🇦🇪 Dubai (UAE) vs 🇲🇹 Malta
Complete Tax Residency Comparison for Digital Nomads & Entrepreneurs
Quick Comparison
| Factor | 🇦🇪 Dubai (UAE) | 🇲🇹 Malta |
|---|---|---|
| Tax System | Zero Tax | Remittance-based |
| Income Tax (Foreign) | 0% | 0-15% (remitted income) |
| Capital Gains Tax | 0% | 0% (if not remitted) |
| Corporate Tax | 9% (over $100k profit) | 35% (5% effective) |
| Residency Requirement | Freelance visa ($2,500+/yr) | Global Residence Programme |
| Minimum Stay | 1 day every 6 months | 183 days in EU |
| Cost of Living | High ($3,000-5,000/mo) | Moderate ($2,500-3,500/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
🇲🇹 Malta
Highlights
- ✅EU membership
- ✅English-speaking
- ✅Strong iGaming sector
- ✅Mediterranean climate
- ✅Crypto-friendly
Considerations
- ⚠️Small island
- ⚠️Hot summers
- ⚠️Rising cost of living
Best For
- 👤Gaming industry
- 👤Crypto projects
- 👤EU base
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 Malta if: You prioritize eu membership and english-speaking. Ideal for gaming industry, crypto projects, eu base.
Not Sure Which is Right for You?
Take our free eligibility assessment to see which tax residency program fits your situation.