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Time of India
26-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Qatar: What makes Doha one of the most tax-friendly cities on earth
Doha named 5th most tax-friendly city in the world in 2025/Image: Shutterstock TL;DR: Doha ranks 5th globally in the 2025 Tax-Friendly Cities Index by Multipolitan , ahead of Zurich, Hong Kong, and London Seven GCC cities, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Manama, Doha, Kuwait City, Riyadh, and Muscat made it to the top 20 Qatar's tax regime includes zero personal income tax , low corporate rates, and a strong treaty network As of July 2025, Doha is rapidly emerging as a preferred base for professionals and businesses seeking legal clarity and wealth security In a significant boost to Qatar's economic standing, Doha has been ranked the fifth most tax-friendly city in the world by the inaugural Multipolitan Tax-Friendly Cities Index 2025. Released this month, the report assessed 164 cities based on tax policies, legal governance, and international treaty strength. Doha's placement ahead of renowned global financial hubs like Zurich, Hong Kong, and London highlights a broader shift toward Gulf cities as secure, zero-tax wealth havens, with seven GCC cities entering the global top 20. This recognition places Doha at the heart of the Middle East's evolving financial narrative, where tax neutrality meets long-term economic planning. For mobile professionals, entrepreneurs, and high-net-worth individuals navigating rising global tax burdens, Doha now offers a uniquely stable and legally clear base for wealth preservation. How the Index Was Built The Tax-Friendly Cities Index, launched in 2025 by global mobility consultancy Multipolitan, evaluates cities across the weighted criterias such as: Personal tax burden Corporate tax policies Tax transparency and legal clarity Bilateral tax treaties Investment governance Each city was assigned a composite score based on these indicators. Doha scored 611.9, placing it 5th globally, just behind Manama (4th) and ahead of Kuwait City (8th) and Riyadh (12th). Abu Dhabi and Dubai claimed the top two spots. The high rankings of Gulf cities underscore a growing alignment between strategic national visions (like Qatar National Vision 2030) and investor-friendly reforms. What Makes Doha a T ax Winner? No Personal Income Tax Qatar's long-standing zero-tax policy on personal income, wages, bonuses, inheritance, and capital gains continues to be a foundational attraction. This tax neutrality applies to both nationals and expatriates, eliminating administrative complexities and enabling full income retention for residents. Competitive Corporate Tax Landscape For foreign-owned businesses operating outside free zones, Qatar enforces a flat 10% corporate income tax. Sectors like oil and gas remain subject to a higher rate of 35%, as defined in specific contracts. Crucially, local and GCC-owned businesses can be exempt under certain regulatory conditions. In alignment with OECD's Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) Pillar Two framework, Qatar is also preparing to implement a 15% global minimum corporate tax for large multinationals starting in January 2025. This puts it in step with global reform while maintaining regional competitiveness. Expansive Treaty Network Qatar has signed more than 80 double taxation agreements, significantly reducing exposure for foreign investors. This includes treaties with countries such as India, the UK, France, and Singapore. These agreements ensure residents and companies avoid being taxed twice on the same income, enhancing Doha's appeal for international wealth holders. Robust Legal Governance Doha's legal frameworks offer transparency and investor protection. The Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) and Doha International Court and Dispute Resolution Centre provide international legal standards and arbitration systems that increase business confidence. The country's investment laws allow 100% foreign ownership in most sectors, especially in free zones and knowledge-based industries. The Bigger Picture: Why Doha's Rise Matters Doha's inclusion in the top five reflects more than just tax policy. It signals a fundamental transformation in how the world's wealthy view Gulf urban centres, not just as oil capitals, but as long-term, stable homes for business and investment. Driven by Qatar National Vision 2030, the city has invested heavily in infrastructure, clean energy, financial regulation, and education. From Hamad International Airport's expansion to new tech and media zones, these projects are transforming Doha into a magnet for mobile professionals and digital-first enterprises. Moreover, with global tax reform tightening in the West and economic uncertainty rising in Europe and Asia, cities like Doha offer clarity, simplicity, and fiscal neutrality, which are increasingly scarce in 2025. As of July 2025, Doha's fifth-place global ranking in tax friendliness reflects a deliberate national strategy to position itself as a regional financial hub and secure base for international wealth. While the lack of personal income tax is a major attraction, it's Doha's legal robustness, treaty protections, and forward-facing investment climate that truly differentiate it. With multinationals preparing for the global minimum tax and individuals seeking safe harbours for earnings and capital, Doha offers an exceptional value proposition: zero taxes, high governance, and access to a thriving GCC economy. About Multipolitan : Multipolitan is the world's first and only product-driven global migration platform that simplifies international travel, relocation, business setup, and asset management for borderless enthusiasts. Launched in 2024, Multipolitan was co-founded by Nirbhay Handa, a former Group Head at Henley & Partners, and Lee Smith, co-founder, who previously founded payment unicorn Paidy, which was acquired by PayPal for US$2.7 billion.
