🇦🇪 Dubai (UAE) vs 🇲🇾 Malaysia
Complete Tax Residency Comparison for Digital Nomads & Entrepreneurs
Quick Comparison
| Factor | 🇦🇪 Dubai (UAE) | 🇲🇾 Malaysia |
|---|---|---|
| Tax System | Zero Tax | Territorial |
| Income Tax (Foreign) | 0% | 0% (foreign income) |
| Capital Gains Tax | 0% | 0% |
| Corporate Tax | 9% (over $100k profit) | 24% |
| Residency Requirement | Freelance visa ($2,500+/yr) | MM2H (complex) |
| Minimum Stay | 1 day every 6 months | None for tax benefits |
| Cost of Living | High ($3,000-5,000/mo) | Low ($1,500-2,500/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
🇲🇾 Malaysia
Highlights
- ✅Zero tax on foreign income
- ✅English widely spoken
- ✅Modern infrastructure
- ✅Multicultural society
- ✅Great food
Considerations
- ⚠️MM2H requirements tightened
- ⚠️Hot and humid climate
- ⚠️Some restrictions on activities
Best For
- 👤Families
- 👤Retirees
- 👤Asia-based professionals
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 Malaysia if: You prioritize zero tax on foreign income and english widely spoken. Ideal for families, retirees, asia-based professionals.
Not Sure Which is Right for You?
Take our free eligibility assessment to see which tax residency program fits your situation.