The complete guide for Americans, 2026/27
The guide that starts with the thing most Americans miss: moving to a country with no income tax does not stop you filing US taxes. Covers the 2026 Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, the higher Dubai and Abu Dhabi housing limits, FBAR and FATCA reporting, state tax, visas, document authentication, American curriculum schools, pets, the 2026 regional security situation and your first 90 days.
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Many US to UAE guides are written by businesses that sell one part of the move, such as tax filing, removals, business setup or property, and naturally focus on that part. This guide brings the useful parts together, checks them against US and UAE government sources, and adds the pieces nobody sells: the state tax trap, the pet paperwork you must complete before you leave the US, and an honest account of what the 2026 State Department advisory means for a family deciding whether to go.
Every factual claim carries a source tag so you can see how much weight it will bear.
| Tag | What it means |
|---|---|
| Law | Set by US or UAE legislation. Stable until the law changes. |
| Official | Published by a government body (IRS, State Department, SSA, CDC, USDA, u.ae, ICP, GDRFA, RTA, KHDA, ADEK, MOCCAE). |
| Market | Current market practice or pricing, checked across several listings or providers. Moves with the market. |
| Reported | Reported consistently by reputable secondary sources but not yet confirmed on a primary government page. |
| Verify | Rules differ between sources or change often. Confirm with the named authority before you act. |
| Estimate | Our own worked estimate. Useful for planning, not a quote. |
This guide is general information only. It is not tax, legal, immigration, financial, medical or investment advice, and it does not take your personal circumstances into account. Relocate2UAE is not a CPA firm, enrolled agent, law firm or registered investment adviser, and is not regulated by the SEC, FINRA or any UAE financial regulator. Rules, thresholds and fees change often and can differ between the published rule and how an authority applies it. Before acting, check the current position with the relevant authority and take advice from a suitably qualified professional, such as a US-licensed CPA or enrolled agent who works with Americans abroad. Contacting us does not create an adviser relationship. Relocate2UAE accepts no responsibility for any loss arising from reliance on this guide. Some organisations mentioned are Relocate2UAE partners and may pay us fees. Please read the full Legal notice at the end.
Some organisations named in this guide are Relocate2UAE partners, and each is labelled "a Relocate2UAE partner" where it appears. Relocate2UAE may receive fees, commission or other benefits from partners, including where you use their services after reading this guide. A mention is not a recommendation that a partner is right for you. You are free to use any provider, and we encourage you to compare several and to check each provider's licensing and terms yourself. Other businesses named in this guide are mentioned for information only. No endorsement is implied and trade marks belong to their owners.
The practical differences that shape a move, at a glance.
| United States | United Arab Emirates | |
|---|---|---|
| Tax on salary | Federal income tax of 10% to 37%, plus state tax in most states and 7.65% employee FICA Law | 0% personal income tax Official. Americans still file a US return (Section 7) |
| Who you file with | IRS and usually your state | Nobody for personal income tax. The US still expects a Form 1040 every year Law |
| Tax treaty between the two | No income tax treaty and no Social Security agreement Official | See left |
| Sales tax | State and local sales tax, typically 0% to about 10% Market | 5% VAT Law |
| Currency | US dollar | UAE dirham, pegged at about AED 3.6725 to $1 Official |
| Healthcare | Employer or marketplace insurance, Medicare at 65 | Insurance-based. Medicare does not cover you in the UAE Official |
| Working week | Monday to Friday | Monday to Friday for most private employers. Federal government works a shorter Friday Official |
| Time difference | ET, CT, MT, PT | GMT+4, no daylight saving. 9 hours ahead of New York in US winter and 8 hours in US summer; 12 and 11 hours ahead of California |
| Electricity | 120V, 60Hz, Type A and B plugs | 230V, 50Hz, Type G (UK-style) plugs. Many US appliances need a transformer, not just an adapter Reported |
| Driving | Right | Right. US licences can be exchanged without a test in Dubai and Abu Dhabi Reported Verify |
| Flight time | About 12 to 14 hours nonstop from the East Coast and 15 to 16 hours from the West Coast Market | |
| Security advisory | US State Department Level 3, Reconsider Travel, as of 23 October 2026 Official |
If you read nothing else, read this list.
The US taxes citizens and green card holders on worldwide income wherever they live. You file a Form 1040 every year you are over the filing threshold, even if you owe nothing. Law
You claim it on Form 2555 and must pass the bona fide residence test or the 330-day physical presence test. Missing the return can mean losing the exclusion for that year. Official
For 2026 the IRS allows up to $57,174 of housing expenses in Dubai and $49,687 in Abu Dhabi, against $39,870 for most places. Official
Leaving the country does not automatically end state residency. Some states, such as California, do not recognise the federal exclusion, so a UAE salary can be fully taxable at state level. Reported
The exclusion covers income tax, not the 15.3% self-employment tax, and there is no US/UAE Social Security agreement to switch it off. Official
Once your foreign accounts together exceed $10,000 at any time in the year, you file an FBAR with FinCEN, separately from your tax return. Official
Most non-US mutual funds and ETFs are PFICs, which carry punitive US tax treatment and extra forms. Law
It has to be done in the US: Secretary of State, then the State Department, then the UAE Embassy in Washington. Official
The CDC lists the UAE as a high-risk country for dog rabies, and the form that makes a return straightforward cannot be issued after your dog has left the US. Official
Amphetamine-based ADHD medicines such as Adderall are the best-known example. Check before you pack. Official Verify
This is the question many American families now ask first, so we answer it directly.
