United Arab Emirates vs Cyprus
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.
🇨🇾 Cyprus — Municipal & Community Taxes
Cyprus's 5 districts and 30+ municipalities/communities levy local taxes including immovable property tax (at municipal level after national IPT was abolished in 2017), refuse collection fees, and business licences. Nicosia and Limassol have the highest municipal charges. Cyprus is a major international financial centre offering non-dom status (no tax on dividends/interest for non-domiciled residents for 17 years), which attracts wealthy individuals. The IP Box regime offers 2.5% effective tax on qualifying IP income.
United Arab Emirates vs Cyprus: Key Tax Differences (2026)
💰 Income Tax: 🇨🇾 Cyprus has a higher top income tax rate (0% vs 0–35%). 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates is more favourable for high earners.
🛒 VAT/Sales Tax: Cyprus has a higher consumption tax (5% vs 5–19%).
🏢 Corporate Tax: 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates offers a lower corporate rate (9% vs 12.5%), which can influence business location decisions.
📈 Capital Gains: 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates taxes investment gains at a lower rate (0% vs 20%), benefiting investors.