction to substantiate your residency status. This may include spending a significant amount of time in Dubai, conducting business activities, or owning property in the emirate.


Plan for Exit Strategies: Finally, it's essential to have exit strategies in place in case you decide to relocate from Dubai in the future. This involves carefully unwinding legal structures, transferring assets, and mitigating any tax implications associated with leaving the jurisdiction.


In conclusion, relocating to Dubai for tax purposes as a high net worth individual requires careful planning, strategic decision-making, and expert guidance. By understanding the tax system, structuring your assets effectively, and staying compliant with regulations, you can take full advantage of Dubai's favorable tax environment while safeguarding your wealth for future generations.

BREAKING NEWS: UAE Offers Corporate Tax Penalty Relief – But You Must Act Fast to Qualify

By Amie Roberts • May 1, 2025
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.

End of the Non-Dom Era: Labour’s Tax Reform Triggers Wealth Flight

April 15, 2025
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.
More Posts