Following the outbreak of hostilities between the United States, Israel and Iran in early 2026, the State Department reported that Iran launched more than 2,000 missiles and drones against the UAE in March and April 2026. Official On 3 March 2026 non-emergency US government employees were ordered to leave the UAE, and the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General in Dubai temporarily suspended routine consular services. Official
The State Department's UAE advisory is Level 3, Reconsider Travel, citing terrorism and the risk of armed conflict. The most recent update, on 23 October 2026, kept the level unchanged and reflected that family members of US government staff may again travel to the UAE. Official Every Gulf state was moved to Level 3 in 2026, so this is a regional rating rather than a UAE-specific one. Reported The Embassy and Consulate are providing consular assistance to Americans through the online U.S. Citizen Services Navigator, with limited visa services restored. Official
Emirates reported its full US network back in operation in May 2026, while United's Newark to Dubai route is reported to stay suspended until March 2027. Reported US preclearance at Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport closed in March 2026 and has been reported as operating on some flights since September; check your specific flight. Reported Verify
It is advice, not a ban. Americans can still travel to, live and work in the UAE, and many do. But an advisory at this level can affect your travel insurance, your employer's duty-of-care policies and the cover on some life and health policies.
This section reflects the position on 1 November 2026. The security situation can change quickly. Always rely on the live State Department advisory rather than this guide.
The tax case is real, but it is smaller and more complicated for Americans than for most nationalities, because the US keeps taxing citizens abroad. A single American in Dubai earning $180,000 and paying $50,000 a year in rent would owe roughly $31,900 in federal income tax on that salary in the US, before state tax and FICA. Living in Dubai and claiming both the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and the Dubai housing exclusion, the same person's federal income tax could fall to around $550. Estimate
What actually changes is state tax and FICA. A Californian or New Yorker who breaks state residency stops paying state income tax on a UAE salary, and an employee of a UAE company generally stops paying US Social Security and Medicare tax. Law Reported Above the exclusion limits, US tax applies at your normal rates.
Most Americans choose Dubai or Abu Dhabi. The right answer usually follows the job and the school.
| Emirate | Who it suits | Things to know |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai | Most sectors, the widest choice of American curriculum schools, the biggest expat community | Highest rents in prime areas. Housing fee of 5% of annual rent billed through DEWA Official |
| Abu Dhabi | Government, energy, defense, aviation, finance, healthcare, families wanting space | Separate systems: ADEK for schools, Tawtheeq for tenancies, Darb road tolls, DoH health insurance rules Official |
| Sharjah | Lower rents for people working in north Dubai, home to the American University of Sharjah | Alcohol is not permitted. Government works a four-day week. Heavy commuter traffic into Dubai |
| Ajman, RAK, UAQ, Fujairah | Lower costs, beaches, mountains, lifestyle movers and remote workers | Fewer American curriculum schools. RAK is growing fast with new resort development Reported |
For the full comparison see our UAE Emirates Comparison Guide, the Dubai Area Guide & Map and the Abu Dhabi Area Guide & Map. If you already know your city, start with the Moving to Dubai hub or the Moving to Abu Dhabi hub. Moving with a partner who holds another passport? Our Moving From the UK to the UAE and Moving From Australia to the UAE guides cover those countries' rules.
US passport holders can enter the UAE without arranging a visa in advance. The entry stamp is normally for 30 days and can usually be extended; some 2026 published lists show 90 days, so check the current ICP or GDRFA position before relying on a longer stay. Official Verify Your passport needs at least six months' validity on arrival. Official A visit lets you view homes and schools but not work. To live in the UAE you need a residence visa and an Emirates ID. Official
| Route | Who it suits | Headline requirement | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employment | Anyone with a UAE job offer | Employer sponsorship and work permit | Usually 2 years, renewable |
| Green Visa (skilled employee) | Skilled staff who want independence from their employer's sponsorship | Bachelor's degree or equivalent, MOHRE skill level 1 to 3, salary at least AED 15,000 a month (about $4,085) | 5 years, self-sponsored |
| Green Visa (freelancer or self-employed) | Consultants, creatives, contractors | MOHRE freelance permit and self-employment income of at least AED 360,000 a year (about $98,000) for the previous two years, or proof of financial solvency | 5 years, self-sponsored |
| Golden Visa | Property investors, high earners, founders, specialists | Property worth at least AED 2 million (about $545,000), or a qualifying professional salary (commonly quoted as AED 30,000 a month) Verify | 5 or 10 years, no 180-day absence rule |
| Remote work (virtual work) | People keeping a US employer or US clients | Employer letter, salary of at least $3,500 a month, UAE-valid health insurance Verify | 1 year, renewable |
| Investor or partner | Founders with a UAE company, often in a free zone | Trade licence with a visa allocation | Usually 2 years |
| Property investor (2 year) | Buyers below the Golden Visa threshold | Commonly quoted at AED 750,000 of property in Dubai Verify | 2 years |
| Retirement | Over-55s | 15 years' work history plus a financial test. Thresholds differ between the federal route and Dubai's own scheme Verify | 5 years |
| Family | Spouse and children of a resident | Sponsor earning AED 4,000 a month, or AED 3,000 plus accommodation | Tied to the sponsor's visa |
| Job seeker | People searching for work in person | No sponsor needed | 60, 90 or 120 days Verify |
If you keep a US employer while living in the UAE, the work you physically do in the UAE is still foreign earned income for the exclusion. Official But a US employer generally must keep withholding Social Security and Medicare (FICA) for a US citizen employee wherever they work, and may keep withholding federal income tax unless you give it Form 673. Official Your state may also still treat you as a resident if your job is anchored there. Take US tax advice before choosing this route.
