๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ช Dubai (UAE) vs ๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต Japan

Complete Tax Residency Comparison for Digital Nomads & Entrepreneurs

Quick Comparison

Factor๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ช Dubai (UAE)๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต Japan
Tax SystemZero TaxNon-Permanent Resident
Income Tax (Foreign)0%5-45%
Capital Gains Tax0%0% (foreign, NPR)
Corporate Tax9% (over $100k profit)23-30%
Residency RequirementFreelance visa ($2,500+/yr)Various visas
Minimum Stay1 day every 6 monthsNPR status first 5 years
Cost of LivingHigh ($3,000-5,000/mo)High ($2,500-4,500/mo)

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ช Dubai (UAE)

Highlights

  • โœ…Zero personal income tax
  • โœ…World-class infrastructure
  • โœ…Global business hub
  • โœ…Easy company setup
  • โœ…Safe and modern

Considerations

  • โš ๏ธHigh cost of living
  • โš ๏ธHot climate
  • โš ๏ธExpensive real estate
  • โš ๏ธNew corporate tax introduced

Best For

  • ๐Ÿ‘คHigh earners
  • ๐Ÿ‘คLuxury lifestyle
  • ๐Ÿ‘คBusiness owners

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต Japan

Highlights

  • โœ…NPR regime excludes foreign gains
  • โœ…Amazing culture
  • โœ…Safe country
  • โœ…Great infrastructure
  • โœ…Digital nomad visa coming

Considerations

  • โš ๏ธHigh taxes after NPR ends
  • โš ๏ธLanguage barrier
  • โš ๏ธComplex bureaucracy

Best For

  • ๐Ÿ‘คCulture enthusiasts
  • ๐Ÿ‘คFirst 5 years tax planning

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 Japan if: You prioritize npr regime excludes foreign gains and amazing culture. Ideal for culture enthusiasts, first 5 years tax planning.

Not Sure Which is Right for You?

Take our free eligibility assessment to see which tax residency program fits your situation.