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Costa Rica vs United Arab Emirates
Tax Rate Comparison

Enter your income below for a personal tax estimate, then scroll down for full rate breakdowns.

🇨🇷 Costa Rica
vs
🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates
Tax Year:

💰 Personal Income Tax Calculator

Enter your income to see your estimated annual tax liability in each country — side by side.

Enter your annual income above to see your personal tax comparison →

Individual Income Tax (Top Marginal Rate)

Top Income Tax Rate
0–25%
25% top; fiscal consolidation achieved
No change
0%
No personal income tax; unlikely to change short-term
No change

VAT / GST / Sales Tax

VAT / GST / Sales Tax
13%
13% IVA maintained
No change
5%
5% stable; GCC coordination maintained
No change

Corporate Tax Rate

Corporate Tax Rate
30%
30%; Pillar Two for MNCs; tech sector growing
No change
9%
Corporate tax compliance and reporting maturing
No change

Capital Gains Tax

Capital Gains Tax
15%
15% maintained
No change
0%
No CGT; free zone benefits under review for Pillar Two
No change

Social Security & Payroll

Social Security / Payroll
~41.17%
High contributions; reform proposals for sustainability
No change
~17.5%
Emiratisation targets affecting employer costs
No change
State, Regional & Local Taxes

🇨🇷 Costa Rica — Municipal Taxes

Costa Rica's 84 cantons (municipalities) levy the impuesto sobre bienes inmuebles (property tax at 0.25% of assessed value), business licences (patente municipal), and construction permits. The Municipalidad de San José and other urban cantons have highest rates. National taxes are administered by the Ministry of Finance (Hacienda). Costa Rica underwent significant fiscal reform in 2018–19 to address a fiscal deficit, converting the sales tax to a comprehensive VAT and modifying income tax.

🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates — Emirate-Level Fees & Free Zone Benefits

The UAE has no federal income tax on individuals. Emirates impose municipality fees (~5%) on commercial rents and tourism/hotel fees of 10–15%. Free Zones (DIFC, ADGM, Jebel Ali) offer 0–9% corporate rates for qualifying activities. Real estate transfer fees of 4% apply in Dubai. Emiratisation targets are increasing employer costs.

⚠️ Disclaimer: Rates shown are standard top/headline rates for informational purposes. Actual tax liability depends on income level, residency, deductions, and tax treaties. 2025–2026 data reflects announced or enacted rates and may be subject to change. Not financial or legal advice.

Costa Rica vs United Arab Emirates: Key Tax Differences (2026)

💰 Income Tax: 🇨🇷 Costa Rica has a higher top income tax rate (0–25% vs 0%). 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates is more favourable for high earners.

🛒 VAT/Sales Tax: Costa Rica has a higher consumption tax (13% vs 5%).

🏢 Corporate Tax: 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates offers a lower corporate rate (9% vs 30%), which can influence business location decisions.

📈 Capital Gains: 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates taxes investment gains at a lower rate (0% vs 15%), benefiting investors.

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