United Arab Emirates
Portugal
United Arab Emirates vs Portugal
Complete comparison for your tax relocation
Taxation
| Top income tax bracket | 0% | 48% |
| Corporate tax | 9% | 19% |
| Capital gains | 0% | 0% |
| VAT | 5% | 23% |
| Tax treaty with France | Yes | Yes |
| Special regime | Zones franches (Free Zones) | Incentivo Fiscal à Investigação Científica e Inovação (IFICI) |
| Wealth tax | No | No |
| Territorial taxation | No | No |
Zones franches (Free Zones)
Duration: Illimitée (0 % impot sur le revenu des personnes physiques)
Les Émirats n'imposent aucun impot sur le revenu des personnes physiques. Les Free Zones offrent en plus une exonération d'impot sur les sociétés pour les entreprises qualifiées, ainsi qu'une propriété étrangere à 100 %.
Incentivo Fiscal à Investigação Científica e Inovação (IFICI)
Duration: 10 ans
Successeur du NHR depuis 2024. Taux forfaitaire de 20 % sur les revenus portugais pour les nouveaux résidents fiscaux exerçant des activités à haute valeur ajoutée ou dans la recherche scientifique.
Cost of living
| Monthly cost (single) | 2 200 € | 1 200 € |
| Monthly cost (couple) | 3 500 € | 1 900 € |
| City center rent | 1 800 € | 950 € |
| Outside city rent | 1 200 € | 600 € |
| Private health insurance | 200 € | 80 € |
| Public healthcare | Private only | Accessible |
Estimated total monthly budget (single, with city center rent)
Portugal is approximately 1 850 € cheaper per month in total.
Quality of life
| Average temperature | 28°C | 17°C |
| Safety | 9/10 | 7/10 |
| Health index | 71/100 | 72/100 |
| Internet | 200 Mbps | 120 Mbps |
| Timezone vs Paris | +3h | -1h |
| French-speaking community | Medium | Medium |
| Languages | Arabe, Anglais | Portugais |
| Currency | Dirham (AED) | Euro (EUR) |
| Corruption index | 68/100 | 61/100 |
| Democracy index | 2.9/10 | 7.95/10 |
Settling in
| Residence permit delay | 1 months | 6 months |
| Company creation | 4 days | 5 days |
| Bank account | Easy | Moderate |
| Political stability | 8.5/10 | 8/10 |
| Ease of business | 16th worldwide | 39th worldwide |
Summary
United Arab Emirates
- Top IT: 0% | Corp. tax: 9%
- Cost of living: 2 200 €/mo
- Safety: 9/10 | Health: 71/100
- Regime: Zones franches (Free Zones) (Illimitée (0 % impot sur le revenu des personnes physiques))
Portugal
- Top IT: 48% | Corp. tax: 19%
- Cost of living: 1 200 €/mo
- Safety: 7/10 | Health: 72/100
- Regime: Incentivo Fiscal à Investigação Científica e Inovação (IFICI) (10 ans)
Comparative analysis: United Arab Emirates vs Portugal
Which country has lower taxes?
In terms of taxation, Émirats arabes unis is generally more advantageous. The top marginal income tax rate is 0% compared to 48% in Portugal. Corporate tax stands at 9% versus 19%.
Which country is cheaper to live in?
The cost of living is lower in Portugal. A single person spends about 1 200 EUR/month excluding rent, compared to 2 200 EUR/month in Émirats arabes unis. City center rent averages 950 EUR versus 1 800 EUR.
Which country is safer?
Émirats arabes unis scores higher on safety (9/10 versus 7/10). In terms of healthcare, Portugal leads with an index of 72/100 compared to 71/100 for Émirats arabes unis.
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Disclaimer
The tax information presented is based on estimates from public sources (PwC, OECD, government sources). It does not constitute tax or legal advice. Tax rules change regularly and your personal situation may significantly affect the calculation. Consult a qualified professional before making any relocation decision.