United Arab Emirates vs Costa Rica
Tax Rate Comparison
Enter your income below for a personal tax estimate, then scroll down for full rate breakdowns.
💰 Personal Income Tax Calculator
Enter your income to see your estimated annual tax liability in each country — side by side.
Individual Income Tax (Top Marginal Rate)
VAT / GST / Sales Tax
Corporate Tax Rate
Capital Gains Tax
Social Security & Payroll
🇦🇪 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.
🇨🇷 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 vs Costa Rica: Key Tax Differences (2026)
💰 Income Tax: 🇨🇷 Costa Rica has a higher top income tax rate (0% vs 0–25%). 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates is more favourable for high earners.
🛒 VAT/Sales Tax: Costa Rica has a higher consumption tax (5% vs 13%).
🏢 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.