United Arab Emirates vs Singapore: Tax Comparison

Compare income tax rates and take-home pay between United Arab Emirates and Singapore

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On a $100,000 salary, you'd take home $99,984 in United Arab Emirates versus $79,096 in Singapore — a difference of $20,888/year ($1,741/month).

Tax Breakdown Comparison

United Arab Emirates

2025 tax year

Lower Tax

Take-Home Pay

$99,984

$8,332/mo

Effective Rate

0.0%

of gross

Gross$100,000
Social Contributions -$16
Total -$16

Singapore

2025 tax year

Take-Home Pay

$79,096

$6,591/mo

Effective Rate

20.9%

of gross

Gross$100,000
Income Tax -$5,035
Social Contributions -$15,869
Total -$20,904

Effective Tax Rate by Income

Shows effective tax rate (total tax / gross income) at different income levels in USD

Life & Taxes

What it's like to live and earn in each country

Global Hubs, Different Vibes

Ambitious professionals and digital nomads flock to both destinations, but for different dreams. While Singapore draws those seeking a structured, high-efficiency Asian gateway, the UAE appeals to the sun-chasing entrepreneur looking for a futuristic, fast-paced oasis.

The Daily Grind

Life in Singapore is an organized marvel of world-class transit and lush greenery, perfect for families who value consistency. In contrast, the UAE offers a glitzy, high-octane lifestyle where luxury is the standard and the social scene revolves around grand malls and desert adventures.

Zero vs. Progressive

The tax landscape is a tale of two extremes: the UAE keeps it simple with a famous zero-percent personal income tax policy for everyone. Singapore uses a gentle progressive system with thirteen brackets, meaning your contribution grows only as your success does.

Safety Nets and Perks

Singapore's Central Provident Fund acts as a robust forced-savings engine for retirement and housing, creating a deep sense of future security. The UAE offers a lighter touch, focusing on a mandatory unemployment scheme while leaving your monthly paycheck entirely in your hands to invest as you see fit.

The Final Verdict

If you want to keep every penny of your salary and love a tax-free desert lifestyle, the UAE is your winner. However, if you prefer a world-class social infrastructure and don't mind a small, fair contribution to maintain it, Singapore is the gold standard.

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United Arab Emirates vs Singapore: Tax System Details

United Arab Emirates

Tax Year
2025
Currency
AED
Key Assumptions
  • -The United Arab Emirates does not impose federal or emirate-level personal income tax.
  • -Assumed the worker is a non-GCC national. UAE and GCC nationals are subject to social security contributions (5% for the employee), which do not apply to foreign workers.
  • -The Unemployment Insurance Scheme (ILO) is mandatory for both Emirati and foreign workers in the public and private sectors.
  • -Unemployment Insurance is 60 AED/year for basic salary up to 16,000 AED/month, or 120 AED/year above. Using 60 AED (lower tier) as the default.
  • -The DIFC Employee Workplace Savings Scheme (DEWS) and End of Service Gratuity (EOSG) are excluded as they are employer-funded contributions.

Singapore

Tax Year
2025
Currency
SGD
Key Assumptions
  • -Tax calculations based on Year of Assessment 2025 (Income Year 2024)
  • -Worker is assumed to be a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident (SPR) for Central Provident Fund (CPF) calculations
  • -Worker is aged 55 or below
  • -Calculations use the progressive tax rates for residents
  • -Earned Income Relief of SGD 1,000 is included as the primary personal relief
  • -The tax rebate for YA 2025 (60% of tax, capped at SGD 200) is noted but not explicitly modeled in the surcharge JSON due to schema rate constraints
  • -Total personal reliefs are subject to a cumulative cap of SGD 80,000 per year

Calculation Methodology

What's Included

  • Federal/national income tax
  • State, provincial, or local taxes
  • Social security contributions
  • Healthcare levies (where mandatory)
  • Additional surcharges

Assumptions

  • Single filer, no dependents
  • Employment income only
  • Standard deductions applied
  • Age 35 (where relevant)
  • No special tax credits