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.

Why Wealth Managers Are Moving to Dubai: What It Means for You

June 12, 2025
If you’ve been hearing more about private banks, investment advisers, and wealth managers setting up shop in Dubai, you're not imagining it. Dubai has become one of the fastest-growing wealth hubs in the world, especially for British and European advisers. In the last year alone, over 60 new wealth management firms have opened offices in Dubai’s International Financial Centre (DIFC). But why is this happening, and what does it mean if you're a high net worth individual , entrepreneur, or investor living in the UAE? Why Dubai? Dubai offers something many wealth managers are now struggling to find elsewhere: a stable, tax-efficient , and business-friendly environment. While the UK has tightened its tax rules , especially for non-doms and those using trusts or complex structures, the UAE has continued to attract wealth with: 0% personal income tax No capital gains tax A strong legal framework under English common law (via DIFC) High quality of life and global connectivity For clients, this makes Dubai an appealing base. For wealth managers, it’s an opportunity they can’t ignore. What Wealth Managers Are Offering in Dubai With this surge in presence comes increased service availability for clients. If you're living in the UAE or spending part of the year here, you can now access: Discretionary investment management Estate and succession planning Family office services Tax-efficient structures and cross-border advice Advice on UK IHT (Inheritance Tax) and pensions These services used to be hard to find locally, but not anymore. Who's Coming to Dubai? The influx includes private banks and traditional discretionary fund managers, but also: Boutique investment firms Wealth tech platforms (offering digital tools for investing) Global tax advisers The DIFC now hosts more than 410 wealth and asset management firms, up from 350 the previous year. New entrants include British firms reacting to UK tax changes and seeking to serve their clients abroad. Why It Matters to UAE Residents If you’re based in the UAE, especially as a British expat or someone with international assets, this is a golden opportunity to get high-quality wealth advice locally. Key reasons to take action now: UK tax changes are affecting British expats Inheritance planning is more important than ever The local market now has more competition, which often leads to better client service You no longer need to fly to London or rely on Zoom calls to manage your finances; top-tier advice is available here in Dubai. Questions You Should Be Asking Is my current investment portfolio set up for UAE tax rules? How will UK inheritance tax apply to my estate? Should I structure assets through an offshore trust or foundation? Is my UK pension protected and efficient? Could I benefit from working with a local adviser who understands both the UAE and UK systems? Final Thoughts Dubai is no longer just a luxury destination or business stopover; it’s now a full-fledged global wealth centre. With top international firms setting up operations here, clients in the UAE now have access to world-class advice right on their doorstep. Whether you’re planning for retirement, protecting family wealth, or exploring new investment opportunities, this is a perfect time to act. At Mosaic Chambers Group, we specialise in helping UAE-based clients structure, grow, and protect their wealth. From inheritance planning to UK tax exposure, our team of dual-qualified advisers can offer practical advice with no jargon. Contact us today to book a confidential conversation with one of our experienced UAE wealth advisers.

Future-Proofing Your Finances: UAE Workers Call for Stronger Pension Options

June 10, 2025
We all think about the future, but how many of us feel confident about our retirement savings? In the UAE, that question is becoming more urgent. A new report shows that more people in the UAE, especially experienced employees and professionals, are asking for better, more personalised retirement planning. They don’t just want end-of-service benefits. They want flexibility, investment choices, and long-term financial security. This shift is important. It’s not just about pensions . It’s about how people feel about their jobs, their financial freedom, and their lives after work. What the Report Found The research, carried out by recruitment experts in the UAE, found that: Many mid-to-senior-level professionals now want a tailored approach to retirement savings. People are asking employers for more investment options, not just a lump sum at the end. There is a growing interest in structured retirement accounts, including schemes where employers contribute monthly, like pensions in the UK or US. It’s a signal that the typical end-of-service benefit (gratuity) may no longer be enough for the modern workforce. The Current Retirement Model in the UAE Right now, most private sector workers in the UAE receive an End-of-Service Benefit (EOSB). This is a lump sum based on how long you've worked for your employer and your final salary. But: It’s not invested, so the value doesn’t grow with time. You only receive it when you leave the company. If a company closes down or faces financial trouble, you may lose out. While the UAE has made improvements, such as introducing savings-style EOSB schemes, many companies still use the traditional model. Why Employees Are Asking for More Here are just a few reasons UAE professionals want better retirement planning: 1. Job Security Is Less Certain People change jobs more often than they used to. Relying on a lump sum after years of service isn’t practical for mobile careers. 2. Higher Earnings = Higher Expectations Professionals in sectors like tech, finance, and consulting are earning more, and they want retirement planning to match their income and ambitions. 3. Inflation and Cost of Living Even in a tax-free environment, the long-term cost of living matters. A static lump sum at the end of your career doesn’t keep up with real-world inflation. 4. More Global Workers Many people in the UAE have worked in multiple countries. They’re familiar with international pension schemes, and they want similar options here. What Are the Alternatives? Several companies and free zones in the UAE are already offering new models for retirement planning: Monthly savings schemes with employer contributions Access to regulated investment funds tailored to retirement Portable savings accounts that follow you between jobs Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) launched the DIFC Employee Workplace Savings (DEWS) Plan, which has been a model for reform. Other areas may follow suit. What You Can Do Whether your employer offers advanced schemes or not, you can still take control of your retirement plan: Start a private pension or regular investment plan with expert advice Set up a monthly savings goal, even if it’s small to start Ask your employer if they’re willing to make monthly contributions Consider tax and currency implications if you plan to retire abroad Final Thoughts The way people think about retirement in the UAE is changing, and fast. It’s no longer about waiting for a lump sum and hoping it’s enough. UAE residents want to invest, plan ahead, and build financial independence while they’re still working. If you're living and working in the UAE, the best time to plan for retirement isn't when you're 60. It’s now! We help people across the UAE, UK and other jurisdictions set up private pension plans, understand retirement investments, and structure savings that work whether you retire in Dubai, UK or move abroad. Speak to one of our advisers today for clear, practical help with your long-term planning.
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