Visa categories, thresholds and fees change regularly, and the final decision always rests with ICP, GDRFA or the relevant authority. Nothing in this guide guarantees eligibility or approval. Our UAE Visa Requirements Guide covers every route in detail. For complex cases, including founders, mixed-nationality families and anyone with a previous UAE visa cancellation, specialist immigration lawyers can advise. Davidson & Co. (a Relocate2UAE partner) is one option.
You accept the offer and sign the MOHRE offer letter.
Your employer applies for your work permit and entry permit. You travel on the entry permit.
You complete a medical fitness test in the UAE (blood test and chest X-ray) and give biometrics for your Emirates ID.
Your residence visa is issued electronically and your Emirates ID card follows.
You can then open a bank account, sign a tenancy in your name and sponsor your family.
The in-country part typically takes one to three weeks when documents are in order. Reported Most delays come from unauthenticated certificates (Section 6).
UAE offers are quoted as a basic salary plus allowances. The split matters because end-of-service gratuity is calculated on basic pay, and family sponsorship is assessed on your salary certificate. Law
Compare it with real rents near your likely school. For US tax, a cash housing allowance counts as foreign earned income, and your actual housing costs may qualify for the housing exclusion.
Ask whether the allowance is per child, capped, or covers registration and deposits too.
In Dubai the sponsor must insure dependants. If your employer does not, budget for it.
A UAE employer will not match a 401(k). Ask for a savings plan or cash allowance, and check how you will invest it without creating a PFIC problem.
Many international employers pay for a US tax return. Ask. It is worth several hundred to a few thousand dollars a year.
If a US company is sending you, ask whether the package is tax equalized, meaning the employer keeps you at the tax you would have paid at home.
Economy or business, for the whole family or just you. US flights are long and peak fares are high.
2 to 4 weeks of serviced accommodation is common.
21 days' basic pay for each of the first five years and 30 days for each year after, capped at two years' pay.
Up to six months' probation is allowed under UAE labor law.
Our Family Relocation Guide includes an "Is this offer actually enough?" calculator, the UAE Salary Guide gives current benchmarks, and the UAE Employment Guide explains contracts, notice and gratuity.
180 days abroad can cancel your UAE visa. The IRS physical presence test needs 330 full days outside the US in a 12-month period, so a long US summer can cost you the exclusion for that window unless you qualify as a bona fide resident instead. And your state may count your days and ties too. Keep a travel log, boarding passes and your UAE entry and exit record from the start.
If you hold a US green card rather than citizenship, moving to the UAE carries two extra risks. Long absences can lead the US to treat your permanent residence as abandoned; a re-entry permit, applied for while you are still in the US, can help for absences of up to two years. Official And while you hold the card you remain a US tax resident with the same filing duties as a citizen. If you have held it in 8 of the last 15 years, giving it up can bring the expatriation tax rules into play. Law Take immigration and tax advice before you go.
The US is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention but the UAE is not, so a US document needs a chain of authentication rather than a simple apostille before UAE authorities will accept it. Official The US Embassy and Consulate in the UAE cannot authenticate US civil or educational documents, so this has to be done in the US, ideally before you move. Official
Vital records such as birth and marriage certificates should be certified copies from the issuing state or county. Documents not issued by a public authority, such as a degree certificate, are usually notarised first; some states then require a county clerk certification. Official
The Secretary of State of the state that issued the document, or where it was notarised, authenticates the signature or seal. Official
For use in a non-Hague country, the State Department in Washington DC authenticates the state's certification. Federal documents, such as an FBI background check, go straight to this step. Official
The Embassy gives the final attestation on the US side. Recent practice routes this through the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs online payment and a VFS Global submission. Verify
Some uses need a final MOFA attestation after arrival, depending on how the Embassy step was completed. Verify
Commercial documents for a UAE company setup can sometimes skip the State Department step, but personal and educational documents generally cannot. Reported Allow four to eight weeks for the full chain if you do it yourself, longer for documents from states with slow Secretary of State offices. Reported Specialist authentication agents can manage the chain for you for a fee.
