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Living in United Arab Emirates
The UAE is home to 1.5 million Pakistanis and offers zero income tax, making it the most popular nearby destination. With the Golden Visa program, freelance visas, and a booming economy, Dubai and Abu Dhabi attract both workers and entrepreneurs.
Currency
د.إ AED
Cost Index
65/100
Safety
Very Safe
Healthcare
68/100
Visa Options
6 types
✅ Pros
- Zero income tax — keep your entire salary
- Close to Pakistan with cheap direct flights
- 1.5M+ Pakistanis already there — strong community
- Golden Visa offers 10-year residency
- Modern infrastructure and very safe
⚠️ Cons
- No path to citizenship for most expats
- Extreme summer heat (45°C+)
- Visa tied to employer — limited flexibility
- Housing costs rising rapidly in Dubai
- Limited workers' rights compared to Western countries
Visa Options
touristworkgolden_visafreelancestudentfamily
Popular Cities
Dubai
1-Bed Rent: $1,800
Budget Total: $1,800/mo
Mid-Range: $3,000/mo
Abu Dhabi
1-Bed Rent: $1,400
Budget Total: $1,500/mo
Mid-Range: $2,500/mo
Planning to move to United Arab Emirates?
Use our free tools to check visa requirements and calculate your monthly budget.