Moving to Dubai from Switzerland

Switzerland is already a low-tax country by European standards, so Swiss clients moving to Dubai are usually looking for a stronger base for international business, a simpler wealth tax position or a new chapter. The good news is that Switzerland does not generally tax private individuals on unrealised gains when they leave.

At a glance

• Tax treaty: Switzerland and the UAE have a double tax agreement.
• Leaving: you deregister with your commune. Your tax liability for income and wealth normally ends with your departure, if you really give up Swiss residence.
• Private capital gains: gains on private movable assets such as listed shares are generally tax-free for individuals in Switzerland.
• Pensions: withdrawals from the second and third pillars when you leave are taxed in Switzerland, and the canton matters.
• Swiss property: real estate in Switzerland stays taxable there.

Things to plan

• Timing of pension withdrawals. Whether and when to withdraw vested benefits and pillar 3a savings affects how much Swiss tax is withheld.
• Company ownership. If you own a Swiss company and keep running it from Dubai, the place of effective management should be reviewed so the company's position is clear.
• Ties you keep. A home kept available in Switzerland or a family remaining there can keep Swiss residence alive.

Building the UAE side

We set up the UAE company or holding structure with real management in Dubai, apply for your UAE tax residency certificate so the treaty can be used, and keep your UAE filings in order.

How Imperial Group helps

• A review of your residence position before you move, so you know when your home-country tax exposure actually ends
• The right UAE structure for your business: free zone, mainland or a holding company, with real substance
• Company setup, visas, Emirates ID and bank account opening support
• UAE tax residency certificate, corporate tax and VAT registrations from day one
• Ongoing accounting, tax filings and a single point of contact for everything in the UAE

Sources

• UAE double tax agreement network overview

This page gives general information as at the date shown and is not advice for your specific situation. Rules in other countries are summarised for orientation; your home-country position should be confirmed before you act.