🇨🇷 Costa Rica vs 🇦🇪 Dubai (UAE)
Complete Tax Residency Comparison for Digital Nomads & Entrepreneurs
Quick Comparison
| Factor | 🇨🇷 Costa Rica | 🇦🇪 Dubai (UAE) |
|---|---|---|
| Tax System | Territorial | Zero Tax |
| Income Tax (Foreign) | 0% (foreign income) | 0% |
| Capital Gains Tax | 0% (foreign) | 0% |
| Corporate Tax | 30% | 9% (over $100k profit) |
| Residency Requirement | Rentista ($2,500/mo income) | Freelance visa ($2,500+/yr) |
| Minimum Stay | None required | 1 day every 6 months |
| Cost of Living | Moderate ($1,800-3,000/mo) | High ($3,000-5,000/mo) |
🇨🇷 Costa Rica
Highlights
- ✅Stable democracy
- ✅No army, peaceful
- ✅Beautiful nature
- ✅Good healthcare
- ✅Large expat community
Considerations
- ⚠️Higher cost than neighbors
- ⚠️Bureaucratic processes
- ⚠️Some areas touristy
Best For
- 👤Retirees
- 👤Nature lovers
- 👤Families
🇦🇪 Dubai (UAE)
Highlights
- ✅Zero personal income tax
- ✅World-class infrastructure
- ✅Global business hub
- ✅Easy company setup
- ✅Safe and modern
Considerations
- ⚠️High cost of living
- ⚠️Hot climate
- ⚠️Expensive real estate
- ⚠️New corporate tax introduced
Best For
- 👤High earners
- 👤Luxury lifestyle
- 👤Business owners
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Costa Rica if: You prioritize stable democracy and no army, peaceful. Ideal for retirees, nature lovers, families.
Choose Dubai (UAE) if: You prioritize zero personal income tax and world-class infrastructure. Ideal for high earners, luxury lifestyle, business owners.
Not Sure Which is Right for You?
Take our free eligibility assessment to see which tax residency program fits your situation.