As of 2019, over 26,000 Australians have upped sticks and relocated to the United Arab Emirates, with more than 16,000 of those settling in the economic heart of the country, Dubai.
An estimated 15,000 Australians live and work in the UAE.
Expats from all over the world move to the UAE to live and work. Living there will give you the chance to experience other cultures. However, there is also a growing Australian expat community in the UAE. With over 25,000 expats, the region is home to the ninth-largest overseas Australian community globally.
While Dubai is expensive, more than 2.5 million expats live in this city of 3.55 million people. Many are wealthy, drawn in by the lavish lifestyles, immigrant-friendly laws and lack of income tax.
The largest group of non-UAE nationals are South Asian 59.4% (includes Indians 38.2%, Bangladeshi 9.5%, Pakistani 9.4%, others 2.3%), Egyptian 10.2%, Filipino 6.1%, other 12.8%. Female citizens and non-citizens account for 28% percent of the UAE's population due to the high level of male foreign workers.
According to Salary Explorer, the average salary in Dubai is 258,000 AED per year (70,256 USD as per exchange rates in 2023). This figure can help you get an overview of Dubai's economy and its standard of living.
Yes, foreign nationals, which includes both expatriate residents and non-resident investors, can purchase property in Dubai on a freehold basis. This allows foreign nationals to buy, sell or lease their property.
Australia vs United Arab Emirates - Cost of Living Comparison. The average cost of living in Australia ($2104) is 40% more expensive than in the United Arab Emirates ($1498). Australia ranked 11th vs 28th for the United Arab Emirates in the list of the most expensive countries in the world.
You can drive as a non-resident, as long as you have an international driving licence. You can hire a car while in Dubai, providing you're over the age of 21 andhave a valid international driving licence and credit card.
“If you look at migration worldwide, what's at the heart of attracting people? It's opportunity, and Dubai has long been a well-established business hub, but it's more than that,” explains Khan. “Dubai offers lifestyle choices. You have the freedom to practise religion or not to practise religion.
Expats wanting to know how to move to the UAE will be pleased to know that it is relatively easy. With an expat population that is almost five times larger than the population of Emirati nationals, the UAE makes relocating to their country easy and straightforward.
There are around 26,000 millionaires in Dubai, newly-released research has found. According to New World Wealth, the city boasts the second biggest number of millionaires - measured in US Dollars - in the Middle East, behind only Istanbul in Turkey.
Australians. Australians in the United Arab Emirates consist of 16,000 expatriates, most of whom live in Dubai and the capital of Abu Dhabi. Australians have been attracted by the lifestyle Dubai offers, including the wealth of outdoor activities for their families.
Economy. Australia has a GDP per capita of $48,700 as of 2020, while in United Arab Emirates, the GDP per capita is $67,100 as of 2019.
To work in the long term in Dubai you'll need to get a residency visa, which allows you to stay for up to 3 years. Other visa types typically don't exceed 90 days. The residency visa is important because without it you won't be able to open a bank account or get a driving license.
However, if you choose to live alone in an inexpensive area, don't eat out too often, and maintain ordinary spending habits, you can live a very comfortable life with AED 5000-8000 (USD 1,360 - 2,180) per month including rent.
Australian passport holders (regular)
Australians may obtain a free multiple-entry Visit Visa of 30 days' validity (with an additional 10-day grace period) on arrival at any UAE international land, air or sea port. This visa does not permit the holder to undertake paid or unpaid employment in the UAE.
Dubai offers tax-free living for everyone. Whether you are employed in any organisation or running your own business in this city, you will not pay any taxes on your income. The tax-free salaries in Dubai make it one of the best places to build one's future.
As per the 2023 UAE laws in effect, one can obtain Dubai (UAE) residence through employment, purchase of real estate or business visa/ freelance visa. Once you obtain UAE residence, you will be able to enjoy the benefits of living in the UAE, including being allowed to open a bank account in Dubai.
LEASEHOLD OWNERSHIP IN DUBAI
This lease term is generally for 99 years but can be less in some instances. This form of property ownership in Dubai only grants the buyer rights to the unit, not the land it's built on. At the end of the lease period, the ownership of the purchased property unit reverts to the freeholder.
a public investment of at least 10 million AED or approximately 2.3 million USD in various assets; real estate property purchase with a value of at least 1 million AED or approximately 273,000 USD; business creation which can require investment in a project with a minimum capital of 500,000 AED.
Absence of taxation
There is currently no personal income tax in the United Arab Emirates. As such, there are no individual tax registration or reporting obligations.
Figuring Out the Legal Requirements to Move
You'll have to bring along notarized copies of all important documents, including marriage licenses, bank statements, and diplomas, or certificates of qualification. For those entering the UAE without a job offer, a long-term multiple-visit visa is your best option.