🇦🇪 Dubai (UAE) vs 🇵🇹 Portugal
Complete Tax Residency Comparison for Digital Nomads & Entrepreneurs
Quick Comparison
| Factor | 🇦🇪 Dubai (UAE) | 🇵🇹 Portugal |
|---|---|---|
| Tax System | Zero Tax | NHR (Non-Habitual Resident) |
| Income Tax (Foreign) | 0% | 20% flat (qualifying income) |
| Capital Gains Tax | 0% | 0% (foreign gains) |
| Corporate Tax | 9% (over $100k profit) | 21% |
| Residency Requirement | Freelance visa ($2,500+/yr) | D7 Visa (passive income proof) |
| Minimum Stay | 1 day every 6 months | 183 days/year |
| Cost of Living | High ($3,000-5,000/mo) | Moderate ($2,000-3,000/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
🇵🇹 Portugal
Highlights
- ✅EU membership & passport path
- ✅NHR tax regime benefits
- ✅High quality of life
- ✅English widely spoken
- ✅Great weather
Considerations
- ⚠️NHR being phased out for new applicants
- ⚠️183-day stay requirement
- ⚠️Higher taxes after NHR ends
Best For
- 👤EU access seekers
- 👤Retirees
- 👤Quality of life focus
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 Portugal if: You prioritize eu membership & passport path and nhr tax regime benefits. Ideal for eu access seekers, retirees, quality of life focus.
Not Sure Which is Right for You?
Take our free eligibility assessment to see which tax residency program fits your situation.