The Gulf keeps attracting companies and professionals building careers abroad. Strong salaries, global connections, and simple tax systems all play a role, and a new ranking now backs it up. According to William Russell, three Gulf countries rank in the top 10 of the Tax-Free Relocation Index in 2026.
The ranking takes into account average net salaries, property purchase prices, rental costs for expats, utility bills, overall cost of living, and international travel access.
Here are the rankings of GCC countries in the Tax-Free Relocation Index:
- Bahrain ranks 2nd, combining tax-free income with relatively lower living costs
- Qatar ranks 5th, balancing strong salaries with manageable everyday expenses
- UAE ranks 9th, with competitive income levels alongside higher living costs in major cities
If you’re curious about the top spot, Panama ranks first.
If you’re already living in one of these countries, you know life goes well beyond the financial side. The Gulf offers a high quality of life, with events, activities, and an active pace year-round. You can always check out the latest things to do across the UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar.
