Portugal Visa vs UAE (Dubai)
Side-by-side comparison of tax rules, income requirements, and visa difficulty.
| Criteria | Portugal | UAE (Dubai) |
|---|---|---|
| Income | $4,050/mo | $3,500/mo |
| Savings Option | €36,800 in a Portuguese account | N/A |
| Visa Fee | $190 | $611 |
| Processing | 3-5 months | 1 week |
| Validity | 2 years (renewable) | 1 year |
| Cost Tier | Medium-High | High |
| Nomad Cost (est.) | ~$3,200/mo | ~$4,500/mo |
| 1BR Rent | ~$1400 | ~$2100 |
| Internet | 160 Mbps | 180 Mbps |
| Pet Friendliness | 9/10 | 4/10 |
| Tax trigger | 183 days | 183 days |
| Insurance required | Yes | Yes |
| Pet Catch (2026) | Portugal is incredibly pet-friendly; dogs are allowed on most outdoor restaurant patios and trains. | Very hot, so pets must stay indoors 8 months of the year. |