| Document | Needed for | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Degree certificate (and sometimes transcript) | Work permit, Green Visa, Golden Visa, professional licensing for teachers, doctors, nurses and engineers | Check the university name matches the certificate exactly. Some licensing bodies also want a transcript |
| Marriage certificate | Sponsoring a spouse | Order a fresh certified copy from the county or state vital records office. A decorative certificate signed at the ceremony is not enough |
| Children's birth certificates | Sponsoring children, school registration | Use the long-form certified copy that lists both parents |
| FBI Identity History Summary | Some employers, Golden Visa and licensing routes | A federal document, so it goes straight to the State Department step. Many uses want it issued within the last 90 days |
| Driving licence | Not authenticated, but bring the physical card | Section 13 |
| School records and transfer letter | School admissions | Last two years of report cards. Not usually authenticated |
| Immunization records | School admissions, nursery | Ask your pediatrician for a full printed history |
Start the chain at least two months before your planned move. Unauthenticated certificates are the most common reason spouse visas stall, and restarting the process from Dubai means couriering originals back to the US. Reported
This is the section that saves or costs the most money, and the one where general guidance is most likely to miss something about your situation.
US tax for Americans abroad depends on detailed facts, and mistakes in the first year can be expensive to fix. This section explains the framework only. It is not tax advice and must not be used on its own to decide your departure date, how you invest, whether to keep a US home, or how to file. Take advice from a US-licensed CPA or enrolled agent who regularly works with Americans abroad, and for investments, a financial adviser registered in the US who can advise US persons living overseas. Figures are for the 2026 tax year (1 January to 31 December 2026) unless stated.
The United States is one of very few countries that taxes its citizens on worldwide income regardless of where they live. Green card holders are treated the same way. Law So you keep filing a federal return every year your income is above the filing threshold, even if all of it is excluded and you owe nothing.
What changes when you move is not whether you file, but how much you owe. Three tools do most of the work for Americans in the UAE: the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, the foreign housing exclusion, and, if you stop being a resident of your state, the end of state income tax. The Foreign Tax Credit, the other main tool for Americans abroad, does little in the UAE because there is no UAE income tax to credit.
What it is. The FEIE lets a qualifying American exclude up to $132,900 of foreign earned income from federal income tax for 2026, up from $130,000 for 2025. A married couple who both work abroad can each claim it, up to $265,800 between them. Official You claim it on Form 2555 with your Form 1040.
What counts as foreign earned income. Wages, salary, bonuses, allowances and self-employment income for work physically performed outside the US. Income from work done on a trip back to the US does not count, even if a UAE employer pays it. Investment income, US rental income, pensions and Social Security are not earned income and cannot be excluded.
How you qualify. Your tax home must be in a foreign country and you must pass one of two tests:
| Test | What you need | Who it usually suits |
|---|---|---|
| Bona fide residence | You are a bona fide resident of a foreign country for an uninterrupted period that includes a full calendar tax year | Americans on a UAE residence visa with a home, job and life in the UAE, from their first full calendar year |
| Physical presence | You are physically present in a foreign country or countries for at least 330 full days in any 12-month period | People in their first part-year, or anyone whose status is less settled |
A full day means a full 24 hours from midnight to midnight; travel days over US airspace or international waters do not count towards the 330. If you move part-way through the year, the exclusion is prorated by the number of qualifying days in the year.
Waiting to qualify. If you will not meet either test until after the normal filing deadline, you can ask for more time with Form 2350, so you can file once you qualify rather than filing without the exclusion and amending later.
Stacking. Excluded income is not taxed, but it still pushes the rest of your income into higher brackets. The IRS calculates tax on your remaining income as if the excluded amount sat at the bottom of the scale. That is why income above the exclusion is taxed at your marginal rate, not from 10% upward.
On top of the FEIE, employees can exclude reasonable housing costs above a base amount, up to a cap that depends on where they live. Self-employed people claim the equivalent as a deduction. Official
| 2026 figures (full qualifying year) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Base housing amount (16% of the FEIE) | $21,264 |
| Standard housing expense limit (30% of the FEIE) | $39,870 |
| Dubai housing expense limit | $57,174 |
| Abu Dhabi housing expense limit | $49,687 |
| Maximum housing exclusion in Dubai (limit minus base) | $35,910 |
| Maximum housing exclusion in Abu Dhabi | $28,423 |
The Dubai and Abu Dhabi limits come from IRS Notice 2026-25, which lists high-cost locations each year. Qualifying expenses include rent, utilities other than phone and TV, residential parking, and renter's insurance. They do not include buying a home, mortgage principal, furniture or domestic help. Both figures are prorated if you qualify for less than the full year.
The housing exclusion is limited to housing paid for with employer-provided amounts, which in practice includes your salary and any housing allowance from a UAE employer. Self-employed people claim a housing deduction instead, limited by their self-employment income.
Assumptions: single filer, full qualifying year in Dubai, UAE salary and allowances of $180,000 (about AED 661,000), annual rent and qualifying utilities of $50,000 (about AED 184,000), no other income, 2026 standard deduction of $16,100. Estimate
Your figures will differ. Use the tax checker below to try your own.
Estimate how the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and the Dubai and Abu Dhabi housing limits change your US federal income tax, and see whether an FBAR or Form 8938 is likely to apply. Planning estimate only, not tax advice.
365 for a full year.
Rent, utilities other than phone and TV, parking, renter's insurance.
Interest, dividends, capital gains, US rental profit. Not excludable.
