United Arab Emirates cityscape
United Arab Emirates flag

United Arab Emirates

Cost of living, salaries, tax rates & quality of life

Cost of Living: 20% cheaper vs United States
Quality of Life: 169/200
10 million expats

United Arab Emirates flagQuick Facts

Key stats and figures for United Arab Emirates

Capital

Abu Dhabi

Languages

Arabic, English

Currency

UAE Dirham (AED)

Cost of Living

20% below US

Avg. Salary

د.إ 126k/yr

Timezone

UTC+4

Population

10 million

Expats

10 million

Quality of Life

169/200(Very Good)

Based on Numbeo Quality of Life Index

55
Work-Life
86
Safety
71
Healthcare
50
Air Quality
43
Climate
Good (70+)
Moderate (50-70)
Low (<50)

Cost of Living & Salary Benchmarks

Compare expenses and earning potential across major cities

CityRentTotal
DubaiAED 8,571AED 11,278
Abu DhabiAED 7,500AED 10,000
SharjahAED 4,500AED 6,650

Rent based on 1-bedroom apartment in city center. All values in AED/month.

Tax Rates

Key tax information for United Arab Emirates

Personal Income Tax

0% (no personal income tax)

Corporate Tax

9% (above AED 375,000)

Capital Gains Tax

0%

VAT / Sales Tax

5%

Good to Know

No personal income tax; corporate tax introduced in 2023

Language & Culture

What to expect when living in United Arab Emirates

Official Languages

ArabicEnglish

English Proficiency

High

Language Requirements

No language requirement for most work visas

Good to Know

English is the business lingua franca; Arabic is official

Popular Visa Pathways to United Arab Emirates

Remote Work Visa
United Arab Emirates flagUnited Arab Emirates

Remote Work Visa

The Remote Work Visa, often referred to as the Virtual Work Visa, was introduced to allow talented professionals and digital nomads to live in the United Arab Emirates while continuing to be employed by companies based outside the country. This initiative is designed to attract global talent by offering a flexible residency option that does not require a local employer sponsor. The visa is valid for one year and is renewable, provided the applicant continues to meet the qualification criteria, allowing residents to enjoy the UAE's world-class infrastructure, safety, and lifestyle while maintaining their international career commitments. To be qualifying for this visa, applicants must demonstrate a monthly income of at least $3,500 USD or its equivalent. Applicants are required to provide proof of employment, such as a valid employment contract from a non-UAE company with a minimum one-year duration, and bank statements covering the previous three to six months to verify their income. Additionally, applicants must secure health insurance that is valid within the UAE. The application process is streamlined and can be completed online, with a nominal fee of AED 200 plus 5% VAT, making it an accessible pathway for remote professionals seeking a high-quality living environment.

Validity1 year
Processing2 days
Total CostFrom USD $287
View Visa Details
See all United Arab Emirates visas

Before You Go

What You Should Know About United Arab Emirates

Essential reading for anyone considering the move

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Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general guidance only and should not be considered legal or financial advice. Cost of living, salary, and quality of life data are estimates based on third-party sources and may vary. Always verify current information with official government sources before making immigration decisions.

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