In the last few years, many Belgian investors have started looking beyond Europe for better investment opportunities, and Dubai has quickly become a popular choice. What once seemed like a distant business destination is now seen as a practical and rewarding place to invest. Now in 2026, Dubai continues to attract attention from Belgian individuals and business owners thanks to its strong economy, investor-friendly rules, and long-term growth plans.
From real estate and company formation to financial markets and emerging sectors like technology and sustainability, the city offers diverse opportunities for both individual investors and established Belgian businesses.
What’s making Dubai so attractive in 2026?
- Keep what you earn: With 0% personal income tax and no tax on your investment profits (capital gains), your money simply works harder.
- The “Golden Visa”: Buying property or starting a business can get you a long-term residency visa, giving you and your family a stable second home in the sun.
- High Rental Returns: While a rental property in Ghent or Bruges might give you a modest return, Dubai’s real estate market is still hitting 6% to 9% annual yields in many areas.
- Easy Travel: With great flight connections from Brussels, Dubai is closer than you think—making it easy to manage your investments in person.
If you’re also considering investing in Dubai from Belgium this year, here’s the key opportunities, legal considerations, tax insights, benefits, and step-by-step processes.
Why Belgian Investors Are Choosing Dubai?
More Belgian individuals and businesses are turning to Dubai for investment opportunities that go beyond Europe. Here’s why:
1. Escape from the New 2026 Tax Pressure
As of January 1, 2026, Belgium has introduced new capital gains taxes on financial assets. For many Belgian investors, this was the final straw.
In Dubai, you still enjoy 0% tax on capital gains, personal income, and inheritance. Crucially, Belgium and the UAE have a Double Taxation Treaty. This means that if you structure things correctly, you aren’t taxed twice, and your Dubai real estate income can often be exempted from high Belgian tax rates.
2. Strong Real Estate Returns
If you buy an investment property in Brussels or Antwerp, you might be lucky to see a 3% or 4% net return after high maintenance costs and taxes. Dubai’s mid-tier areas (like JVC or Arjan) are consistently delivering 7% to 9% net yields. For a Belgian investor, this means your property pays for itself nearly twice as fast as it would back home.
3. Long-Term Residency Through the Golden Visa
In an unpredictable world, Belgians are looking for a backup plan. By investing roughly €500,000 (AED 2 million) in property, you qualify for a 10-year Golden Visa. This gives you and your family the right to live, work, and study in the UAE. It’s an insurance policy for your lifestyle that European investments simply don’t offer.
4. Business-Friendly Rules and Faster Processes
Compared to many European countries, setting up and running a business in Dubai is much faster and less complicated. Licensing, visas, and approvals are streamlined, and many processes are now digital.
5. Currency Hedging Against a Fluctuating Euro
The Euro has seen significant volatility over the last few years due to energy costs and geopolitical shifts in Europe.
The Stability of the Dirham: The UAE Dirham (AED) is pegged to the US Dollar ($1 = 3.67 AED).
By owning property in Dubai, Belgian investors are effectively holding a Dollar-backed asset. This provides a natural hedge. If the Euro weakens, the value of your Dubai investment (and the rental income it generates) actually increases when converted back to Euros. It’s a way to diversify out of total Euro-dependency.
Can Belgians Invest in Dubai?
Yes, Belgian nationals can legally invest in Dubai, and the process is far more straightforward than many expect. The UAE actively encourages foreign investment, and Belgian individuals and companies are fully eligible to invest in real estate, start businesses, and hold assets in Dubai.
100% Foreign Ownership Explained:
The most significant legal change in recent years is the removal of the local sponsor requirement.
- Property: In designated Freehold Areas (like Dubai Marina, Downtown, and Palm Jumeirah), Belgians have 100% absolute ownership of the land and the structure. This is registered with the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and is yours forever, just like in Belgium.
- Business: You can now own 100% of a Mainland company for over 2,000 different business activities. You no longer need to give 51% of your company to a UAE national.
