A question that often arises: are people who move to Dubai solely focused on tax avoidance?
While tax benefits certainly play a role, it is important to understand the legal and administrative considerations involved. Those who relocate without properly finalising all their affairs in their home country can unintentionally encounter problems.
Many people emigrate without officially deregistering from their home country. If you reside in Dubai for more than six months but are still registered elsewhere, the tax authorities in your home country may view this as tax evasion. Technically, you could still be considered tax resident there.
Thorough preparation is essential. Before you depart, you must deregister from your local municipality. In addition, you should cancel subscriptions such as your phone contract and domestic health insurance. This prevents you from accidentally retaining obligations you no longer have.
The safest approach is to engage a company that has experience in this area.
Only once you have arranged all of this can you move to Dubai without issues and build a new life there. It is important that you can prove you are genuinely residing abroad, as otherwise, claims or back-payments could still arise from your previous country of residence.
Edward Clarke is a seasoned property expert with extensive experience in international real estate investment, with a particular focus on Dubai’s fast-growing property market. Drawing on both personal investment experience and years of client advisory work, he helps investors make informed, realistic decisions when purchasing apartments, villas or off-plan developments in Dubai. With a pragmatic mindset, a sharp focus on returns and a strong commitment to transparency, Edward is a trusted point of contact for anyone considering a property investment in Dubai.
