More and more Europeans are setting up a second residency in the UAE – and for good reason. Whether you’re based in Germany, the UK, Italy, or elsewhere in Europe, holding a UAE residency alongside your primary home country can offer a range of practical and strategic advantages.
You don’t need to give up your life back home. In fact, that’s the point: a second residency gives you options. And the UAE is one of the few places that combines lifestyle, tax benefits, and global access in a compelling way.
Here’s what makes it worth considering.
1. Favourable tax environment
Let’s start with the headline: there’s no personal income tax in the UAE. No capital gains tax. No wealth tax. No inheritance tax.
For Europeans who live in high-tax countries, this offers a level of flexibility you simply won’t find elsewhere. It’s not about dodging obligations – especially if you remain tax resident in your home country – but it does allow for smart structuring, especially if you run an international business or manage global assets.
The key is tax optimisation, not avoidance – and done right, it can be a game-changer.
2. Lifestyle without compromise
The UAE’s evolved into one of the most desirable places to live in the world. Whether you’re in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), you’ll find a high standard of living: safety, cleanliness, world-class healthcare, fast internet, and modern infrastructure. Add year-round sunshine, luxury housing, global cuisine, and English-speaking services, and it’s not hard to see why so many Germans, Brits, and Italians are spending part of the year here – or relocating entirely.
3. Business and investment gateway
From setting up a Free Zone company to investing in real estate or tech startups, the UAE is a natural base for business growth. It’s strategically located between Europe, Asia, and Africa, and it’s built for entrepreneurs: no red tape, quick registration, and 100% foreign ownership in most sectors. For those looking to scale their operations or diversify their assets, the UAE is a launchpad.
4. You don’t have to live here full-time
This is one of the most overlooked benefits: you can hold UAE residency without fully relocating. Golden visas (10 years), Green visas (5 years), and some investor visas allow extended periods outside the UAE without losing your status. That means you can maintain your home in Europe, live part-time in the UAE, and travel freely between the two. It’s ideal for remote workers, seasonal residents, or anyone who values flexibility.
5. Strong legal framework for asset protection
The UAE is a stable, business-friendly jurisdiction with robust laws around property, contracts, and business ownership. Free zones like Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) operate under English common law, offering familiar legal structures for Europeans. If you’re looking to protect assets, ring-fence liabilities, or manage succession planning, the UAE offers a well-regulated and internationally respected framework.
6. Family-friendly perks
UAE residency doesn’t just benefit you – it extends to your loved ones. Once you hold a valid visa, you can sponsor your spouse, children, and even your parents, subject to minimum salary requirements. For those with children, the UAE is home to some of the best international schools in the region, including British, IB, German, and French curricula. It’s a place where families can thrive – whether full-time or seasonally.
7. Long-term options, no citizenship pressure
Unlike other countries offering residency by investment, the UAE doesn’t push for permanent relocation or passport applications. You can enjoy long-term residency on your terms – renewable visas, no exit taxes, and no mandatory integration programmes. If you’re planning your future internationally, this makes the UAE an excellent second base.
8. Wealth, inheritance, and exit benefits
With no inheritance or estate taxes, the UAE’s a strong jurisdiction for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and families planning for the future. Add no exit tax when you leave, and you have a clean, transparent structure that supports global wealth management – especially important for Europeans with cross-border holdings.
9. A geopolitically neutral, globally connected hub
The UAE is politically stable, non-aligned, and focused on international cooperation. It maintains good relations with Europe, the US, Asia, and Africa – and it’s easy to travel in and out of. Whether you’re based in Dublin, Düsseldorf, or Dubrovnik, getting to Dubai takes less than seven hours. It’s not just a good Plan B – it’s a solid Plan A for those who want optionality.
Final thoughts
Second residency in the UAE is no longer a niche move – it’s fast becoming a smart global strategy.
Whether your goal is tax efficiency, asset protection, access to world-class living, or just more freedom of movement, the UAE delivers. The key is to structure it correctly from day one.
That’s where Servefast Advisory comes in. We help Europeans set up residency in the UAE in a way that’s compliant, future-proof, and tailored to your personal and financial goals. No fluff, no confusion – just clear advice and reliable support.
Considering a second residency in the UAE? Let’s talk about your options.