The residency visa: you cannot simply move there
In Dubai there is no generic residence permit for anyone. There are three normal routes: a local company sponsors you, you set up your own company and obtain the investor visa, or you qualify for the golden visa if you meet the investment or qualification requirements.
If your plan is to start a business, the company route is the most direct: you incorporate in a free zone or on the mainland and the licence entitles you to apply for residency for yourself and your family. There is no personal income tax, so salary or profits arrive with no withholding.
Areas to live: from the Marina to Deira
Rent varies enormously depending on the neighbourhood. Dubai Marina, Downtown and Palm Jumeirah are the expensive areas, with modern apartments and expat life. Jumeirah and JLT are a step below in price while keeping a good location.
At the other end, Deira, Bur Dubai or outlying areas such as International City offer much lower rents. Most young professionals start in these areas and move towards the Marina or Downtown when their budget allows.
The practical rule: rent is paid upfront, often in one or two annual cheques, not monthly as in Spain. That determines how much money you need available from day one.
Cost of living: what goes up and what goes down
Living in Dubai is not cheap, but it is not as expensive as people often say if you compare it with your net salary. Housing is the big expense, followed by school if you have children. Petrol is cheap and electricity depends heavily on air conditioning, which runs all year round.
In exchange, because you pay no personal income tax, the difference between gross and net is total: what you earn is what you take home. That more than compensates for the rent for most professionals and business owners.
Healthcare and day-to-day paperwork
Health insurance is mandatory for residents. The Emirates ID, the identity document issued by the government, is obtained together with the visa and you need it for almost everything: opening an account, signing a lease or contracting services.
Banking is another piece of the puzzle. Opening an account as a non-resident is possible but more cumbersome; once residency has been issued the process becomes much easier.
Taxation: why so many people stay
The tax hook is real: 0% personal income tax. For companies, corporate tax is 9% and only on profits above AED 375,000 per year, with a 5% VAT on consumption. Spain and the Emirates also have a double taxation treaty.
That said, if you still spend more than 183 days a year in Spain, the tax authorities may consider you a Spanish tax resident even if you live in Dubai. Residence planning is part of the move, not a minor formality.
