“The only things certain in life are death and taxes” is a well-known quote attributed to Benjamin Franklin, one of the United States’ founding fathers. Personal income tax is what the governments collect on the earnings made by individuals. But some countries do not impose taxes on the earnings of their citizens and immigrants working there.
No income tax on your salary? Yes, you read it right. You are allowed to keep 100% of your salary, without avoiding by using rebates or deductions or evading taxes.
For those planning to work abroad, these salary havens stand out for one simple reason: your paycheque isn’t cut by tax. Only a few countries in the world allow individuals to work and receive a completely tax-free salary, as they have a zero income tax rate.
In a world where income taxes feel inevitable, they are not, at least in these 8 countries.
United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait are some of those nations with zero personal income tax.
The Bahamas, Monaco, Saint Kitts and Nevis are some other countries that do not tax their individual’s personal income.
United Arab Emirates
The UAE does not levy income tax on individuals. However, it levies 5 per cent value added tax on the purchase of goods and services, levied at each stage of the supply chain and ultimately borne by the end consumer. The UAE also levies excise tax on specific goods that are harmful to health, and corporate tax on the net income or profit of corporations and other entities from their business.
The UAE does not impose income tax on individuals, investors, or corporates, except oil companies and branches of foreign banks. As a country with a free economy model since its inception, it allows individuals and investors to freely repatriate their profits in entirety.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) comprises seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah. Abu Dhabi is the capital and largest emirate, while Dubai is recognized as a global business hub.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia does not impose individual income tax on earnings derived solely from employment. Non-employment income is taxed at the entity level, and non-resident individuals without a permanent establishment in the country face taxation according to withholding tax regulations, according to PwC. Saudi Arabia offers a Premium Residency Visa to foreign investors, entrepreneurs, and real estate owners.
Kuwait
The income earned by individuals is currently not subject to income tax, provided that the individual is not a nominee of a foreign company as a shareholder in a local company. Therefore, income earned by employees is not taxable in Kuwait, according to KMPG.
Oman
Oman, currently does not levy any personal income tax. However, in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, Oman will soon become the first country to levy a personal income tax.
Oman’s Personal Income Tax Law will come into effect on January 1, 2028. The law introduces a 5% income tax on individuals whose annual gross income exceeds OMR 42,000 (approximately USD 109,200). Gross income would include receipts in cash and kind, according to KMPG. With one of the highest exemption thresholds and lowest rates globally, it is expected that 99 percent of the population will be unaffected, according to the Oman Tax Authority.
Qatar
Qatar is one of the least taxable countries in the world; there is no tax on personal income in Qatar. Businesses receive an annual fixed tax rate of 10 per cent of the company’s total income. Capital gains arising from the sale of real estate and securities derived by an individual are exempt from tax, provided the asset is not part of a taxable activity i.e., trade. Tax exemptions apply to dividends and other income from shares, and income tax on foreign capital for a period not exceeding 10 years from the date of operation of an investment project.