For the 330-day physical presence test.
| Foreign earned income | |
| Foreign Earned Income Exclusion | |
| Housing exclusion or deduction | |
| Housing limit used | |
| Taxable income after deduction | |
| Self-employment tax |
How this works: the tool applies the 2026 FEIE of $132,900 per qualifying person, the $21,264 base housing amount and the IRS Notice 2026-25 housing limits ($57,174 Dubai, $49,687 Abu Dhabi, $39,870 elsewhere), prorated by qualifying days. Tax uses 2026 federal brackets and standard deductions with the IRS stacking method. Housing is assigned to the first earner. It ignores state tax, credits, the Net Investment Income Tax, itemised deductions and the alternative minimum tax. Dirham amounts are converted at AED 3.6725 to $1. This is a general planning estimate published by Relocate2UAE (Relocate 2 FZC LLC). It is not tax advice, and Relocate2UAE accepts no responsibility for decisions based on it. Check your position with a US-licensed CPA or enrolled agent. Figures last verified 1 November 2026.
| Item | Position for an American living in the UAE |
|---|---|
| Salary above the FEIE and housing exclusion | Taxed at your normal marginal rate because of stacking |
| Interest, dividends and capital gains | Fully taxable in the US. The 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax can apply above its thresholds |
| US rental income | Taxable in the US. File as normal; depreciation and expenses still apply |
| Self-employment tax | Not reduced by the FEIE. Payable at 15.3% up to the Social Security wage base ($184,500 for 2026) and 2.9% above |
| State income tax | Depends on whether you remain a state resident and whether your state follows the federal exclusion (7.6) |
| Refundable child tax credit | You cannot claim the refundable additional child tax credit in a year you claim the FEIE |
| IRA contributions | You need taxable compensation that is not excluded to contribute to an IRA |
| Selling a US home | Normal US rules apply. The main home exclusion can still apply if you meet the ownership and use tests, measured over five years |
Federal tax follows your citizenship. State tax follows your residency or domicile, and leaving the US does not automatically end it. Each state sets its own rules, and some are known for continuing to treat former residents as residents if they keep strong ties. States commonly cited as hard to leave include California, New York, Virginia, South Carolina and New Mexico. Verify
Some states do not follow the federal exclusion. California is the best-known example. If you remain a California resident for tax purposes, your UAE salary can be fully taxable at state level.
Ties count. Keeping a home available to you, a state driver's licence, voter registration, a car registered at your old address, and children in state schools can all point to continuing residency.
Before you leave, read your state's guidance on part-year and nonresident status, consider which ties to cut, and keep evidence of your new life in the UAE: tenancy, residence visa, Emirates ID, employment contract and school enrolment. Some Americans establish residency in a state without income tax, such as Florida, Texas or Nevada, before moving abroad; whether that works depends on real facts, not paperwork, and needs advice.
Many Americans in the UAE use a specialist expat tax preparer. Check that anyone preparing your return holds a PTIN, and prefer a CPA, enrolled agent or tax attorney who can represent you before the IRS.
These are information returns. They usually create no tax, but the penalties for not filing can be severe.
| Requirement | Who must file | Threshold | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| FBAR (FinCEN Form 114) | US persons with a financial interest in or signature authority over foreign accounts | Aggregate value above $10,000 at any time in the calendar year | 15 April, with an automatic extension to 15 October |
| Form 8938 (FATCA), single | Taxpayers living abroad, single or married filing separately | Above $200,000 on the last day of the year or above $300,000 at any time | With your tax return |
| Form 8938 (FATCA), joint | Married couples filing jointly, living abroad | Above $400,000 on the last day of the year or above $600,000 at any time | With your tax return |
An end-of-service gratuity fund held for you, a UAE pension-style savings plan, UAE brokerage accounts and joint accounts with a non-US spouse can all count. UAE banks report accounts held by US persons to the IRS under FATCA, and will ask you for a Form W-9 when you open an account.
Most mutual funds, ETFs and investment-linked insurance products domiciled outside the US are Passive Foreign Investment Companies for US tax purposes. Unless you make specific elections, gains can be taxed at the highest rate plus an interest charge, and each fund usually needs Form 8621. Expat "savings plans" and unit-linked bonds sold in the Gulf frequently fall into this category. Ask any adviser in writing whether a product is a PFIC before you invest.
Some US brokerages and fund platforms restrict new purchases, or close accounts, once they learn you live abroad, mainly because of securities rules. Check your providers' policies before you change your address.
Held through a broker that accepts US persons abroad, these are generally simpler for US tax.
Choose an adviser who is registered to advise US persons and understands US tax. Advisers who are not can recommend products that work for other nationalities and are poor choices for Americans.
Business setup specialists such as Creative Zone (a Relocate2UAE partner) can compare free zone and mainland options for your activity. Agree the US tax structure with your preparer before you choose. See our UAE Business Setup Guide.
The US has no income tax treaty with the UAE. Because the UAE does not tax personal income, this rarely causes double tax on salaries; the main effect is that there is no treaty relief on US-source income. A UAE Tax Residency Certificate from the Federal Tax Authority can evidence your UAE residence to banks and other countries, but it does not change your US position: you remain a US taxpayer as a citizen.
