Hong Kong vs United Arab Emirates
Tax Rate Comparison
Enter your income below for a personal tax estimate, then scroll down for full rate breakdowns.
๐ฐ Personal Income Tax Calculator
Enter your income to see your estimated annual tax liability in each country โ side by side.
๐ญ๐ฐ Hong Kong โ No Sub-Regional Tax Variation
Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region with a simple, low-tax structure. There are no sub-regional taxes. Profits tax applies only to profits arising in or derived from Hong Kong (territorial basis). Property rates are charged at ~5% of assessed rental value. Estate duty was abolished in 2006. Stamp duty on property has been progressively modified since 2022 to cool/stimulate the market. There is no VAT, capital gains tax, or withholding tax on dividends.
๐ฆ๐ช United Arab Emirates โ 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 10โ15%. Free Zones (DIFC, ADGM, Jebel Ali) offer 0โ9% corporate rates for qualifying activities. Real estate transfer fees of 4% apply in Dubai. Emiratisation targets are increasing employer costs.
Hong Kong vs United Arab Emirates: Key Tax Differences (2026)
๐ฐ Income Tax: ๐ญ๐ฐ Hong Kong has a higher top income tax rate (2โ17% vs 0%). ๐ฆ๐ช United Arab Emirates is more favourable for high earners.
๐ VAT/Sales Tax: United Arab Emirates has a higher consumption tax (0% vs 5%).
๐ข Corporate Tax: ๐ฆ๐ช United Arab Emirates offers a lower corporate rate (9% vs 16.5%), which can influence business location decisions.