Country guide
Migrate to the UAE
Tax-free salaries, fast visas and a country built around foreign talent: about 88% of residents are expats.
0% income tax
On personal earnings
Why the UAE?
- No personal income tax: you keep your whole salary
- A hub between Europe, Asia and Africa
- Golden Visa: up to 10 years with no employer tie
- Fast-growing tech, finance and tourism sectors
- Very low crime and modern infrastructure
- English is the everyday language of business
Key facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Population | 10.1 million (2025, ~88% expatriates) |
| Official language | Arabic (English widely used) |
| Currency | UAE dirham (AED), pegged to USD |
| Minimum wage | No statutory minimum (varies by sector) |
| Healthcare | Mandatory employer-provided insurance (DHA/HAAD) |
| Main routes | Work permit, Golden Visa, Green Visa, Freelancer visa |
Visa routes
Employer-sponsored work visa
The usual route. Your employer applies for your work permit and residence visa, and handles the medical test and Emirates ID. Valid 2-3 years and renewable.
Golden Visa (5 or 10 years)
For investors, founders, skilled professionals, top students and scientists. No sponsor needed. You can sponsor family and keep the visa during long stays abroad.
Green Visa (5 years)
Sponsor yourself as a skilled employee (AED 15,000+ a month), freelancer or self-employed person. You can sponsor family and get 6 months' grace after it ends.
Freelancer visa
Through free zones such as Dubai Internet City, DMCC and Abu Dhabi Global Market. Work as a consultant, creative or contractor. Usually 1-3 years, from AED 7,500 a year.
Cost of living
Typical monthly costs in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Sharjah and Ajman are 30-40% cheaper.
| Expense | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| 1-bed rent (city centre) | AED 5,000 to 9,000 / month |
| Groceries (one person) | AED 1,200 to 1,800 / month |
| Metro + bus pass | AED 300 to 400 / month |
| Internet (100 Mbps+) | AED 300 to 450 / month |
| Utilities (A/C, power, water) | AED 500 to 1,000 / month |
Jobs in demand
- Software engineers & AI specialists
- Civil & mechanical engineers
- Nurses & healthcare professionals
- Financial analysts & compliance officers
- Marketing & digital media specialists
- Hospitality managers & chefs
- Construction project managers
- International school teachers
FAQs
Is there income tax in the UAE?
No personal income tax: your salary is paid in full. You still pay 5% VAT on most goods and services. A 9% corporate tax on business profits above AED 375,000 started in 2023.
How long does it take to get a UAE work visa?
Usually 2-4 weeks once your employer starts. That covers the entry permit, medical test, Emirates ID and visa stamping. Some free zones do it in 5-10 business days.
Can I bring my family to the UAE?
Yes. If you earn AED 4,000+ a month (or AED 3,000 with housing) you can sponsor your spouse and children. Golden and Green visa holders can sponsor family at any salary. Parents are possible in some cases.
What happens to my visa if I lose my job?
Standard work visa holders get a 30-day grace period to find a new job or leave. Green visa holders get 6 months. Since the 2022 reforms, you can move to a new employer without leaving the UAE.
This guide is general information, not legal advice, and rules change often. Always confirm the current requirements on the official government website for your destination. How we research & source our guides.
Could the UAE work for you?
Most refusals come from the wrong route or a weak document. Check yours before you spend.
Free eligibility check →
2 minutes. Results on screen, no sign-up.
Talk it through with a person →
60-minute plan check. $99 to book, $499 in total.
Already there? Read the arrival guide for the UAE →
