A new study released on 7 December by Travel & Tour World and highlighted by VisaHQ ranks the United Arab Emirates among the five most attractive destinations for US citizens seeking a tax-efficient lifestyle, alongside Mexico, Panama, Spain and Portugal.
Researchers estimate that more than 40,000 Americans now call the UAE home, drawn by Dubai’s zero personal-income tax, English-language business environment and a raft of long-term residence options including the Golden Visa and Remote-Work Visa. The report notes particularly strong interest from tech, finance and healthcare professionals whose employers allow location-agnostic work.
![Trend Report Puts UAE in Top 5 Relocation Hotspots for Tax-Conscious Americans]()
From a mobility perspective the findings reinforce the need for US firms to craft UAE-specific policies covering housing allowances, schooling and end-of-service gratuities. Payroll teams must also navigate the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and state-tax domicile issues. Recruiters report a 25 per cent year-on-year rise in US passport holders using Dubai coworking spaces, while relocation agencies say demand for international schools has created waiting lists in popular districts.
The UAE government’s ongoing visa liberalisation—most recently the AI Specialist and Charity Donor tracks—bolsters its appeal, but advisers caution newcomers about mandatory private health-insurance, Emiratisation quotas and cultural-adaptation training.
For companies eyeing Gulf expansion, the trend underscores the Emirates’ positioning as a turnkey hub for international talent, offering world-class infrastructure without the tax burden found in traditional expat centres.
Researchers estimate that more than 40,000 Americans now call the UAE home, drawn by Dubai’s zero personal-income tax, English-language business environment and a raft of long-term residence options including the Golden Visa and Remote-Work Visa. The report notes particularly strong interest from tech, finance and healthcare professionals whose employers allow location-agnostic work.
From a mobility perspective the findings reinforce the need for US firms to craft UAE-specific policies covering housing allowances, schooling and end-of-service gratuities. Payroll teams must also navigate the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and state-tax domicile issues. Recruiters report a 25 per cent year-on-year rise in US passport holders using Dubai coworking spaces, while relocation agencies say demand for international schools has created waiting lists in popular districts.
The UAE government’s ongoing visa liberalisation—most recently the AI Specialist and Charity Donor tracks—bolsters its appeal, but advisers caution newcomers about mandatory private health-insurance, Emiratisation quotas and cultural-adaptation training.
For companies eyeing Gulf expansion, the trend underscores the Emirates’ positioning as a turnkey hub for international talent, offering world-class infrastructure without the tax burden found in traditional expat centres.