Many Americans abroad do not realise they need to file. The IRS Streamlined Foreign Offshore Procedures let eligible non-resident taxpayers whose failure to file was non-willful catch up by filing the last three years of returns and six years of FBARs, generally without penalties. Speak to a specialist before you file anything.
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| 1 January 2026 | FEIE rises to $132,900. Estate and gift exemption becomes $15 million. 1% federal excise tax applies to cash-funded remittance transfers |
| 15 April 2027 | Normal due date for 2026 returns and FBARs. Interest on unpaid tax runs from this date |
| 15 June 2027 | Automatic extended due date for Americans abroad |
| 15 October 2027 | Extended due date with Form 4868, and automatic FBAR extension |
| Each spring | IRS publishes the high-cost housing limits for Dubai and Abu Dhabi |
For the wider picture, including UAE corporate tax, VAT and residency, see our UAE Taxation Guide, and for investments and estate planning, the UAE Wealth Management for Expats guide.
You normally need a residence visa and Emirates ID to open a UAE personal current account, plus a salary certificate or other proof of income. Many banks set a minimum monthly salary for standard accounts, commonly between AED 5,000 and AED 10,000. Market
As a US person you will be asked for a Form W-9, and your account will be reported to the IRS under FATCA. Banks with an international network can make early transfers simpler. HSBC UAE (a Relocate2UAE partner) is one example. Compare fees, minimum balances and eligibility across several banks before choosing. See our UAE Banking Guide.
Your US credit score does not transfer. The Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB) builds a new UAE credit record from your first account. Expect lower limits on your first credit card. Keep at least one US credit card active so your US credit history keeps building.
The dirham has been pegged to the US dollar since 1997, at about AED 3.6725 to $1. For Americans this is a real advantage: your pay, savings and US commitments such as a mortgage or student loans stay in effectively the same currency. Still compare the total cost of a transfer, including any exchange margin, not just the fee.
Cash or equivalent over AED 60,000 must be declared on arrival in the UAE.
Carrying more than $10,000 in currency or monetary instruments into or out of the US must be reported to CBP on FinCEN Form 105.
Since 1 January 2026, a 1% federal excise tax applies to remittance transfers funded with cash, a money order, a cashier's check or a similar physical instrument. Transfers from a bank account or a US card are excluded.
| Cost | Compared with a large US city |
|---|---|
| Rent | Similar to many major US metros for central areas, cheaper than Manhattan or San Francisco. Paid a year ahead |
| School fees | The biggest new cost for families moving from US public schools |
| Groceries | Similar overall. US brands are widely available, often at a premium |
| Eating out | Wide range, from cheap local restaurants to very expensive hotel dining. Tipping is lighter than in the US |
| Gas (petrol) | Usually cheaper than most US states. Prices are set monthly |
| Utilities | Not usually included in rent. Summer air conditioning bills can be high |
| Healthcare | Usually far cheaper out of pocket than the US, with employer-provided insurance |
| Alcohol | More expensive than the US |
| Childcare and domestic help | Far cheaper than US childcare, with visa and contract obligations for the employer |
For current figures see our UAE Cost of Living Guide 2026.
Illustration for a Dubai apartment at AED 120,000 a year (about $32,700), unfurnished. Estimate Figures are indicative only, are not quotes, and will vary by landlord, agent and property.
| Item | Typical amount |
|---|---|
| Rent (first cheque, if paid in 4 cheques) | AED 30,000 (about $8,170) |
| Security deposit (5% unfurnished, often 10% furnished) | AED 6,000 (about $1,630) |
| Agency fee (commonly 5% of annual rent plus VAT) | AED 6,300 (about $1,715) |
| Ejari registration | About AED 220 |
| DEWA connection and refundable deposit (apartment) | About AED 2,000 plus connection fees |
| Housing fee (5% of annual rent, billed monthly through DEWA) | AED 500 a month |
| Temporary accommodation for the first 2 to 4 weeks | Varies widely |
| Furniture, appliances, car deposit | Varies widely |
Rent is often paid by post-dated cheques, so order a UAE chequebook when you open your account. Some landlords give a discount for fewer cheques. Since 2022 most bounced-cheque cases are no longer criminal, but a bounced rent cheque still has serious civil and credit consequences.
Many newcomers rent for their first year, so they can learn commutes, schools and communities before committing to a purchase. Serviced or furnished short-term rentals, such as those offered by Maison Privée (a Relocate2UAE partner), bridge the gap while you wait for your Emirates ID and view properties in person.
Tenancies are registered on Ejari. Rent increases at renewal are capped by reference to the RERA rental index, and landlords must give 90 days' notice of changes.
Tenancies are registered on Tawtheeq.
Ask whether chiller (district cooling) charges are included. They can add thousands of dirhams a year.
