In recent years, Dubai has rapidly become a magnet for wealthy families and entrepreneurs from Europe. Headlines have reported a sharp increase in wealthy migrants from the UK and France choosing the UAE as their new home.
Analysts estimate that the UAE will attract a record 9,800 millionaires this year, more than any other country. Most of these individuals are fleeing tax pressure, political instability, and economic uncertainty in Europe.
“We are seeing a significant increase in inquiries from European clients looking to relocate their businesses and families to Dubai,” says Andris Kaushelis, general manager of the international law firm Mirsatori. “They are not attracted by the usual beach and luxury lifestyle, rather, by specific strategic benefits, from tax planning to capital protection, that are hard to find elsewhere.”
So why are wealthy Europeans moving to Dubai in record numbers? Below, we explore 5 of the most important and compelling reasons for the UAE’s popularity.
A unique tax-friendly environment
For wealthy individuals, Dubai’s tax regime is a real breakthrough. The UAE has no personal income tax, capital gains tax, or inheritance tax. Entrepreneurs can preserve and grow their wealth significantly more in Dubai than in European countries, where tax rates for wealthy individuals are going up year after year.
Due to changes in UK tax residency and escalating fiscal pressure, many Europeans are seeing their incomes shrink significantly under tax rates of 40-45%. For example, one British IT entrepreneur moved his business to Dubai before selling it to avoid hefty capital gains taxes and retained all his assets after the transaction.
The UAE’s federal corporate tax rate is only 9%, and free trade zones offer a tax regime that allows companies to apply a zero rate to qualifying income, provided they structure their operations correctly. These factors create an incredibly predictable, stable, and profitable foundation for long-term asset and succession planning.
Simple business registration
Dubai’s business registration system is one of the most convenient and fastest in the world. Unlike Europe, where entrepreneurs often deal with bureaucracy, the UAE offers the following:
- 100% foreign ownership of companies;
- Dozens of free zones with expedited registration procedures;
- 0% corporate tax for many types of income;
- Electronic government services that allow you to open a company in a matter of days.
Wealthy investors find immigration policy favorable: a 10-year Golden Visa, flexible investor residency regulation, and few complex requirements allow for relatively simple and quick residency status processing.
“Today, the UAE is a global hub for entrepreneurs, comparable to London and New York,” according to experts at Mirstori.
For European entrepreneurs tired of heavy regulation, Dubai represents an opportunity: a flexible, fast, and extremely business-oriented environment.
A booming real estate market
Dubai’s real estate market has become a major magnet for capital from Europe. In 2024, it became the global leader in ultra-prime real estate sales, with over 435 properties priced at more than USD 10 million.
Based on the results of the first three quarters of 2025, it’s clear that the 2024 figures will be significantly surpassed; the market has grown 26% and continues to flourish.
Meanwhile, real estate prices in Dubai are significantly lower than in London, Paris, or Monaco—buyers get more for their money. Andris Kaushelis added: “Some clients come expecting to buy a single penthouse for USD 25 million, but in Dubai, for that amount, you can assemble a full-fledged luxury real estate portfolio.”
Other advantages of investing in UAE real estate include:
- No annual property tax;
- No capital gains tax on sale;
- High returns: 5-8% per annum in prime locations;
- Real estate investments can qualify for long-term residency.
Therefore, buying real estate in the UAE is a smart strategy for protecting and growing your capital.
Security and predictability
European families want more than just tax benefits; they need stability, security, and predictability. Dubai offers what is often lacking in Europe:
- Minimal crime rates;
- Political stability;
- Clear and stable business regulations.
However, another important aspect is the cultural attitude toward wealth.
In London or Paris, wealthy individuals often feel pressured to hide their status. In Dubai, however, it’s the opposite; people are respected for their success and achievements.
“In European society, success often evokes envy. In Dubai, wealthy people feel free,” notes Mirsatori.
European families also value:
- Top international schools;
- World-class clinics;
- Developed infrastructure;
- A diverse environment where 80-90% of the population are expats.
Many European families would describe their move as improving their quality of life with the same or lower expenses.
Strategic location
Dubai is not just a city with a high standard of living; it’s a global hub connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa.
For entrepreneurs, it means:
- Direct flights to almost anywhere in the world;
- A convenient time zone for working with Europe and Asia;
- Access to rapidly growing markets in the Middle East, India, China, and Africa;
- The opportunity to build a business in one of the most dynamic economies on the planet.
The UAE is actively developing the technology of the future, including fintech, AI, smart cities, and green energy.
For European entrepreneurs, these developments present an opportunity to:
- Enter new markets;
- Expand their partner network;
- Relocate their headquarters to a more promising region.
The next step for those seeking to preserve and grow their capital.
Today, Dubai is more than just a trendy destination. It’s the world’s new capital of wealth, attracting Europe’s elite who are tired of the instability, rising taxes, and regulatory restrictions in their home countries.
Relocating to Dubai is a complex, step-by-step process that includes business registration, investments, obtaining residency, asset structuring, tax planning, and estate planning. That’s why it’s crucial to work with competent legal advisors.
For this reason, it is important to work with specialists.
Mirsatori is an international law firm based in Dubai that helps clients establish a secure, successful, and strategic position in the UAE. We provide support with:
- Company formation and licensing;
- Residency and long-term visa applications;
- Capital structuring and corporate architecture;
- Real estate and investment transactions;
- Asset protection and estate planning.
For wealthy Europeans, Dubai has become not just a new home, but a new point of growth: a place where success isn’t restricted but encouraged. If you’re looking to become part of this dynamic environment and make the most of the opportunities the UAE offers, the Mirsatori team will gladly develop a personalized strategy for you.
