Influencers in Dubai 2025 – Tax Opportunities and Risks

More and more influencers from German-speaking countries are drawn to Dubai - and for good reason. The United Arab Emirates offers an exceptionally business-friendly environment with attractive tax conditions. But relocating alone is not enough: anyone who continues to maintain economic ties to Germany can quickly end up in a tax grey area.

As a consultant at Danho & Partner.AE, I - Hannes - support influencers, content creators, and entrepreneurs with sound expertise in avoiding tax pitfalls and optimally establishing the conditions for a legally secure emigration.

Why influencers move to Dubai

Dubai is emblematic of growth, innovation, and entrepreneurial freedom. No income tax system, a modern infrastructure, and an internationally connected environment make the city a hotspot for digital business models.

Advantages at a glance:

• No income tax or capital gains tax
• 5 % value-added tax as the only tax burden
• International airports and strong logistics
• Open company formation with 100 % ownership
• High quality of life and expats from all over the world

Yet despite these advantages, tax risks lurk - particularly when your centre of life is not clearly defined or the dissolution of your residence in Germany has not been properly documented.

When influencers remain liable for tax despite relocating

Many of my clients are surprised how quickly the German tax office can come "knocking" again despite a residence in Dubai. Three factors are decisive:

1. Residence and place of stay

Anyone who still owns an apartment in Germany - even if it is used only sporadically - can remain subject to unlimited tax liability. Regular stays over several weeks or months can also lead to your centre of taxation being deemed "not relocated".

Practical example:
An influencer keeps their shared-flat room in Berlin and visits Germany every two months for shoots - the tax office continues to assume tax residency.

2. Economic ties

Income from German sources such as:

• Renting out real estate
• Advertising deals with German brands
• Income from German events
• Shareholdings in German GmbHs

...can lead to limited or extended tax liability. Particularly relevant is the exit taxation (§6 AStG), which assumes a notional capital gain in the case of shareholdings in corporations.

Tax liability with a GmbH stake: The exit trap

If an influencer holds shares in a German GmbH and moves to Dubai, exit taxation may apply. This assumes a notional sale, even though no actual transaction takes place. The taxable amount can quickly reach six figures.

Our recommendation at Danho & Partner.AE:

‍Before you relocate, we examine alternatives such as setting up a Dubai LLC, restructuring measures, or the use of holding models.

Extended limited tax liability - The 10-year rule

When relocating to a so-called low-tax country (such as Dubai), the extended limited tax liability under German law applies. It applies for up to ten years after the move, provided that economic interests in Germany continue to exist.

Key figures:

Income from GermanyTax liability?

✅Rental income✅Event fees✅Amazon/YouTube ads in Germany✅ (partly)Foreign fees❌

Only once no economic ties remain and all formal obligations have been fulfilled can the tax break with Germany be regarded as complete.

Dubai setup for influencers: Our experience counts

At Danho & Partner.AE, we support influencers, entrepreneurs, and creatives at every step:

• Tax-free company formation in Dubai (Free Zone or Mainland)
• Full relocation of residence, including deregistration in Germany
• Bank account opening, visa process & location consulting
• Tax risk analysis regarding exit or withholding taxation
• Strategies for avoiding double taxation

Our network of German-speaking tax advisors, lawyers, and formation consultants accompanies you on the ground - from the idea to the implementation.

Why influencers should not think only about social media

Many creators underestimate the impact of contracts, residence arrangements, and economic dependencies. Tax structuring is not glamorous, but it is essential for sustainable success.

Our expertise for you:

• Sound support with emigration and company formation
• Guidance on risks and liability
• Personal points of contact in Dubai & Germany
• Focus on legal certainty & scalability

Conclusion: Dubai is a tax advantage - but not risk-free

Influencers who are toying with the idea of moving to Dubai should not only consider the lifestyle promise, but also be aware of the tax subtleties. As Danho & Partner.AE, we advise openly, honestly, and in a solution-oriented manner.

Ready for the next step?

‍Then arrange your free initial consultation with me now - Hannes, your personal point of contact in Dubai.

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