Mainland vs Free Zone vs Offshore:
There are three main ways for investing in Dubai from Belgium, depending on your goals:
| Investment Type | Best For | Key Legal Feature |
| Mainland | Trading directly within the UAE market or bidding for government contracts. | Can operate anywhere in the UAE; 100% ownership for most sectors. |
| Free Zone | International consultants, tech startups, or export-heavy businesses. | 0% corporate tax (on qualifying income); easy setup; 100% ownership. |
| Offshore | Holding international assets, privacy, and wealth management. | Cannot do business inside the UAE; great for asset protection. |
Key Laws Protecting Belgian Investors in Dubai:
Dubai’s legal system has matured significantly to meet international standards. Your investment is protected by:
- DLD (Dubai Land Department): Every property sale is registered here. You receive a Title Deed that is verifiable online via the Dubai REST app.
- RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Agency): If you buy “off-plan” (under construction), your money goes into a Regulated Escrow Account. The developer can only access your funds as they reach specific construction milestones.
- The Double Taxation Treaty: Belgium and the UAE have an active treaty that prevents you from being taxed twice on the same income, providing a clear legal framework for your tax filings back in Belgium.
- Bilateral Investment Treaty: The UAE and Belgium have agreements in place to protect investments from expropriation and ensure fair treatment under the law.
Top Dubai Investment Opportunities for Belgians in 2026
Dubai offers a range of investment options that appeal to Belgian individuals and businesses. Here are some of the top opportunities worth considering in 2026:
1. Real Estate (Residential & Commercial)
Real estate remains one of the most preferred investment choices for Belgian investors in Dubai. The market offers a wide range of properties, from affordable apartments to luxury villas and commercial spaces.
- Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC): You can expect 7% to 9% net rental returns. It’s popular with young European expats for its parks and central location.
- Dubai South (near Expo City): With the massive expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport, this is the strategic pick for 2026. You can get brand-new properties here at a lower entry price than in the city centre.
- Arjan & Dubai Science Park: A growing hub for the healthcare and research sectors. It attracts stable, long-term tenants and offers yields around 8%.
2. Company Formation & Business Ventures
Business setup in Dubai is a major draw for Belgian entrepreneurs and companies expanding internationally. Dubai offers flexible business structures and access to regional and global markets.
Why Belgian investors choose this route:
- 100% foreign ownership across most activities
- Fast business setup and digital government services
- Ability to serve markets in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia
- Wide choice of mainland and free zone jurisdictions
In 2026, three sectors are leading the way:
- AI & Digital Transformation: The UAE government is heavily subsidising AI startups. If you have a Belgian tech firm, moving your R&D or sales hub to a zone like Dubai Internet City can be highly profitable.
- Green Energy & Sustainability: Following the UAE’s net-zero goals, there is a massive demand for ESG consulting, solar tech, and green construction services.
- Fintech: With the DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre) continuing to lead the region, there are huge opportunities for Belgian experts in payments, wealth-tech, and blockchain.
3. Financial Markets & Investment Funds
Dubai’s financial sector has matured significantly, offering Belgian investors access to regional and global investment products through regulated platforms.
Investment options include:
- Listed stocks and equity funds
- Bonds, Sukuk, and fixed-income instruments
- Exchange-traded funds (ETFs)
- Private equity and alternative investments
4. Startups & Technology Investments
Dubai has positioned itself as a regional hub for innovation and startups. The government actively supports tech-driven businesses and future-focused industries.
Key growth areas in 2026:
- Fintech and digital payments
- Artificial intelligence and data analytics
- Blockchain, Web3, and digital assets
- Health tech and edtech
5. Retail & Franchise Businesses
Dubai’s diverse population and high consumer spending make retail and franchise investments appealing.
Popular options include:
- International and regional franchise brands
- Food and beverage outlets
- Retail stores in malls, business districts, and free zones
This route is ideal for Belgian investors who prefer established business models with predictable demand.
How to Invest in Dubai from Belgium?
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help Belgian investors understand how it works in 2026.
1. Start with a Clear Investment Purpose
Every investment should start with clarity. Investing in Dubai from Belgium usually begins by deciding what investors want from Dubai – steady rental income, business expansion, portfolio diversification, or long-term residency. This clarity helps narrow down the right investment type and avoids unnecessary costs later.
2. Choose the Right Investment Type
Once the objective is clear, the next step is choosing how to invest. Dubai offers multiple options, and each suits a different goal and risk profile.
