Sao Tome and Principe vs United Arab Emirates
Tax Rate Comparison
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💰 Personal Income Tax Calculator
Enter your income to see your estimated annual tax liability in each country — side by side.
Individual Income Tax (Top Marginal Rate)
VAT / GST / Sales Tax
Corporate Tax Rate
Capital Gains Tax
Social Security & Payroll
🇸🇹 Sao Tome and Principe — Sao Tome & Principe Tax System
Sao Tome and Principe is a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with progressive income tax up to 25%. IVA (VAT) is 15%. The economy has long been dominated by cocoa exports and foreign aid. Offshore oil potential (Joint Development Zone with Nigeria) has not yet materialized in significant production. The country joined the EITI (Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative).
🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates — Emirate-Level Fees & Free Zone Benefits
The UAE has no federal income tax on individuals. Emirates impose municipality fees (~5%) on commercial rents and tourism/hotel fees of 10–15%. Free Zones (DIFC, ADGM, Jebel Ali) offer 0–9% corporate rates for qualifying activities. Real estate transfer fees of 4% apply in Dubai. Emiratisation targets are increasing employer costs.
Sao Tome and Principe vs United Arab Emirates: Key Tax Differences (2026)
💰 Income Tax: 🇸🇹 Sao Tome and Principe has a higher top income tax rate (0–25% vs 0%). 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates is more favourable for high earners.
🛒 VAT/Sales Tax: Sao Tome and Principe has a higher consumption tax (15% vs 5%).
🏢 Corporate Tax: 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates offers a lower corporate rate (9% vs 25%), which can influence business location decisions.
📈 Capital Gains: 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates taxes investment gains at a lower rate (0% vs 25%), benefiting investors.