Dubai used to be THE location for Entrepreneurs

This is Thailand vs UAE

– UAE: Entrepreneur’s tax-free paradise
– Thailand: Digital nomad haven
– But things are changing…

MANY are relocating from cities like Dubai to Thailand…why?

Here’s what you need to know and which you should choose:

Alessandro Palombo
www.x.com/0x_ale
The Citizenship Guy | Simplifying modern borderless living

First, some background:

🇹🇭 Thailand:

Incredible culture in tact from not being colonized.

It has evolved into one of THE hotspots for remote workers.

🇦🇪 UAE:

Tax-free haven and hubs for entrepreneurs.

Cities like Dubai transformed from deserts to global metropolis.

Here’s what nobody is talking about:

Dubai used to be THE location for entrepreneurs.

But things have changed.

It was truly a zero tax haven.

Now?

9% corporate tax, high maintenance costs, and complex requirements.

Still the best option for many, but not anymore for all.

Cost Comparison (2024):

Bangkok is ~57% cheaper than Dubai overall.

Conservative estimates for similar quality:

🇦🇪 Dubai:

– Luxury 1-bed: $2,500+
– Mid-range dining: $30/meal

🇹🇭 Bangkok:

– Luxury 1-bed: $1,200
– Mid-range dining: $10/meal

Let’s dig into Dubai…

What does it look like now to establish here?

– Free zone license fees can be high ($7000 USD/year)
– Digital banking is ok not world-class
– Residency rules vary (not always 90 days)

@nomadcapitalist explains the shifts:

And the rest of the UAE?

Abu Dhabi:

– Similar fees, lower overall costs
– Focus on government projects
– More complex regulations

Sharjah:

– More affordable
– Emerging tech & manufacturing hubs
– Less developed infrastructure

Each emirate has its own incentives but…

If you’re considering beyond Dubai…

Why not Thailand?

– Destination Thailand Visa (~$270)
– Significantly lower cost of living
– Higher quality of life (varies on location and season)

Many are asking this question it seems.

Let’s breakdown what establishing in Bangkok could look like:

DTV:

– 5 year validity
– Multiple entries allowed
– 180 days per entry (can be extended once to 360)

Taxation:

– 180+ days per calendar year = tax resident.

With this set up you’re 0% on worldwide income.

Business Setup:

– Company registration: ~$1,500 – $2,000
– Processing time: 2-4 weeks typically

Thailand had a key shift in tax policy that’s important to be aware of:

As of January 1, 2024, any foreign-sourced income brought into Thailand by tax residents will be subject to personal income tax.

But this only applies to tax residents.

In practice the reason why people are moving seems to me:

Thailand: 300USD for DTV and Tax 0% (unless remitted in the country) + Minimal bureaucracy

Dubai: Company or freelance visa with bureaucracy OR golden visa + License costs, minimal staying requirements, higher costs of life.

The numbers suggest that UAE and Dubai especially are still bringing in many high net worth individuals.

But the numbers for Thailand are continuing to grow, with the expectation of seeing its millionaire population surge by 24% by 2028.

But anecdotally, 3 separate successful friends have moved from Dubai to Thailand with no connections to each other.

Thailand as an option is coming up more often than ever.

Bangkok was even above both Abu Dhabi and Dubai in 2024 for expat satisfaction.

For clarity, this isn’t a thread to convince you to move to Thailand instead of a UAE city.

They are still excellent options.

For many cases UAE is still by far the winner.

So this is more to introduce the idea of Thailand growing out of pure digital nomad “fun” and becoming a viable “serious” option with benefits and flexibility.

So final summary:

UAE (Dubai) best for:

– More established entrepreneurs
– Those seeking high-end setups, world-class infrastructure , and to maximize opportunities through local companies and networks
– Individuals who enjoy a vibrant city lifestyle with a touch of luxury

Thailand (Bangkok):

– Appeals to those who value minimal bureaucracy and streamlined processes.
– Favors a laid-back, relaxed atmosphere over a luxurious environment
– Offers significantly lower cost of living
– Great choice for an affordable yet dynamic base

I lived in Dubai for 4 years.

And whilst I enjoyed all the perks and tax efficiency, I experienced the hidden cons as well.

I’d live there again, it’s a fantastic place.

But it is true that things are changing.