🇦🇪 Dubai (UAE) vs 🇨🇾 Cyprus
Complete Tax Residency Comparison for Digital Nomads & Entrepreneurs
Quick Comparison
| Factor | 🇦🇪 Dubai (UAE) | 🇨🇾 Cyprus |
|---|---|---|
| Tax System | Zero Tax | Non-Dom Regime |
| Income Tax (Foreign) | 0% | 0% on dividends |
| Capital Gains Tax | 0% | 0% (most cases) |
| Corporate Tax | 9% (over $100k profit) | 12.5% |
| Residency Requirement | Freelance visa ($2,500+/yr) | Category F permit (€50k deposit) |
| Minimum Stay | 1 day every 6 months | 60 days (special regime) |
| Cost of Living | High ($3,000-5,000/mo) | Moderate ($2,000-3,500/mo) |
🇦🇪 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
🇨🇾 Cyprus
Highlights
- ✅EU membership
- ✅English widely spoken
- ✅60-day rule for tax residency
- ✅Non-dom dividend exemption
- ✅Good weather
Considerations
- ⚠️Divided island
- ⚠️Hot summers
- ⚠️Limited winter activities
Best For
- 👤Non-dom status seekers
- 👤Holding companies
- 👤Yacht owners
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Dubai (UAE) if: You prioritize zero personal income tax and world-class infrastructure. Ideal for high earners, luxury lifestyle, business owners.
Choose Cyprus if: You prioritize eu membership and english widely spoken. Ideal for non-dom status seekers, holding companies, yacht owners.
Not Sure Which is Right for You?
Take our free eligibility assessment to see which tax residency program fits your situation.