Compare taxes and see how much you save moving from Australia to UAE
The UAE wins on income tax by a wide margin: residents pay zero personal income tax while Australians face up to 47% combined (45% + 2% Medicare Levy). At USD $100,000 equivalent, an Australian pays roughly $37,900 in federal tax while a UAE resident pays nothing. The UAE does levy 5% VAT on goods and services, while Australia charges 10% GST. The key trade-off is Australia’s world-class superannuation system (employer mandated at 11% of salary) and universal Medicare healthcare versus the UAE’s superior take-home pay but no pension safety net and employer-funded health insurance. This corridor is growing rapidly among Australian mining professionals, finance workers, and remote-working entrepreneurs drawn to Dubai’s tax-free lifestyle.
Top Rate
Progressive 0–45% federal income tax plus 2% Medicare Levy
No Income Tax
UAE levies no personal income tax on residents
At $100,000 income:
That is $3,158/month back in your pocket!
| Income | AU Tax | AE Tax | Savings | 10-Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $16,000 | $0 | $16,000 | $160,000 |
| $75,000 | $25,500 | $0 | $25,500 | $255,000 |
| $100,000 | $37,900 | $0 | $37,900 | $379,000 |
| $150,000 | $60,750 | $0 | $60,750 | $607,500 |
| $250,000 | $108,000 | $0 | $108,000 | $1,080,000 |
| $500,000 | $225,000 | $0 | $225,000 | $2,250,000 |
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Work Remotely Between Australia & UAE →Australian tax residency is based on domicile and ongoing connections to Australia, not just physical location. If you genuinely relocate to the UAE, sever Australian ties, and establish UAE residency, you can become a non-resident for Australian tax purposes and pay no Australian income tax on UAE-sourced earnings. However, Australian-sourced income (rental properties, Australian business income) remains taxable in Australia. Always seek professional tax advice before relocating.
Australian employers must contribute 11% of your salary to a superannuation fund, which compounds over your career into a substantial retirement balance. UAE end-of-service gratuity pays 21 days’ salary per year for the first five years and 30 days per year thereafter, capped at two years’ total salary. For most workers, Australian Super builds significantly more retirement wealth over a 30-year career.
No. The UAE does not levy personal capital gains tax. Gains from property sales, share investments, and business disposals are entirely tax-free for individuals. Australia taxes capital gains as income with a 50% discount for assets held longer than 12 months, meaning high earners can face effective CGT rates up to 23.5%.
Both destinations are expensive. Dubai rental costs are high but have stabilised after 2023 surges. Sydney and Melbourne housing is among the world’s least affordable relative to income. The UAE’s 5% VAT and no income tax means take-home pay goes further despite headline prices. Many high-income professionals in the UAE report significantly higher net savings rates than equivalent roles in Australian cities.