Last Updated: Feb 2026

South Korea Visa vs UAE (Dubai)

Side-by-side comparison of tax rules, income requirements, and visa difficulty.

CriteriaSouth KoreaUAE (Dubai)
Income$5,500/mo$3,500/mo
Savings OptionN/AN/A
Visa Fee$60$611
Processing2 weeks1 week
Validity1 year (renewable)1 year
Cost TierHighHigh
Nomad Cost (est.)~$3,100/mo~$4,500/mo
1BR Rent~$900~$2100
Internet280 Mbps180 Mbps
Pet Friendliness4/104/10
Tax trigger183 days183 days
Insurance requiredYesYes
Pet Catch (2026)Strict quarantine unless you have a rabies titer test from an approved lab.Very hot, so pets must stay indoors 8 months of the year.

Travel Insurance Required

South Korea deep-diveUAE (Dubai) deep-dive