Check who pays for what before signing, particularly for villas. Keep every rent and utility receipt: they are your evidence for the US housing exclusion.
| Profile | Dubai | Abu Dhabi |
|---|---|---|
| Families wanting villas near American schools | Arabian Ranches, Dubai Hills Estate, Al Barsha, The Springs and Meadows, Jumeirah Park, Mirdif | Khalifa City, Al Raha Gardens, Yas Island, Saadiyat Island |
| Couples and singles | Dubai Marina, JBR, JLT, Downtown, Business Bay | Al Reem Island, Al Raha Beach, Corniche area |
| Value with a longer commute | JVC, Al Furjan, Motor City, Town Square | Al Reef, Mohammed Bin Zayed City |
Indicative Dubai rents, based on published listings and market reports in September 2026. These are not valuations or offers. Market
| Home | Typical annual rent |
|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment, JVC | AED 50,000 to 65,000 ($13,600 to $17,700) |
| 1-bed apartment, Dubai Marina or JBR | AED 90,000 to 120,000 ($24,500 to $32,700) |
| 2-bed apartment, citywide average | Around AED 95,000 ($25,900) |
| 3-bed villa, Arabian Ranches | AED 160,000 to 220,000 and above ($43,600 to $59,900) |
| 3-bed villa, Dubai Hills Estate | Around AED 200,000 and above ($54,500) |
Many families choose the school first and the neighborhood second. For buying, including mortgages for non-residents and Golden Visa property rules, see our UAE Housing Guide and Buying Property in the UAE as an Expat. Altura Property (a Relocate2UAE partner) is one adviser covering both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Always check that any agent is licensed by the relevant land department (RERA in Dubai, ADREC in Abu Dhabi).
American curriculum schools follow US state standards, most often Common Core-aligned frameworks from states such as New York, California or Massachusetts, or the AERO standards used by American schools overseas. Most lead to a US high school diploma, usually with Advanced Placement courses, and some also offer the IB Diploma. That keeps children on a familiar track for a move back to US schools or US college admissions.
About 14% of Dubai's private school students attend US curriculum schools, and the US curriculum is the most popular choice among Emirati families. Dubai has roughly 40 or more American curriculum schools.
Check that a school holds accreditation from a recognised US body, such as Cognia, MSA, NEASC or WASC, because universities and regulators look for it.
Examples parents often shortlist include the American School of Dubai, GEMS Dubai American Academy and Universal American School in Dubai, and the American Community School of Abu Dhabi, American International School in Abu Dhabi and GEMS American Academy in Abu Dhabi. Check current ratings and approved fees on the KHDA or ADEK website before you decide.
International school fees in Dubai range from around AED 30,000 a year (about $8,200) at the value end to more than AED 100,000 (about $27,000) at premium senior schools. Registration fees, deposits, uniforms, buses and trips come on top. Apply 6 to 12 months ahead for popular schools, with a second choice, and bring the last two years of report cards, a transfer letter, an authenticated birth certificate, immunization records and passport copies. Market
See our Dubai International Schools Guide, Abu Dhabi International Schools Guide, Schools in the Rest of the UAE and UAE School Holiday Calendar 2026-27.
Network, co-payments, outpatient limits, maternity waiting periods, dental and pre-existing conditions all vary. Cover for treatment in the US on visits home is an expensive optional extra on international plans, so check it if you have family there or ongoing US care.
Pacific Prime (a Relocate2UAE partner) is one broker that compares international and local plans.
Large private groups such as NMC Healthcare (a Relocate2UAE partner) operate across several emirates, which helps if you move between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Check any provider is in your insurer's network.
Some medicines that are routine in the US are controlled in the UAE, including some painkillers containing codeine or tramadol, some sleeping and anxiety tablets, and ADHD stimulants. Amphetamine-based ADHD medicines such as Adderall and Vyvanse are widely reported as prohibited, and published sources disagree on whether any permit route exists. Treat them as not permitted unless the UAE authority confirms otherwise in writing, and talk to your doctor about alternatives well before you move. Verify Controlled medicines need prior approval through the personal medicine import permit service, which moved from the Ministry of Health and Prevention to the Emirates Drug Establishment on 29 December 2025, or must be declared on arrival with a prescription and medical report. Products that are legal in many US states, such as CBD, THC gummies and delta-8, are illegal in the UAE. This is not medical advice and the lists change.
For the full picture see our UAE Healthcare Guide.
Can usually drive a rental car on a valid US licence, though some rental firms also ask for an International Driving Permit. Verify
Must hold a UAE licence. The United States is on the list of countries whose licences Dubai's RTA exchanges without lessons or a road test, and Abu Dhabi Police's approved list includes the United States too.
The RTA lists Texas separately from the rest of the United States. Texas licence holders should check the specific RTA condition before applying. Verify
File opening, licence issue, eye test and small fees typically total around AED 1,000 (about $270).
What you need in Dubai: Emirates ID, your original valid US licence (a full licence, not a learner's permit) and an eye test at an RTA-approved optician. Keep your US licence alive: renewal rules for residents abroad differ by state, so check before it expires.
Rules: you already drive on the right, but the UAE has zero tolerance on alcohol, heavy fines for phone use and speeding, speed cameras almost everywhere, and automatic tolls through Salik in Dubai and Darb in Abu Dhabi. Road rage, including rude gestures, can be a criminal offence.
Full details, costs and a licence exchange checker are in our UAE Driving and Vehicle Guide.
Bedding, clothes for an indoor-and-outdoor climate, children's familiar things, good-quality furniture you love, documents and photographs.
The UAE runs on 230V and 50Hz. Laptops, phone chargers and many TVs say "100 to 240V" and only need a plug adapter. Hair dryers, kitchen appliances and anything 120V-only need a transformer or should stay behind. Clocks and motors designed for 60Hz can run slow.
