Why so many Italians are choosing Dubai now
Starting fresh in Dubai is a smart move for ambitious Italians seeking lower taxes, faster growth, and an international lifestyle. This guide is for entrepreneurs, professionals, and families comparing Italy’s incentives with Dubai’s zero income tax and streamlined setup. You will learn how the market trends support your move, what it takes to relocate, and how ARK simplifies every step.
Zero income tax. Full ownership. Global access.
With ARK by your side, relocation is structured, predictable, and compliant from day one.
The business and lifestyle case - plain and simple
Dubai is leading global wealth migration, with the UAE projected to gain nearly 9,800 millionaires in 2025 as part of the largest international relocation wave on record. Italy also attracts wealth with its flat tax program and expects around 3,600 incoming millionaires in the same period. The contrast is clear: Dubai’s enduring appeal is built on zero personal income tax, political stability, and world-class infrastructure.
The Italy-UAE economic bridge is already strong. Non-oil trade reached roughly €14 billion in 2024, growing almost 20 percent year on year. Italian exports to the UAE and rising cross-border investments create a two-way highway for entrepreneurs who want continuity of suppliers, clients, and capital. If you work in finance or manage family wealth, Dubai’s DIFC - the Dubai International Financial Centre - now hosts a fast-growing ecosystem of family offices, foundations, and hedge funds, making it a sophisticated hub for structuring and growth.
Across Europe, wealth is on the move. The UK alone is seeing tens of thousands of millionaires depart for tax-friendly destinations like Dubai and Milan, shifting significant assets in the process. Analysts expect global millionaire migration to accelerate further by 2026. Acting early helps you lock in advantages, secure prime visas, and position your business ahead of the curve.
Quick comparison: Italy vs Dubai
| Factor | Italy | Dubai |
|---|---|---|
| Personal income tax | Progressive up to ~43% | 0% |
| Special regimes | Flat tax €200k - rising to €300k | No equivalent fee - tax free |
| Estate duties | Generally low but applicable | None |
| Business setup speed | Weeks to months | Often days to weeks |
| Finance hub | Milan growing | DIFC with rapid family office growth |
For many Italians, Italy’s flat tax has been attractive, with several thousand applicants since launch. Yet rising fees and ongoing domestic tax exposure make Dubai’s zero-tax model more cost-effective over the long term, especially for entrepreneurs reinvesting profits and families planning intergenerational wealth.
How ARK makes your move smooth
At ARK in Dubai, we help you choose the right structure, secure the right visas, and stay compliant without slowing down your life or business. We advise on free zone or mainland company formation, banking introductions, lease and utility setup, family and domestic staff visas, and ongoing compliance like accounting and renewals. Our team coordinates timelines and documentation so you can make confident decisions and relocate at your pace.
Practical guidance. Clear timelines. No surprises.
Your next steps
- Clarify your goals - business growth, tax efficiency, lifestyle, or all three.
- Book a consultation with ARK to assess structure, budget, and timelines.
- Choose your legal route - free zone or mainland - based on activity and market access.
- Prepare documents - passports, proof of address, business plan, and any licences.
- Incorporate your company and apply for establishment card and visas.
- Open a bank account with ARK’s introductions and prepare initial compliance.
- Secure housing, school options, and health insurance for your family.
- Move, activate utilities, and start operations with ARK’s ongoing support.
Good to know before you land
Dubai offers a safe, cosmopolitan environment with excellent healthcare, international schools, and a convenient time zone that bridges Europe, Asia, and Africa. Temperatures are warm year round, with peak heat in summer and pleasant winters ideal for outdoor living. Rent and schooling vary by area, with family-friendly communities near top schools and business districts. Driving is common, but the metro connects major hubs. With zero income tax, no estate duties, and straightforward company formation, your cost of living can be offset by higher net income and faster go-to-market. Most processes are digital, and approvals can be quick when documents are complete. ARK coordinates each step so your arrival feels seamless.
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