United Arab Emirates vs South Africa
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.
🇿🇦 South Africa — Provincial & Municipal Taxes
South Africa's 9 provinces do not levy their own income tax — this is national. Municipalities levy property rates (0.5%–2.5% of assessed value/year), utilities, and refuse levies. Cape Town and Johannesburg have relatively higher municipal rates. Load-shedding prompted energy-related tax credits in recent budgets.
United Arab Emirates vs South Africa: Key Tax Differences (2026)
💰 Income Tax: 🇿🇦 South Africa has a higher top income tax rate (0% vs 18–45%). 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates is more favourable for high earners.
🛒 VAT/Sales Tax: South Africa has a higher consumption tax (5% vs 16%).
🏢 Corporate Tax: 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates offers a lower corporate rate (9% vs 27%), which can influence business location decisions.
📈 Capital Gains: 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates taxes investment gains at a lower rate (0% vs 18%), benefiting investors.