Al Etihad
24-07-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi named world's most tax-friendly city as UAE gains favour with the wealthy
25 July 2025 00:53 ISIDORA CIRIC (ABU DHABI)Abu Dhabi has been ranked the most tax-friendly city in the world in a new report by Multipolitan, with Dubai following close behind in second place. The UAE's twin financial centres outperformed traditional financial hubs like Singapore due to their low effective tax exposure, treaty coverage and strong governance frameworks, strengthening the country's status as a preferred destination for cross-border index, published in Multipolitan's 'Wealth Report 2025 – The Taxed Generation', ranks cities located within the world's 20 most tax-efficient countries. It combines three weighted metrics — tax rates across five key categories, double taxation treaty coverage, and regulatory quality based on World Bank were included only if they met thresholds for macroeconomic and political stability, narrowing the original pool of 164 Dhabi led with a score of 637.1, just ahead of Dubai's 635.1. While both benefit from the UAE's zero personal income tax regime, the capital edged out its neighbour due to slightly lower property-related fees — transfer and municipality charges that are often seen as proxy taxes in jurisdictions without formal report's authors said their approach focused on 'real-world outcomes' rather than political rhetoric, measuring where wealth 'faces the fewest frictions'. In practice, that meant evaluating five tax categories (personal, corporate, inheritance, wealth, and capital gains), before layering in treaty networks and regulatory stability. The UAE's broad Double Taxation Avoidance Treaty network helped lift both cities on the index's second metric, while high scores on the World Bank's Regulatory Quality indicator added an extra boost to their leadership.'Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi perform strongly across all three metrics, with Abu Dhabi and Dubai retaining the top position when combining tax environment an governance considerations,' the report said. 'When factoring in double taxation avoidance as an indicator of tax system accessibility, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha, and Kuwait City emerge as top performers.'While the UAE's tax regime has evolved in recent years — introducing a federal corporate tax in 2023 and a 15% minimum tax for large multinationals beginning in 2025 — it has maintained a favourable overall environment for individuals. Qualifying Free Zone entities can still access 0% corporate tax rates, and reforms around audit standards, beneficial ownership disclosures, and FATCA/CRS compliance have been designed to bring the system closer to international norms without alienating mobile Multipolitan rankings are the latest in a string of research highlighting the UAE's draw for high-net-worth individuals. In April, Savills ranked Dubai and Abu Dhabi as the top two cities worldwide for wealthy individuals to live and work, citing lifestyle, governance, climate, and safety alongside tax factors. The report found that more than 6,700 ultra-wealthy individuals relocated to the UAE last year, many from higher-tax jurisdictions like the UK, where marginal rates can reach 45%.Then in June, the Henley Private Wealth Migration Report projected the UAE would attract 9,800 new millionaires in 2025 — more than any other country. The value of capital associated with these moves is estimated at $63 billion, with the UAE recording a 98% growth in its millionaire population over the past report also looked at longer-term trends through two other metrics — the Wealth Preservation Cities Index 2015-2025 and the Smart & Sustainable Cities Index — with both UAE cities making the top the Wealth Preservation Cities Index, Abu Dhabi ranked 22nd and Dubai 24th on this list, marking the only Gulf entries in a group otherwise dominated by Western cities. The methodology here focused on inflation, currency stability, earnings, asset growth, and governance, before evaluating urban hubs on indicators such as property values and quality of Smart & Sustainable Cities Index, meanwhile, ranked Abu Dhabi in 23rd and Dubai close behind at 25th. The index examines long-term potential for preserving wealth through digital readiness, climate resilience, and political stability. The report places the UAE's performance within a broader trend of the Gulf region's coordinated drive to attract mobile capital. Seven cities from the region landed in the global top 20, including Manama (4th), Doha (5th), Kuwait City (8th), Riyadh (12th) and Muscat (17th).
