Your guide to moving to Dubai from South Africa

Relocating to Dubai from South Africa is an exciting prospect, offering a blend of career growth, a luxurious lifestyle, and multicultural experiences. For many South Africans in Dubai, the move represents a significant step toward new opportunities. However, the process of emigrating to Dubai from South Africa involves careful planning, from securing the right visa to understanding the local culture.

This guide covers the essential information you need for a smooth transition. We’ll explore visas for Dubai from South Africa, job opportunities, the cost of living, and the appealing tax landscape. Whether you plan to work in Dubai from South Africa or are considering other avenues, this information will help you prepare for your new life abroad.

Securing Visas for Dubai from South Africa

The first step in moving from South Africa to Dubai is obtaining the correct visa. The type of visa you need depends on your reason for relocating. Fortunately, Dubai offers several pathways for South African citizens.

Dubai Work Visas:

For most people, the primary route is securing a job offer. An employer in Dubai will typically sponsor your work visa. The main options include:

• Standard Work Visa: This is the most common route. Your employer handles the application process, which requires you to provide necessary documents like your passport, educational qualifications, and a medical fitness test upon arrival. The visa is usually valid for two to three years and is renewable.
• Green Visa: This visa is aimed at skilled professionals, freelancers, and investors. It allows for a five-year residency without needing a specific employer sponsor, offering greater flexibility.
• Virtual Work Residence Visa: If you want to keep your current job while living in Dubai, this one-year visa is ideal. It allows you to reside in the UAE while working remotely for a company based outside the country. This can be a great way to experience life in Dubai without immediately seeking local employment, although it doesn’t directly address how to move to Dubai without a job and get local work.

Understanding the Dubai work visa requirements for South African citizens is crucial. Your employer will guide you through the specifics, but having your documents in order will speed up the process.

Other Visa pathways to Dubai

If you are not moving for work, other options exist:

• Golden Visa: A long-term residency visa (5 or 10 years) for investors, entrepreneurs, exceptional talents, and outstanding students. It offers the benefit of living, working, and studying in the UAE without a national sponsor.
• Investor Visa: By investing in real estate worth at least AED 750,000, South Africans can obtain a two-year renewable property investor visa.
• Family Residence Visa: If you have a valid UAE residence visa, you can sponsor your spouse and children to join you.

Taxation in Dubai: A major attraction

One of the most significant advantages for a South African living in Dubai is the tax system. Dubai is famous for its favorable tax environment, which is a major draw for expats worldwide.

Income tax in Dubai

A key point to understand is that there is no personal tax in Dubai. This means you get to keep 100% of your earnings. The Dubai salary tax is zero, so there is no tax on income in Dubai. This applies to income earned within the emirate. The absence of a Dubai tax income policy greatly increases your saving potential.

While the Dubai tax rate on personal income is 0%, it’s important to understand the implications for your finances back home. The topic of a South African working in Dubai tax obligations can be complex. South African residents are taxed on their worldwide income, but there are exemptions for those working abroad. It is highly recommended to consult a tax specialist who understands both South African and UAE tax laws to ensure you remain compliant.

Corporate and other taxes

While there’s no personal tax, it’s worth noting that a federal Corporate Tax was introduced in the UAE in June 2023. This generally applies to businesses, not individuals. Additionally, a 5% Value Added Tax (VAT) is applied to most goods and services. Despite this, the overall Dubai tax percentage remains one of the most competitive globally.

Job opportunities in Dubai for South African citizens

Dubai’s dynamic economy creates numerous job opportunities in Dubai for South African citizens. The city is a global hub for finance, technology, tourism, and logistics. South Africans are often sought after for their strong work ethic and high level of skills.

Popular sectors for expats include:

• Finance and banking: Dubai’s status as a financial centre creates a high demand for accountants, financial analysts, and investment bankers.
• Technology: The tech industry is booming, with roles in software development, cybersecurity, and data science.
• Hospitality and tourism: With its world-class hotels and attractions, this sector always has openings.
• Construction and engineering: Ongoing infrastructure projects provide steady demand for engineers, project managers, and construction workers.
• Healthcare: Dubai has a world-class healthcare system and regularly recruits doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals.

To find jobs in Dubai for South African citizens, you can use online portals like LinkedIn, GulfTalent, and Bayt. Networking with other South Africans in Dubai can also provide valuable leads and insights into the job market.

Cost of living: Dubai vs. South Africa

While the tax benefits are substantial, it is important to budget for a higher cost of living when moving to Dubai from South Africa. Overall expenses in Dubai are significantly higher than in major South African cities.

The biggest difference is accommodation. Rent for an apartment in a popular expat area like Dubai Marina or Jumeirah Village Circle will be your largest monthly expense. Groceries, dining out, and entertainment is also more expensive. However, fuel and transportation are often more affordable.

Despite the higher costs, salaries in Dubai are typically much higher than in South Africa, and they are tax-free. This often balances out the increased cost of living, allowing for a high quality of life and significant savings potential.

Cultural and lifestyle adjustments

Moving from South Africa to Dubai also means adapting to a new culture. While Dubai is a modern and cosmopolitan city, it is rooted in Islamic tradition.

• Dress code: Modesty is appreciated in public places. While you don’t need to cover your hair, it’s respectful to cover your shoulders and knees in malls and government buildings.
• Language: Arabic is the official language, but English is spoken everywhere, so communication is rarely an issue.
• Driving: People drive on the right-hand side of the road in Dubai, which is an adjustment for South Africans. The good news is that you can easily convert your South African driver’s license to a UAE one.

Many South Africans find the transition smooth. The large expat community, including a vibrant population of South Africans, helps create a supportive environment for newcomers.

Making the move: Relocating to Dubai from South Africa

Emigrating to Dubai from South Africa is a life-changing decision that offers immense personal and professional rewards. From the attractive tax in Dubai to the abundant job opportunities, the city provides a platform for growth. By understanding the visa process, planning your finances, and embracing the cultural differences, your journey of relocating to Dubai from South Africa can be a successful and fulfilling adventure.

FinGlobal: cross-border financial specialists for South Africans moving abroad

Thinking of moving away from South Africa? Wherever you decide to go, FinGlobal can help you manage your money. When you’re gone, we handle your tax emigration, send money overseas, and even help you access your retirement savings. We ensure everything is done quickly, without costing you too much and following all the tax and exchange control rules. Our team of experts, including financial planners, and tax specialists, will create a tailored plan just for you.

If you’d like to know more, just fill out the form below, and we’ll contact you to answer your questions about migrating your finances when moving overseas.