Pakistani Investor

UAEInvestmentGuide

Zero-tax investing, Golden Visa, and Islamic finance options in the UAE

Investment Pathway

1

Earn in UAE

0% income tax, high savings rate

2

Transfer via RDA

Roshan Digital Account direct

3

Invest in RDA deposits

NPCs + mutual funds + equity

4

Expected 13-16%

PKR returns, tax-optimized

Investment Platforms

Sarwa

robo-advisor

Fees: 0.5% annual management fee (Sarwa Invest), 0% on Sarwa Trade

Min: USD 500

Expats wanting automated, diversified portfolios with Islamic options

Sharia-compliant portfolio option (Sarwa Halal)Automated rebalancing with modern portfolio theoryFractional US stock trading (Sarwa Trade)Islamic

Interactive Brokers

broker

Fees: $1 per US stock trade, tiered pricing for high volume

Min: USD 0

Active traders and experienced investors needing global access

Access to 150+ global exchangesIslamic account available (no interest on cash)Professional-grade trading platform (TWS)Islamic

eToro

broker

Fees: 0% commission on stocks, 1% on crypto, $5 withdrawal fee

Min: USD 200

Beginners who want social trading and a simple mobile experience

Islamic account (swap-free) availableSocial trading — copy successful investorsCommission-free stock tradingIslamic

Tax Overview

CategoryRateNotes
Personal Income Tax0%One of the primary attractions for expatriates. No tax filing required for personal income.
Capital Gains Tax0%Gains from selling UAE property, global stocks, or other investments are completely tax-free for individuals.
Corporate Tax9% (above AED 375,000 taxable income)Relevant if you operate a business or freelance. Personal investment income remains outside corporate tax scope for most individuals.
VAT5%Among the lowest VAT rates globally. Financial services are generally exempt from VAT.
Withholding Tax0%This makes UAE an efficient jurisdiction for receiving global investment income. No tax treaty with Pakistan currently in force.

Mortgage Guide

Typical Rate

3.5% – 5.0% (variable rates common, some fixed for 1-5 years)

LTV

75% for expats (first property), 80% for UAE nationals

Foreigner Eligible

Yes

Islamic Options

Available

Requirements

  • Valid UAE residence visa
  • Minimum salary of AED 15,000/month (varies by bank)
  • 6 months bank statements showing salary credits
  • Minimum 25% down payment for expats (20% for nationals)
  • Property must be in a freehold area (for non-GCC nationals)
  • Maximum age at loan maturity: 65 years (employed) or 70 years (self-employed)
  • Debt burden ratio must not exceed 50% of gross income

Tips

  • Islamic mortgage options (Murabaha, Ijara, Diminishing Musharaka) widely available from ADIB, DIB, EIH, and others
  • Compare rates between conventional and Islamic options — Islamic rates are often competitive
  • Factor in Dubai Land Department fee (4%) + agent commission (2%) + bank processing fee (1%)
  • Off-plan properties have different mortgage rules — check developer payment plan vs. bank mortgage
  • Consider rate-lock options during application period to protect against EIBOR increases
  • Golden Visa (10-year) holders may get preferential mortgage terms from some banks

Gold Investing

UAE has no tax on physical gold purchases or profits from gold trading. VAT of 5% applies to new gold jewelry and gold bars at first sale. Investment-grade gold (99.5%+ purity bars and coins) purchased from Dubai Gold Souk or authorized dealers. Dubai is a global gold trading hub with competitive premiums.

0

Credit Cards

Mashreq Cashback Card

Newcomer

Mashreq Bank

Annual Fee: Free
Cashback: 5%
FX Fee: 2.75%

Highest cashback rates for everyday spending in UAE

FAB Cashback Credit Card

Newcomer

First Abu Dhabi Bank

Annual Fee: Free
Cashback: 3%
FX Fee: 2.5%

Reliable cashback from UAE's largest bank

Emirates NBD GO4IT Platinum

Emirates NBD

Annual Fee: AED 315
FX Fee: 2.5%

Rewards points with Emirates Skywards miles conversion

Liv. Metal Card

Newcomer

Emirates NBD (Liv.)

Annual Fee: Free
Cashback: 1%
FX Fee: 2.75%

Digital-first banking for young professionals

Investing Back in Pakistan

Roshan Digital Account (RDA)

Flagship SBP program for overseas Pakistanis. Open PKR/USD/AED accounts in Pakistani banks from UAE. Invest in Naya Pakistan Certificates, government T-bills, mutual funds, and equity.

All UAE-based Pakistanis seeking repatriable investmentsTax-exempt returns, full repatriation guaranteed by SBP, AED deposit option available

Naya Pakistan Certificates (NPC)

Sovereign-guaranteed savings certificates in conventional and Islamic variants. Available in USD and PKR through RDA with tenors from 3 months to 5 years.

Conservative investors wanting guaranteed returnsHigh yields (up to 7% USD, 15% PKR) with sovereign guarantee and full tax exemption

Emirates NBD Direct Remit to Pakistan

Instant remittance service from Emirates NBD to major Pakistani banks. Competitive exchange rates with zero transfer fees on select corridors. Links with RDA for investment transfers.

UAE-based Pakistanis sending regular remittancesInstant transfers, competitive FX rates, and compliance with Pakistan Remittance Initiative (PRI) for incentives

Pakistan Real Estate via RDA

Purchase residential and commercial property in Pakistan using RDA funds. Full repatriation of sale proceeds and rental income. Popular for plots in DHA, Bahria Town, and city centers.

Long-term investors planning eventual return or rental incomeTax benefits under RDA scheme, rental yields 5-8%, property values appreciate against PKR depreciation
→ RDA Bank Comparison→ NPC Calculator