Popular investment routes include:
- Real estate (residential or commercial)
- Business setup (mainland or free zone company)
- Financial or portfolio investments
3. Select the Appropriate Jurisdiction
Dubai’s investment landscape is divided into mainland, free zone, and offshore jurisdictions. Choosing the right one is a crucial decision.
- Mainland setups work best for businesses serving UAE clients
- Free zones suit international trade, consultancy, and online businesses
- Offshore structures are mainly used for asset holding and global investments
4. Complete Legal and Compliance Requirements
At this stage, investors must meet UAE legal and compliance standards. This includes submitting personal documents, business approvals, and meeting KYC and AML requirements. While the process is straightforward, professional guidance from experts like Shuraa can help avoid delays and ensure everything is handled correctly.
5. Reservation and the SPA (For Real Estate Investment)
Once you find a property, you officially reserve it.
- Reservation Fee: Usually 5% to 10% of the property value.
- SPA (Sales and Purchase Agreement): This is your main legal contract. These are often signed digitally via secure government-linked portals.
- Oqood: For off-plan properties, you will receive an “Oqood” (a pre-title deed registration) which proves your ownership during the construction phase.
6. Open a UAE Bank Account and Transfer Funds
A UAE bank account is essential to manage investments smoothly. After the account is approved, funds can be transferred from Belgium through authorised banking channels.
Key things to keep in mind:
- Choose between personal or corporate banking
- Maintain clear documentation for fund transfers
- Ensure compliance with both UAE and Belgian regulations
7. Apply for Residency or Investor Visas
Depending on the investment type and value, Belgian investors may apply for residency visas. These can include standard investor visas or long-term options such as the Golden Visa. While not mandatory, residency makes it easier to manage investments and spend time in Dubai.
8. Belgian Tax Declaration
As a Belgian tax resident, you must report your Dubai assets:
- Declare the Ownership: You must inform the Belgian FPS Finance of any foreign property ownership within 4 months of purchase.
- Cadastral Income (CI): Belgium will assign a theoretical rental value to your Dubai home.
- Double Tax Treaty: Thanks to the treaty, you won’t pay Belgian income tax on the rent, but the “Exemption with Progression” rule means this income might push your other Belgian income into a higher tax bracket.
Taxation: Belgium vs Dubai (What Investors Should Know)
The tax conversation for Belgian investors has fundamentally changed. With Belgium introducing new capital gains taxes on financial assets as of January 1, 2026, the tax-free era for many Belgian residents is ending. However, Dubai remains one of the world’s few tax-neutral environments.
Belgium’s New 2026 Rules:
Belgium has implemented a 10% Capital Gains Tax on financial assets (like shares and crypto) for gains realised after January 1, 2026. Currently, private real estate held for more than five years remains largely exempt from capital gains tax in Belgium. However, in Dubai, there is 0% tax on capital gains for individuals, whether you sell a property, a stock, or a business.
Rental Income:
Because of the Belgium-UAE Double Taxation Treaty, you do not pay Belgian income tax on the rent you collect in Dubai. However, it isn’t invisible to the Belgian tax man.
- Reporting: You must declare your Dubai property in your Belgian tax return.
- Cadastral Income (CI): Belgium now assigns a “Cadastral Income” to foreign properties based on their market value.
- The Progression Rule: While the Dubai rent itself isn’t taxed in Belgium, it is added to your total worldwide income to determine your tax bracket. This might push your Belgian salary or other income into a higher tax percentage (e.g., from 45% to 50%).
Corporate Tax: 9% vs. 25%:
If you are an entrepreneur moving your business operations:
- Belgium: The standard corporate tax rate is 25%.
- Dubai: Dubai has a federal corporate tax of 9%, but only on profits above AED 375,000 (approx. €95,000). Many Dubai Free Zones still offer 0% corporate tax for “qualifying” international trade income.
How Shuraa UK Can Help Belgian Investors
Investing in Dubai from Belgium offers much more than just financial returns. The city is globally connected that values growth, stability, and opportunity. This is why Dubai continues to be an attractive place to build businesses, grow wealth, and enjoy a high quality of life in 2026.
If you’re considering investing in Dubai this year, starting early really helps. Shuraa UK helps Belgian investors at every step of their Dubai journey. From setting up a company and getting the right license to handling visas, banking, and compliance, Shuraa takes care of the details so you can focus on your goals. Get a free consultation today!
