15 years on, why this NRI couple made Dubai a permanent home

Tax-free income gives the Singhs greater control over finances to build wealth faster and enjoy a better lifestyle

- Shipra Singh

Dubai's appeal for Indians goes beyond its glamour, skyline or weather. It lies in a simple math of keeping what you earn—no personal income tax and minimal salary deductions. For Sushmeet Singh, who moved to Dubai in 2008 for an MBA with plans to return to India in two years, that one factor changed everything. He stayed on, making Dubai home for himself, his wife Amrita Arora, and their minor son.

"Dubai's tax-free status is one of the biggest financial advantages of living here. A tax-free income is not a lifestyle benefit, rather a compounding advantage," said Singh, sales director with a global technology company.

That said, the government doesn't subsidize education or healthcare— two of the costliest essential expenses in Dubai—so residents must plan for these outflows themselves. Also, lifestyle costs tend to be higher compared to India. But Singh is not complaining. "While Dubai is undoubtedly more expensive, the infrastructure, safety and the everyday comfort justify the higher cost of living," he said. "The city caters to every lifestyle. I'm into fitness, and the running infrastructure here is world-class. If someone prefers nightlife, beach culture or culinary experiences, those ecosystems exist with the same level of quality and safety." Singh shared his experience of living in Dubai as part of a Mint series on Indian expats.

Career opportunities

In the early years, Singh's residency depended on an employersponsored visa. He now holds a 10-year Golden Visa, which allows residency without a local sponsor. "My wife and son are my dependents on the Golden Visa," he said.

Arora, once in fashion buying and merchandising, is now an entrepreneur. "She runs a bakery, and getting a cloud kitchen space and licence was easy and flexible," Singh said. The setup costs about AED 20,000 a year. "It was a small pivot after our son was born, but entrepreneurship makes more sense here than in most places."