Retire in United Arab Emirates
Your complete guide to financial independence in United Arab Emirates for 2026
Zero capital gains tax makes this a 'Wealth Accelerator' location.
💰
75%
Cost of Living
vs NYC baseline
🏠
$1,900
Average Rent
per month
📊
0.0%
Capital Gains Tax
on investments
🛡️
10/10
Safety Score
security rating
How Much Do You Need to Retire in United Arab Emirates?
Lean FIRE
د.إ400,000
For د.إ1,500/mo lifestyle
Moderate
د.إ600,000
For د.إ2,250/mo lifestyle
Comfortable
د.إ800,000
For د.إ3,000/mo lifestyle
Luxury
د.إ1,000,000
For د.إ3,750/mo lifestyle
Note: These calculations use the 4.5% safe withdrawal rate and include United Arab Emirates's 0.0% capital gains tax.
Visa & Residency Options
Available Visas
Golden Visa / Green Visa
Cost by Location Type
Urban
د.إ2,470
30% more
Suburban
د.إ1,900
baseline
Rural
د.إ1,520
20% less
Cheaper Alternatives to United Arab Emirates
Compare with More Expensive Countries
Frequently Asked Questions about United Arab Emirates
Geo-arbitrage is the strategy of earning a strong currency (like USD or EUR) while living in a country with a lower cost of living. In 2026, this is the fastest way to achieve FIRE, allowing you to reduce expenses by 40-60% without lowering your quality of life.
The Freedom Clock calculates your exact 'Freedom Date' based on your savings, income, and the real-time cost of living in your target country. It accounts for 2026 inflation rates and tax laws to give you a precise timeline for early retirement.
Yes, there is currently 0% personal income tax, 0% capital gains tax, and 0% wealth tax for residents.
By investing 2M AED in property, being a high-earning professional (30k+ AED/month), or having exceptional talent.
Rent and private schools are expensive, but fuel, electronics, and eating out can be surprisingly affordable.
To live comfortably in a popular area like Dubai Marina, a budget of $5,000–$7,000 per month is standard.
Summer (June-Sept) is extremely hot (45°C+); most expats travel during these months or stay indoors.
It is one of the safest cities in the world, with virtually zero violent crime and high-tech security.
Yes, a 2-year residency is available for properties over 750k AED, and a 10-year visa for properties over 2M AED.
Expats must have private health insurance, which is typically high-quality and often provided by employers.
Yes, alcohol is widely available in hotels, restaurants, and licensed shops for non-Muslim residents.
Yes, it is a global crypto hub with 0% tax on gains and a clear regulatory framework (VARA).
Calculate Your Personal Freedom Date
Use our interactive calculator to see exactly when you can retire in United Arab Emirates based on your current savings and income.
Try the Freedom Calculator →