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James Pickles's avatar

I would vote for Abu Dhabi over Dubai. It's more green and I would say has a bit more culture about it. I lived there for 18 months, and saved up enough money to pay off my student loan and my wedding. It also gave me a good acceleration in my salary when I returned to the UK (I work in the O&G sector, or Energy sector as people call it these days (less dirty)).

I'd have stayed there for longer had I not met my now wife 3 months before I was due to move out there.

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Dominic Frisby's avatar

Maybe I should have said UAE. The underlying point is the same though - how quickly you can save up when not being taxed. Thanks James

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James Pickles's avatar

Yes, I agree entirely. One thing for people to be aware of is ensuring they are classed as non-resident in the UK. I remember having lengthy discussions with my tax advisor about this. It was over 10 yrs ago now but they were saying that there have been some high-profile cases where people lived in a tax haven but the HMRC still considered them as resident in the UK for tax purposes. There are limits on the number of days you're allowed to spend in the UK and also they look at behaviours. So, say, a partner in a marriage moved to a tax haven for a couple of years but their partner and children remained in the UK, the HMRC may take the view that the partner in the tax haven is still considered as resident in the UK for tax purposes.

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Dominic Frisby's avatar

Yes, indeed. Gets harder as you get older

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David Jennings's avatar

I read your note from Bermuda after a career in Canada. After advising companies and individuals for decades on tax planning, I took advantage of it myself. No income tax in Bermuda or Caymans, both British Overseas Territories and both very close to culture (NYC for us, Miami for Caymans). Superb health care, good schools, limited government. So if Dubai is not for you, there are other choices.

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Dominic Frisby's avatar

It is for sure another option

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Matthew Newton's avatar

My sister in law and husband spent 5 years in Dubai, coming back about 10 years ago. Financially, it made them - they are mortgage free in their early Forties.

They had their first child out there and whilst the culture, what there is of it is questionable and the way it has been developed would not wash in the West, the healthcare is superb and their is virtually no crime, ideal for a young family or anyone for that matter, and in stark contrast to this country.

If it’s available, why not take advantage of it.

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Dominic Frisby's avatar

Absolutely

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Kilp's avatar

I know a pair of lawyers (late-20s and early-30s) who are earning (pre-tax) more than anyone else I know but are still living with their parents. They too are plotting their move to Dubai to escape income tax and the crime.

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Dominic Frisby's avatar

Such a ridiculous situation

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Low Status Opinions's avatar

Lovely stuff. Yes. Young people should leave and choose another country. One caveat though kids. Don’t pick Scotland.

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Dominic Frisby's avatar

I think Scotland has been downgraded from country

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Low Status Opinions's avatar

I think it’s decided to join Wales in a suicide pact.

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The Obsolete Man's avatar

Starving the beast is always a good idea. I don’t know how the UK handles it, but American citizens will still be charged US taxes on anything earned overseas. You can renounce your citizenship, but that comes with a lot of other issues and the government still takes a massive one time tax payment in order to square with them before your citizenship is terminated.

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Dominic Frisby's avatar

Yes that is a problem for US citizens. A legacy of Lincoln protecting Union revenue in the Civil War

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Owen's avatar

It really is the most sensible option for young brits. It’s not acceptable for single adults to be forced to be living with their parents for 30-35 whilst they save up money to afford a deposit and further they careers so they can pull a higher salary and thereby gain access for approval for a mortgage for a home.

Also their parents don’t want the kids at home! They want their free time too!

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Dominic Frisby's avatar

Yup

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I'll walk alone if I have to's avatar

Plan on visiting this year.... spend some bitcoin 😎

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I'll walk alone if I have to's avatar

What do you think of Isle of man as an alternative if we aren't willing to fully give up true English culture...Dominic....?

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