Leave Australia Tax Behind, Relocate to Dubai with GenZone

Australia taxes residents on worldwide income, so the key is breaking Australian tax residency with the ATO. Unlike the UK's Statutory Residence Test, Australia uses a facts-and-circumstances residency test that looks at your physical presence, domicile, and ongoing ties to Australia.

Once you are genuinely non-Australian tax resident and have established UAE tax residency, a qualifying Dubai Free Zone company offers 0% personal income tax, 0% corporate tax on eligible income, and 0% capital gains tax - all fully legal. We strongly recommend working with a qualified Australian tax adviser for your exit. GenZone handles the UAE side; your adviser handles the ATO exit.

Australia uses a multi-factor residency test rather than a simple day-count rule. The ATO considers your physical presence in Australia, your intentions, your domicile, your family and social ties, your property, and your business connections. This makes Australian tax exit more nuanced than in many other countries.

Getting this wrong means you remain liable for Australian tax on your worldwide income even while living in Dubai. A qualified Australian tax adviser is essential to document a clean, defensible exit. We walk you through the UAE requirements on your free relocation call.

Yes - this is one of the most important considerations for Australians relocating. When you cease to be an Australian tax resident, the ATO treats certain assets as having been sold on the day you leave - this is known as the deemed disposal or CGT departure rule. Tax may be triggered on unrealised gains on shares, investments, and other assets at that point.

There are elections available to defer this liability in some cases. Your Australian tax adviser needs to assess your asset position before you leave. GenZone coordinates the timing of your UAE setup around your planned departure date to ensure everything aligns correctly.

You have several options depending on your business model:

• Place the Australian company into dormancy while you establish your Dubai structure
• Wind up the Australian company - this can be done tax-efficiently if structured correctly before departure
• Continue operating the Australian entity for Australian-based clients while running your primary business through Dubai

GenZone advises on the right approach and coordinates the exit strategy alongside your Australian tax adviser as part of our full relocation service.

Superannuation remains in Australia and cannot be accessed simply because you have moved overseas. As a non-resident, you cannot continue making tax-deductible contributions and the tax treatment of your super fund may change.

In some circumstances, former temporary residents may be able to access super early as a Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP). For Australian citizens and permanent residents, super remains preserved until preservation age regardless of where you live. This is an area where specialist Australian financial advice is essential before and after your departure.

The Dubai company setup takes 7-10 business days. The full relocation - including Australian exit strategy, residency consulting, and banking - typically follows an 8-week roadmap:

• Weeks 1-2: Strategy, documentation, company structure, and ATO exit planning
• Weeks 3-4: Dubai company formation and office arrangement
• Weeks 5-6: Banking, UAE tax residency, and asset structuring
• Weeks 7-8: Australian company exit, superannuation review, and ongoing compliance setup

Yes. Once your UAE residency is in place, you can include your spouse and dependent children in the relocation. GenZone guides the full family residency consulting process as part of our premium package.

For Australian couples, it is worth considering both partners' ATO residency positions - particularly around the CGT departure rules - to ensure a clean, fully documented exit for the whole household.

The UAE Golden Visa is a 10-year renewable residency pathway that does not require a company or employer as a sponsor. It provides greater long-term stability and is popular with Australian entrepreneurs, investors, and high earners looking for a permanent UAE base.

Qualification routes include property investment, business ownership, and specific professional categories. GenZone assesses your eligibility and supports the Golden Visa pathway as part of our premium relocation package.

GenZone's all-inclusive relocation packages - covering company setup, residency consulting, and banking support - typically start from around $8,500 USD. The full cost depends on your chosen free zone, number of dependants, and whether you opt for the Golden Visa pathway.

We provide a complete cost breakdown on your free relocation call, including all UAE government fees and annual renewal costs. No hidden charges.

Relocation does not end on arrival day. GenZone provides ongoing support including:

• Annual business license renewals
• Residency renewal consulting
• Ongoing UAE tax compliance guidance
• Additional banking assistance as your business grows
• Asset structuring and expansion advisory

Many of our clients have been with us for years. We are built for the long term, not just the first transaction.