Large US appliances such as fridges and washers, very large furniture, and anything cheaper to replace than to ship.
Passports, original certificates, medicines with prescriptions and any approvals, jewellery and valuables. Never pack firearms, ammunition, cannabis or CBD products of any kind, or anything that could be seen as offensive material.
Choose a mover with FIDI-FAIM or equivalent accreditation and get a written, survey-based quote. Sea freight from US East Coast ports to Jebel Ali typically takes several weeks port to port, longer from the West Coast, and around 8 to 12 weeks door to door. Air freight is much faster and much more expensive.
Used household goods and personal effects generally do not need a formal US export filing; vehicles do, and the title must be presented to US Customs and Border Protection before export.
US cars are left-hand drive, which suits UAE roads. The UAE charges 5% duty on the car's assessed value, and registration needs inspection and compliance checks. US-specification cars may not have the cooling capacity of Gulf-specification models. Bringing a UAE-bought car back to the US later is difficult unless it meets US safety and emissions standards. Most Americans sell in the US and buy locally. If you buy a used car in the UAE, check its history carefully: some imported US cars have salvage or flood histories.
See our Moving & Logistics Guide for choosing a mover and planning the shipment.
The CDC lists the United Arab Emirates as a high-risk country for dog rabies. A US-vaccinated dog returning from the UAE needs a Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination form, completed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian, plus a CDC Dog Import Form receipt.
The certification form must be completed before your dog leaves the United States and cannot be issued afterwards.
With it, your dog can return through any US port of entry listed on the import form. Without it, the dog is treated as foreign-vaccinated, which means a titer test at a CDC-approved laboratory, arrival only at airports with a CDC-registered animal care facility, and extra cost. Dogs must be at least six months old and microchipped to enter the US.
Cats are not covered by the CDC dog rules, but airlines and some states set their own requirements. Most families use a specialist pet relocation company for the US export and a Dubai or Abu Dhabi agent for clearance.
See our UAE Pet Relocation Guide.
The UAE is welcoming and cosmopolitan, and Americans are a long-established community. But some rules differ sharply from the US. The State Department's UAE country information is the best single US government summary. The points below are a non-exhaustive summary, not legal advice. If you are unsure whether something is permitted, ask a UAE-licensed lawyer.
Non-Muslims aged 21 and over can drink in licensed venues and at home. Drinking or being drunk in public are offences. Sharjah does not permit alcohol.
Zero tolerance.
Zero tolerance, including traces found in blood or urine that may have come from use abroad. Cannabis and CBD products that are legal in many US states are illegal in the UAE.
Do not bring firearms, ammunition or weapon parts.
Posting insulting or defamatory content, criticising the state or its leaders, spreading rumours, or photographing or filming people without consent can be criminal offences. Sharing images of security incidents or military sites can also be an offence.
Including online and in traffic, can lead to fines or worse.
Unmarried couples living together was decriminalised in 2020.
Be discreet about eating and drinking in public during daylight hours, dress more conservatively and expect shorter working hours.
Beachwear is fine on the beach and at the pool, not in malls or public areas.
Using a VPN is not illegal in itself, but using one to commit an offence or access blocked services can be.
Temperatures are in Celsius, distances in kilometers, dates are written day first, and tipping is lighter than in the US: 10% to 15% in restaurants where no service charge is added is common.
US Embassy Abu Dhabi covers Abu Dhabi; US Consulate General Dubai covers Dubai and the Northern Emirates. Request services through the U.S. Citizen Services Navigator on the Mission website.
Emergency numbers: Embassy +971 2 414 2200, Consulate +971 4 309 4000; State Department from abroad +1 202 501 4444.
You can vote absentee in federal elections from your last US state of residence by sending a Federal Post Card Application each year, through FVAP.gov. Under federal law, voting absentee in federal elections cannot by itself be used to decide your state tax residence.
The American Chambers of Commerce in Dubai and Abu Dhabi run professional and social events, and school communities, sports clubs and neighborhood groups are where most newcomers find their people. See our Expat Networking guide and UAE Culture and Customs Guide.
A practical sequence for the six months before you fly and the three months after.
Our Before You Arrive Checklist and First 30 Days Guide cover the UAE side step by step.
The questions Americans ask us most, answered directly.
The full guide, branded and formatted to read on a phone or print on A4. Same content as this page, verified 1 November 2026 — useful on the plane, in the tax appointment, or when you are comparing schools and homes without a signal.
Downloaded copies are not updated. Always check the online version and its "last verified" date before you act.
We also reviewed publicly available guides from US expat tax firms, removals companies, pet transport firms, authentication agents and business setup companies. We treated them as leads, not sources, and checked their claims against the primary sources above. Several made claims we found to be out of date, including a 2026 FEIE figure of $130,000 and pet rules that predate the CDC's 2024 and 2025 changes. Where published sources disagree, we say so in the text.
Written and verified by the Relocate2UAE editorial team. Last verified 1 November 2026. Next review 1 February 2027, or sooner if the State Department advisory for the UAE changes. If you spot something out of date, tell us at info@relocate2uae.com and we will check it.
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