In an increasingly globalized world, where excessive taxation is becoming a burden for many entrepreneurs, more and more Romanians are looking for solutions to make their income tax efficient. One of the most advantageous options is obtaining a Golden visa in Dubai, which provides not only long-term legal residence, but also considerable tax advantages. In this article, we explain how you can benefit concretely from the UAE tax regime through Golden Visa and why more and more Romanian investors are choosing this path.
What is the Golden visa in Dubai?
Golden visa is a long-term residence permit (5 or 10 years) offered by the UAE authorities to investors, entrepreneurs, researchers, doctors, IT professionals and other strategic categories.
Holding such a visa gives you the opportunity to become a tax resident in Dubai, which opens the door to one of the most tax friendly jurisdictions in the world.
Tax advantages of Golden visa in Dubai
Obtaining the Golden visa comes bundled with clear tax advantages:
• 0% personal income tax: You do not pay taxes on salaries, dividends or other personal income in the UAE.
• 0% tax on dividends: If you own a business in Dubai and receive dividends, they are not taxed.
• 0% Capital Gains Tax: Profits from the sale of shares, real estate or other investments are not charged.
• No social contributions: No CAS, CASS or pension contributions for expats.
• Access to the global banking and investment system.
These benefits become valid once you become a tax resident in Dubai, and the Golden Visa is one of the safest and most direct legal avenues to obtain this status.
Steps to get tax residency in Dubai
To become a tax resident and benefit from the tax optimization offered by Dubai, you need to follow a few essential steps:
1. Apply for Golden visa— as an investor, entrepreneur or professional.
2. Establish physical residency in UAEYou must spend at least 90 days a year in Dubai.
3. Open a personal and/or business bank account.
4. Start a business or make an eligible investment— depending on the category in which you apply (real estate, start-up, etc.).
5. Obtain a certificate of tax residency— issued by the UAE authorities and internationally recognised.
Conditions for legal tax optimization
In order for tax optimization to be completely legal and effective, you must:
• You do not have the main personal and economic ties in Romania (such as family, main residence or basic professional activity);
• Spend less than 183 days/year in Romania;
• Have a real tax presence in the UAE: company, housing, bank account, economic activity.
If these conditions are met, you can avoid paying income tax and dividend tax in Romania.
Example: Romania Dividends vs. Dubai
You are a shareholder in a Romanian company and you get a net profit of 100,000 EUR/year. If you withdraw dividends in Romania:
•16% tax on dividends (after July 1, 2025);
•10% CASS if you exceed the legal ceiling;
Total: up to 26,000EURtaxes just to collect the money.
If you set up your business in Dubai and become a tax resident:
• 0% tax on dividends;
• No CASS or other contributions;
• International bank transfers without restrictions.
The result? You are left with the entire amount, if you organize your tax status correctly.
Other indirect benefits of the Golden Visa
In addition to direct tax benefits, the Golden visa offers:
•Legal and economic stability;
•Access to emerging markets in the GCC, Asia and Africa;
•Family visas for spouse and children;
•Access to private education and premium medical insurance;
•International credibility for your business.
Dubai thus becomes a strategic choice, not only for tax purposes, but also for business.
Who can apply for the Golden visa?
The UAE authorities shall allow application for:
•Real estate investors (minimum 2 million AED);
•Shareholders in local firms;
•IT, AI, blockchain professionals;
•Doctors, researchers, teachers;
•Artists, creatives, freelancers;
•Digital Entrepreneurs and Consultants.
If you bring real economic value, you have a good chance of getting the Golden visa and getting into Dubai's preferential tax system.
For Romanian entrepreneurs and investors who want stability, protection and tax efficiency, the Golden visa in Dubai is a strategic choice. Obtaining tax resident status allows you to avoid high local taxes and manage your income globally, legally and efficiently.
Reduce taxes. Increases income. Think globally. Invest in Dubai.