ILoveQatar.net
24-07-2025
- Business
- ILoveQatar.net
Doha ranks 5th on the Tax Friendly Cities Index 2025
Global mobility platform Multipolitan has released its Tax Friendly Cities Index 2025, identifying the top cities that foster favourable tax environments backed by stable governance. The index assesses tax friendliness in 164 countries based on three main metrics: Tax Rate Environment, International Tax Accessibility, and Governance Quality. Tax Friendly Cities Index 2025 GCC cities, including Doha, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Kuwait City, stand out as top performers. Doha ranks 5th with a score of 611.9. According to the General Tax Authority, Qatar does not impose personal income tax on employees' salaries, wages, or allowances. Additionally, inheritance, estates, and net wealth are also not taxed. Most foreign businesses are subject to a flat 10% profit tax, whereas local Qatari-owned companies are often exempt from corporate tax.
Zawya
24-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Doha emerges as 5th most tax-friendly city in world
Doha: Doha has emerged as one of the world's most tax-friendly cities, according to the 2025 Tax-Friendly Cities Index by Multipolitan. Multipolitan is a product-driven global migration platform that streamlines the process of travelling, relocating, setting up businesses and managing assets. This inaugural index, which forms part of Multipolitan's Wealth Report 2025: The Taxed Generation, places Doha as the fifth most tax-friendly city in the world among the top global destinations for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), professionals, and businesses seeking low-tax environments. This ranking highlights Doha's strategic economic initiatives, strong infrastructure, and stable governance, reinforcing its position as a hub for wealth preservation and opportunities in a swiftly changing financial environment. The index is, however, significant not only for the ultra-wealthy but also for professionals and entrepreneurs seeking to safeguard and expand their assets in a secure setting. The Tax Friendly Cities Index 2025 evaluated 164 jurisdictions based on a composite of statutory taxation metrics (personal income tax, capital gains, inheritance, and wealth tax), bilateral tax treaty coverage and governance indicators. Qatar's zero personal income tax, negligible property-related fees, and transparent legal frameworks, which offer certainty for investors and residents, propel Doha's high ranking. Unlike traditional tax havens, Doha combines fiscal advantages with a sophisticated economy and modern infrastructure. In addition to Qatar, three other cities within the GCC—Abu Dhabi (#1), Dubai (#2), and Manama (#4)—are included in the top five rankings. Singapore (#3) also appears on this prestigious list, benefiting from advantageous tax policies and a strong dedication to improving institutional depth and international connectivity. The GCC is home to seven of the top 20 tax-friendly cities, which include Kuwait City (#8), Riyadh (#12), and Muscat (#17). This highlights the region's increasing significance as a vital facilitator of wealth preservation. 'In a world where wealth mobility has become increasingly fluid, taxation remains one of the most powerful levers influencing where high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) choose to live, invest, and preserve their wealth,' said Head of Insights at Multipolitan Gabrielle Reid. 'Recognising this complex and rapidly evolving landscape, Multipolitan has developed the Tax Friendly Cities Index 2025, a data-driven tool that identifies global metropolitan centres fostering favourable tax environments. This index serves as a valuable resource for families, advisors, and institutions navigating the complexities of wealth preservation,' she added. Qatar's economic strength has long positioned it among the world's richest nations. Data from the World Bank and International Monetary Fund highlight Qatar's GDP per capita as one of the highest globally, consistently ranking in the top ten. The Wealth Report 2025 emphasizes Qatar's diversification efforts under the Qatar National Vision 2030, which aims to transition from a hydrocarbon-based economy to a knowledge-driven one. Investments in education, technology, and infrastructure have bolstered Doha's appeal. © Dar Al Sharq Press, Printing and Distribution. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Arabian Post
24-07-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
Abu Dhabi Leads Global Tax Attractiveness Rankings
