Compare taxes and see how much you save moving from Singapore to UAE
The hidden trap: Singapore's 0-24% income tax looks low, but CPF contributions add 37% (20% employee + 17% employer) up to S$102,000—effectively making total deductions 40%+ at mid-incomes. UAE has true 0% income tax, but introduced 9% corporate tax in 2023 (over AED 375,000 profits). At S$150,000: Singapore takes ~S$55,000 (income tax + CPF), UAE takes AED 0. Choose Singapore if: you want mandatory retirement savings (CPF), need global financial hub reputation, or plan long-term residency (CPF is yours). Choose UAE if: you want maximum cash flow now, run a business under AED 375K profits, or prefer flexible visa options.
Top Rate (2024+)
Plus 37% CPF contributions
No Income Tax
9% corporate tax (2023+)
At S$150,000 income:
That is S$4,583/month back in your pocket!
| Income | SG Tax | AE Tax | Savings | 10-Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S$50,000 | S$550 tax + S$10,000 CPF | AED 0 | UAE saves ~S$10,550 | S$105,500 |
| S$100,000 | S$5,650 tax + S$20,000 CPF | AED 0 | UAE saves ~S$25,650 | S$256,500 |
| S$150,000 | S$13,950 tax + S$20,400 CPF | AED 0 | UAE saves ~S$34,350 | S$343,500 |
| S$300,000 | S$44,550 tax + S$20,400 CPF | AED 0 | UAE saves ~S$64,950 | S$649,500 |
| S$500,000 | S$91,550 tax + S$20,400 CPF | AED 0 | UAE saves ~S$111,950 | S$1,119,500 |
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Hiring Internationally? Deel Handles Compliance →Singapore: ~S$5,650 income tax PLUS S$20,000 CPF employee contribution (20%), totaling S$25,650 in deductions. UAE: AED 0. However, CPF is your money in retirement accounts—not lost like tax. If you value forced savings, Singapore's 'cost' is really an investment.
Technically no—CPF contributions go to your personal accounts for retirement, housing (can use for mortgage), and healthcare. At age 55+, you can withdraw portions. Unlike tax, you keep this money. But it reduces take-home pay by 20%, which feels like tax if you need cash flow now.
Personal income: Still 0%. No tax on salary, dividends, capital gains, or rental income for individuals. The 9% corporate tax (from June 2023) only applies to businesses with profits over AED 375,000 (~US$102,000). Freelancers and small businesses under this threshold remain tax-free.
UAE wins for solo/small operations under AED 375K profit (0% effective). Singapore wins for scale-ups needing global banking, VC funding, and IP protection. Singapore's 17% corporate tax (with exemptions dropping effective rate to ~8%) plus global reputation often outweighs UAE's lower rate for serious businesses.
Yes—CPF is mandatory only for Singapore citizens and PRs. Foreigners on Employment Pass pay 0% CPF (neither employee nor employer contributions). This makes Singapore surprisingly competitive with UAE for expats: ~11% effective tax at S$200,000 income, no CPF, territorial taxation on foreign income.