United Arab Emirates Tax Calculator (2026)
Income tax rates and take-home pay for United Arab Emirates
United Arab Emirates Income Tax Brackets (2024)
| Bracket | Income Range | Rate |
|---|
Social Security Contribution (Employee)
| Bracket | Income Range | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Standard rate | AED 0+ | 5.0% |
Unemployment Insurance Scheme
Fixed amount: AED 60 per year
Key Facts
Tax Year
2024
Currency
AED
Top Rate
0%
Brackets
0 brackets
Allowance
None
Social Contributions
2 items
Assumptions
- · UAE has no personal income tax for residents or citizens.
- · Social security contributions apply only to UAE nationals and GCC nationals; non-GCC nationals are exempt.
- · Model assumes a UAE national employee subject to 5% employee social security contribution (12.5% employer, 2.5% government).
- · Unemployment insurance scheme applies: AED 5/month for basic salary ≤16,000 AED, AED 10/month for higher salaries.
- · Model uses standard rate of 5% social security for representative calculation; Abu Dhabi rate is 5% (26% total including employer/government).
- · Property taxes, hotel levies, and other consumption/asset taxes are excluded as they do not apply to employment income.
- · Non-GCC nationals working in UAE are not subject to social security contributions.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay income tax if I work in the UAE?
No, the UAE has no personal income tax for residents or citizens. This applies whether you are a UAE national, GCC national, or other expat living and working in the country, making it one of the most tax-friendly places to work.
What social security contributions do I need to pay as an employee in the UAE?
If you are a UAE national or GCC national, you are subject to a 5% employee social security contribution on your gross income, plus a fixed unemployment insurance scheme fee of AED 60 per year. However, if you are a non-GCC national (most expats), you are exempt from social security contributions entirely.
What is the unemployment insurance scheme in the UAE?
The unemployment insurance scheme is a mandatory fixed contribution of AED 5 per month for employees with a basic salary of AED 16,000 or less, and AED 10 per month for those earning above that threshold. This applies only to UAE nationals and GCC nationals, not to other expat workers.
Are there any deductions from my salary in the UAE?
The main deductions depend on your nationality. UAE nationals and GCC nationals pay 5% social security contributions and the unemployment insurance fee, neither of which are tax-deductible. Non-GCC nationals typically have no mandatory deductions from employment income.
Why is the UAE such a popular destination for expat workers?
The UAE offers no personal income tax combined with competitive salaries, making it attractive for expats seeking to maximize take-home pay. Additionally, non-GCC nationals are exempt from social security contributions, providing even greater financial benefits for foreign workers.
Does the social security contribution rate vary by emirate?
The standard social security contribution rate across the UAE is 5% for employees; Abu Dhabi uses the same 5% rate. Social security contributions only apply to UAE nationals and GCC nationals, not to other expat workers.
Can I deduct social security contributions from my taxable income?
No, social security contributions in the UAE are not tax-deductible since there is no personal income tax. However, since the UAE has zero income tax, this distinction does not affect your overall tax liability.
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