Compare taxes and see how much you save moving from UAE to Singapore
UAE has true 0% personal income tax. Singapore's 0-24% rates look low, but CPF (mandatory savings) takes 37% total (20% employee + 17% employer) for citizens/PRs. KEY INSIGHT: Singapore Employment Pass holders pay 0% CPF—only income tax. At S$200,000, an EP holder pays ~S$25,000 tax (~12.5% effective) with NO CPF. UAE pays S$0. Difference: S$25,000/year. BUT Singapore has better banking, fund structures, and business credibility. UAE introduced 9% corporate tax in 2023 (profits over AED 375,000). Choose UAE if: you want maximum cash flow, run a small business under threshold, or don't need Singapore's financial ecosystem. Choose Singapore if: you're on EP (no CPF), need world-class banking, or building a scale-up business.
No Income Tax
9% corporate tax (2023+)
Top Rate (2024+)
EP holders: no CPF
At S$200,000 (EP holder) income:
That is S$2,083/month back in your pocket!
| Income | AE Tax | SG Tax | Savings | 10-Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S$100,000 (EP holder) | AED 0 | S$5,650 (no CPF) | UAE saves S$5,650 | S$56,500 |
| S$200,000 (EP holder) | AED 0 | S$25,350 (no CPF) | UAE saves S$25,350 | S$253,500 |
| S$300,000 (EP holder) | AED 0 | S$49,350 (no CPF) | UAE saves S$49,350 | S$493,500 |
| S$200,000 (Singapore PR) | AED 0 | S$25,350 + S$40,800 CPF | UAE saves S$66,150 | S$661,500 |
| AED 500K biz profit | ~AED 11,250 (9% on excess) | ~S$25,000 (17% corp) | UAE saves ~S$13,750 | S$137,500 |
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Hiring Internationally? Deel Handles Compliance →No—CPF contributions are mandatory only for Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents. Employment Pass holders pay 0% CPF (neither employee nor employer). This makes Singapore surprisingly tax-competitive: an EP holder at S$200,000 pays ~S$25,000 income tax (~12.5% effective) vs UAE's true 0%.
Personal income: Still 0%. No tax on salary, dividends, capital gains, or rental income for individuals. The 9% corporate tax (from June 2023) only hits business profits over AED 375,000 (~US$102K). Freelancers and small businesses under this threshold remain completely tax-free.
Depends on scale. Small business (
Singapore is 30-50% more expensive for housing. A 2-bedroom in Marina Bay costs S$5,000-8,000/month; equivalent in Dubai Marina is AED 8,000-12,000 (S$3,000-4,500). Food, transport, and entertainment are comparable. Singapore's higher rent can offset much of the tax savings.
UAE Golden Visa is easier: invest AED 2M in property or meet income thresholds = 10-year visa. Singapore PR is competitive: points-based, uncertain timeline (months to years), and getting harder. For long-term security, UAE Golden Visa offers clearer path, though Singapore PR is more 'permanent' once obtained.