Sovereign

Relocation Playbook

Move from London to Dubai

Partners moving from London to Dubai pocket UK PAYE + NI leakage while keeping GBP retainers. We quantify the delta across tax, cost of living, and monthly cash flow so you can ship an evidence-backed relocation memo.

London Net Pay

£96,045

Effective rate 44.0% • marginal 55.0%

Dubai Net Pay

AED 807,400

Effective rate 0.0% • marginal 0.0%

Annual delta

+$96,865.38

After tax & social costs on $220,000 package

Tax structure breakdown

  • Immediate removal of UK 45% top rate
  • Corporate tax optional for service entities
  • Family offices redomicile with zero inheritance tax

Cost of living shift

Cost of living

56

Cost of living

55

Rent index

56

Rent index

72

Differences in rent and COL mean the tax delta compounds into lifestyle gains.

Relocation timeline

  1. Week 0-4: Finalize offer structure, trigger exit tax planning in London, and launch visa applications for Dubai.
  2. Week 4-10: Relocate, lease housing, and obtain tax residency certificates (TRC/Tax Domicile). Update payroll & equity grant paperwork.
  3. Week 10+: Rebuild allowances and cash management to exploit Dubai benefits (housing stipends, CPF/GOSI options, corporate structures).