Abu Dhabi has claimed the top spot among the world's most tax-friendly cities, followed closely by Dubai, highlighting the UAE's ascendancy as a magnet for affluent individuals seeking fiscally efficient jurisdictions with legal and political stability. According to Multipolitan's Wealth Report 2025: The Taxed Generation, the UAE capital outperformed 163 other jurisdictions globally in the newly introduced Tax Friendly Cities Index. Dubai, a longtime competitor in the global wealth migration race, secured second place, reinforcing the Emirates' dual-city advantage in attracting high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and financial service providers. The index evaluated cities based on statutory personal income tax rates, capital gains tax, estate duties, bilateral tax treaty networks, corporate governance transparency, and regulatory environments. Abu Dhabi scored highest due to its zero rate on personal income, minimal real estate transaction charges, and comprehensive fiscal predictability. Dubai's proximity in the rankings reflects similar advantages, with added appeal from its financial free zones and strong expatriate infrastructure. ADVERTISEMENT Multipolitan's analysis shows that the concentration of ultra-wealthy residents in Abu Dhabi and Dubai has intensified amid global policy shifts that have introduced steeper taxes in North America, parts of Europe, and East Asia. The report identifies a growing wave of wealth migration from jurisdictions with rising levies on capital, inheritance, and cross-border income, pushing affluent families and private capital to explore neutral regimes. Abu Dhabi's appeal lies not only in the absence of direct taxes but also in its strategic alignment with investor expectations. The city has steadily built an ecosystem designed to welcome global wealth, including regulatory reforms to ease residency, corporate ownership, and capital flows. The implementation of the long-term Golden Visa programme, broad-based double taxation agreements, and the supportive stance of the Abu Dhabi Global Market have all contributed to the city's emergence as a preferred domicile. Dubai, despite sharing the tax advantages of its federal structure, gains from its international connectivity and lifestyle draw. With well-established districts such as DIFC catering to global finance and innovation, the city benefits from a wide network of professionals, legal experts, and wealth managers tailored to the needs of international investors. Its taxation benefits—such as zero capital gains tax and low property transaction fees—continue to draw entrepreneurs, fund managers, and crypto-asset investors. The Tax Friendly Cities Index's publication comes as global wealth dynamics are undergoing structural shifts. Policy changes in high-tax jurisdictions—including new wealth taxes in Spain, changes to the UK non-dom regime, and the introduction of minimum effective corporate tax frameworks in the EU and G20—have added complexity for private wealth planning. Multipolitan notes that cities offering transparent yet light-touch tax regimes are becoming increasingly valuable to mobile capital. Several other jurisdictions featured in the top tier of the index, including Monaco, Singapore, and Doha, but none matched the combination of zero personal tax, governance indicators, and fiscal predictability offered by Abu Dhabi and Dubai. While some jurisdictions in the Caribbean and Eastern Europe offered comparably low personal taxes, many lacked the treaty coverage, political stability, or professional infrastructure to serve as long-term wealth bases. ADVERTISEMENT The report underlines that what sets the UAE apart is its ability to blend tax efficiency with institutional depth. The presence of sovereign wealth funds, international arbitration centres, and a stable currency pegged to the US dollar were flagged as key confidence markers for international families and their advisers. Regulatory initiatives promoting transparency—such as beneficial ownership registries and adherence to OECD reporting frameworks—have further strengthened confidence without compromising the Emirates' appeal. Despite the introduction of a corporate tax regime for business income in 2023, the UAE has maintained its status as a tax-efficient destination for individuals. Multipolitan's findings suggest that this measured transition, aligned with international commitments, has been received positively by both foreign investors and regulatory watchers, especially as it preserves the zero-income tax structure for individuals. Private wealth experts quoted in the report suggest that the UAE is now positioned as the foremost non-European alternative for family offices disillusioned with traditional centres such as London, Geneva, or Luxembourg. This shift has already triggered activity across real estate, private banking, and wealth advisory sectors in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with multinational firms expanding operations or launching dedicated Gulf platforms.
