By Bill Anderson, FCCA, Chief Executive Officer — Assetica, Dubai, UAE
Definition: European owners relocating to Dubai often need an independent valuation of their shareholding because many EU countries levy an exit tax on departure: Germany Wegzugsteuer taxes unrealised gains on substantial holdings, France applies an exit tax on latent gains, and Spain, the Netherlands and others have comparable rules. These are deemed disposals at market value. On the UAE side, the Golden Visa business route needs a report confirming equity worth at least AED 2 million (about EUR 500,000). Assetica prepares both to IVS standards from its Dubai and London offices.
Germany Wegzugsteuer, France exit tax and comparable levies in the Netherlands, Spain and Austria treat emigration of a significant shareholder as a deemed disposal at market value. The value of your shareholding on the departure date determines the charge, so a guessed or book value invites the authority to substitute its own figure. An independent, IVS-compliant valuation dated to the move makes the number defensible to your home-country tax office.
The UAE Golden Visa business route requires an independent report confirming your equity is worth at least AED 2 million net of debt, isolating your specific stake and formatted for the GDRFA. Because IVS is recognised across Europe and by UAE authorities, one standards-based valuation is credible to your European tax office, to banks and to the GDRFA at the same time. A local accountant letter does not satisfy the GDRFA.
The danger is divergence: an exit-tax value that disagrees with your Golden Visa report. Assetica fixes the valuation date, methodology and normalised earnings once, then formats the output for each authority, so your European tax advisor and the GDRFA see the same underlying value. Typical delivery five to seven business days.
Do I pay an exit tax when I leave Europe for Dubai?
Many EU countries levy an exit tax on significant shareholders who move their tax residence out, including Germany's Wegzugsteuer and France's exit tax. These are deemed disposals at market value, so the value of your shareholding on the departure date drives the charge. The rules, thresholds and any deferral depend on your country. A dated, IVS-compliant valuation makes the figure defensible.
Is a local accountant's valuation accepted for the UAE Golden Visa?
No. The GDRFA expects an independent valuation from a recognised valuation firm, isolating your specific shareholding net of debt and formatted for the UAE. A local accountant's letter serves the home-country side but does not satisfy the GDRFA. Most relocating owners need both reports, built from one consistent underlying value.
How much is the AED 2 million Golden Visa threshold in euros?
Roughly EUR 500,000 at current exchange rates (AED 2 million is about USD 545,000). The threshold applies to your own equity in the business net of debt, not the company's total value or its revenue.
Which valuation standard applies in Europe?
The International Valuation Standards (IVS) are the recognised framework across Europe, and Assetica prepares to IVS and RICS standards. A standards-based valuation is credible to your European tax authority, to banks, and to the UAE GDRFA, which is exactly what a cross-border relocation needs.
How long does the valuation take?
Typically five to seven business days from receiving your local financial statements, shareholding details, management accounts and bank statements, plus the UAE licence if the entity is set up. Expedited two to three day delivery is available for visa or transaction deadlines.