Relocating abroad always requires thorough preparation. Such a decision is rarely spontaneous and almost always requires answering a number of key questions in advance and understanding the legal, financial, and everyday aspects of the chosen country. In practice, many people have a simplified or distorted view of the emigration process. The main question that concerns almost everyone at the decision-making stage is essentially the same: “Which country should I choose?”
High-net-worth individuals and entrepreneurs often look toward European countries. However, in practice, relocation to countries such as Germany or France is frequently associated with significant challenges. First of all, it is necessary to assess how realistic it is to obtain a lawful immigration status in the selected country. The second important factor is the overall cost of relocation and subsequent living expenses. An equally critical aspect is the tax burden imposed on residents.
Most economically developed European countries apply strict immigration policies. Obtaining a residence permit may take a long time and require substantial investments or compliance with complex conditions. At the same time, personal income tax rates in a number of countries reach 45–50%, which is a decisive factor for investors, entrepreneurs, and individuals with international sources of income.
There are alternative jurisdictions where immigration procedures are simpler, and the tax burden is significantly lower. Many countries offer special government programs to attract investors and highly qualified professionals. The United Arab Emirates belongs to this category of jurisdictions. In 2026, obtaining a residence permit in the UAE with a well-planned strategy still takes, on average, only a few weeks to a few months.
The most common grounds for obtaining UAE residency include company registration, real estate investment, employment, and certain long-term visa categories, including the Golden Visa.
The specific option should be selected individually, taking into account the purpose of relocation, sources of income, and the intended lifestyle.
A key factor in successfully obtaining UAE residency is access to complete and up-to-date information. Before starting the process, it is essential to clearly understand:
- which documents must be prepared;
- what requirements the applicant must meet;
- what stages and timelines the residence permit procedure includes.
In practice, decisions made exclusively remotely are not always optimal. In most cases, it is advisable to visit the UAE in advance on a tourist visa, including travel with family members. This allows one to assess living conditions, infrastructure, climate, and the education and healthcare systems, and to make a more informed decision about relocation.
It is important to note that the UAE offers several types of residence permits, and not all of them permit conducting business or engaging in employment. If the primary goal is work or entrepreneurial activity, a residence permit linked to company registration or official employment is required.
Special attention should be paid to tax considerations. After obtaining resident status, it is crucial to correctly determine tax obligations in the UAE and abroad. The UAE is traditionally regarded as a jurisdiction with a favourable tax regime for individuals: there is no personal income tax for residents. At the same time, a corporate tax was introduced in 2023, applicable to certain categories of businesses and income, which must be taken into account when structuring activities and planning relocation.
A well-designed immigration and tax strategy enables you to legally and without risk take advantage of the UAE's benefits, while avoiding common mistakes associated with choosing the wrong type of residence permit or underestimating international tax consequences.
