Thailand Visa vs UAE (Dubai)
Side-by-side comparison of tax rules, income requirements, and visa difficulty.
| Criteria | Thailand | UAE (Dubai) |
|---|---|---|
| Income | $0 (Remote) | $3,500/mo |
| Savings Option | $14,500 (500k THB) in bank balance | N/A |
| Visa Fee | $300 | $611 |
| Processing | 5-10 days | 1 week |
| Validity | 5 years (multi-entry) | 1 year |
| Cost Tier | Low | High |
| Nomad Cost (est.) | ~$1,600/mo | ~$4,500/mo |
| 1BR Rent | ~$650 | ~$2100 |
| Internet | 200 Mbps | 180 Mbps |
| Pet Friendliness | 5/10 | 4/10 |
| Tax trigger | 180 days | 183 days |
| Insurance required | No | Yes |
| Pet Catch (2026) | Thailand requires an import permit and a 30-day 'home quarantine' for most pets. | Very hot, so pets must stay indoors 8 months of the year. |