🇦🇪 Dubai (UAE) vs 🇹🇭 Thailand
Complete Tax Residency Comparison for Digital Nomads & Entrepreneurs
Quick Comparison
| Factor | 🇦🇪 Dubai (UAE) | 🇹🇭 Thailand |
|---|---|---|
| Tax System | Zero Tax | Territorial (changing) |
| Income Tax (Foreign) | 0% | 0-35% (local income) |
| Capital Gains Tax | 0% | 0% (foreign, if not remitted) |
| Corporate Tax | 9% (over $100k profit) | 20% |
| Residency Requirement | Freelance visa ($2,500+/yr) | LTR Visa ($80k/year income) |
| Minimum Stay | 1 day every 6 months | 180 days for tax residency |
| Cost of Living | High ($3,000-5,000/mo) | Low ($1,200-2,500/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
🇹🇭 Thailand
Highlights
- ✅Amazing lifestyle
- ✅Low cost of living
- ✅Great food and culture
- ✅Digital nomad friendly
- ✅Good healthcare
Considerations
- ⚠️Tax rules changing in 2024
- ⚠️Visa can be complex
- ⚠️Language barrier
Best For
- 👤Lifestyle seekers
- 👤Digital nomads
- 👤Retirees
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 Thailand if: You prioritize amazing lifestyle and low cost of living. Ideal for lifestyle seekers, digital nomads, retirees.
Not Sure Which is Right for You?
Take our free eligibility assessment to see which tax residency program fits your situation.