South Africa Visa vs UAE (Dubai)
Side-by-side comparison of tax rules, income requirements, and visa difficulty.
| Criteria | South Africa | UAE (Dubai) |
|---|---|---|
| Income | $3,200/mo | $3,500/mo |
| Savings Option | N/A | N/A |
| Visa Fee | $150 | $611 |
| Processing | 4-8 weeks | 1 week |
| Validity | 3 years | 1 year |
| Cost Tier | Medium | High |
| Nomad Cost (est.) | ~$2,100/mo | ~$4,500/mo |
| 1BR Rent | ~$850 | ~$2100 |
| Internet | 55 Mbps | 180 Mbps |
| Pet Friendliness | 7/10 | 4/10 |
| Tax trigger | 183 days | 183 days |
| Insurance required | Yes | Yes |
| Pet Catch (2026) | Requires an import permit and a rabies titer test. | Very hot, so pets must stay indoors 8 months of the year. |