Lifestyle Financial Planning
A Safe Financial Landing
In normal circumstances, its estimated that around a third of international workers will either return home or move to a new destination in their lifetime.
March 24, 2021
UAE Financial Advice
Smart Expat Financial Planning in the UAE
Enjoy the UAE today, build a financial plan for tomorrow, anywhere in the world.
Managing your finances as an expat isn’t always straightforward. Different tax rules, multiple currencies, and assets spread across countries can make it complex. With the right plan, those challenges can become powerful opportunities.
The UAE is one of the best places to make that happen. No income tax, strong earning potential, and the freedom to manage wealth across borders create an environment where ambitions can truly take root. A personalised financial plan turns these advantages into lasting security, helping you grow investments, prepare for retirement, and pass on your wealth to the people you love
At Skybound Wealth, we help expats take control of their financial future with clear, practical strategies. The choices you make today can secure the lifestyle you want for years to come.
Book A Free Financial Planning Consultation
Skybound: A Global Approach with Local Detail
At Skybound Wealth, we take a holistic approach to financial planning, combining global experience with local expertise to help UAE-based expats build a secure financial future. Whether you’re growing your wealth, planning for retirement, or protecting your family across borders, our advisers create personalised strategies that reflect your goals and circumstances.
We understand the challenges expats face when managing finances internationally, from navigating tax obligations and currency exposure to structuring assets across multiple jurisdictions. With offices and specialists around the world, we provide global insight backed by local knowledge, giving you access to exclusive opportunities and tailored guidance wherever life takes you. The result is a financial plan that’s internationally robust, locally relevant, and built to evolve with your journey.
Financial Planning Options for Expats: What Works Best?
Here at Skybound, we understand that everyone is at a different stage in their financial planning journey. That’s why we focus on building tailored financial plans that grow with you.
Each stage of life brings a unique set of financial challenges. Whether you’re just getting started, looking to protect your wealth, or thinking about estate planning, we’re here to help tackle those challenges on your behalf, so you can have peace of mind knowing that your finances are in good hands. Here are some issues you may come across on your financial planning journey, and how Skybound can help you solve them.
Growing your wealth
Perhaps you are aware of the financial advantages of being an expat in the UAE, but are wondering how you can really take advantage of this opportunity to grow your wealth. Our specialist financial planning advisors are well-equipped to explore many different avenues, including how to maximise your tax-free income, diversifying your wealth internationally, and more.
Protecting your wealth
You’ve done the hard work already, and now you want to structure your wealth in a way that continues to take advantage of UAE financial conditions, but also helps you protect your wealth for your future endeavours. Advanced strategies, including asset protection & legal structuring, cross-border estate planning, insurance & risk management, and more, can all help you protect your wealth effectively.
Passing on your wealth
If you’re getting to the stage where you’re thinking about how your wealth will be passed on, and are worried about how you might navigate this in the UAE, we completely understand. It’s important to know that the hard work you’ve put in will be preserved, and more importantly, passed to your loved ones. Skybound regularly helps our clients with regulation-backed wills, setting up trusts, lifetime transfers, life insurance, and more. If you’re getting to the stage where you’re thinking about how your wealth will be passed on, and are worried about how you might navigate this in the UAE, we completely understand. It’s important to know that the hard work you’ve put in will be preserved, and more importantly, passed to your loved ones. Skybound regularly helps our clients with regulation-backed wills, setting up trusts, lifetime transfers, life insurance, and more.
Managing day-to-day finances
We understand, when you operate in a fast-paced environment, it’s easy to lose track of what's coming in and out on a day-to-day basis. Our financial planning experts here at Skybound are constantly finding ways to save our clients thousands, simply by plugging leaks in daily activities, managing multi-currency accounts and incorporating budgeting and lifestyle management procedures.
Financial Planning Considerations
Everyone has different priorities, and your financial plan should reflect that. Whether you’re focused on wealth growth, family security, or cross-border tax efficiency, we design strategies that align with your vision for the future.
Funding Your Children’s Education
Education is one of the most significant financial commitments for expat families. We help you plan ahead by calculating future costs, setting realistic savings goals, and identifying tax-efficient ways to fund your children’s education.
Planning Your Pension for Global Retirement Income
For expats with international careers, retirement planning requires a global view. Our advisers assess your existing pensions, contributions, and potential income sources across countries to ensure you have a clear, sustainable strategy for financial independence wherever you retire.
Protecting Wealth From Currency Fluctuations and Inflation
Living and earning in different currencies can expose your wealth to unnecessary risk. We design strategies that reduce the impact of currency swings and inflation, using tailored investment allocations and hedging tools to preserve your purchasing power over time.
Well Diversified and Risk-Managed Investments
Diversification is key to long-term financial stability. We build balanced portfolios across asset classes, regions, and sectors to align with your goals and risk tolerance, reviewing performance regularly to keep your investments on track through changing market conditions.
Building Effective Savings Plans
A solid savings plan is the foundation of financial security. Whether you’re saving for short-term goals or long-term ambitions, we help you structure contributions, optimise returns, and maintain flexibility so your plan grows alongside your lifestyle and career.
Why Choose Skybound Wealth Management for Expat Financial Planning?
Choosing a financial adviser is a big decision, and the wrong one can cost you time, money, and opportunities. At Skybound Wealth, our expertise lies in understanding the complex financial lives of UAE expats and creating strategies that work globally. With Skybound Wealth, you benefit from:
- Global reach: Advisers experienced in managing wealth across 124 countries and for 119 nationalities.
- Full-service planning: From investments and pensions to tax efficiency, estate planning, and cross-border strategies.
- Award-winning and globally compliant: Winner of multiple International Adviser Best Practice Awards, with every adviser operating under strict international regulations to ensure the highest standards of service and governance.
Proven results: Trusted by over 6,000 international clients, managing $1.3 billion in savings, and honoured with 27 industry awards since 2021, delivering consistent results for expatriates worldwide.
Your Financial Planning Advisers
Financial planning as an expat is something that needs to be taken seriously by someone who understands the global financial landscape, as well as the local financial environments.
At Skybound Wealth, each of our advisers understands the global financial landscape and has significant access to local expertise to ensure you receive premium expat financial advice.
Skybound Is Here To Help
Financial planning as an expat in the UAE can be complex, from managing income across currencies to planning for the future life events. At Skybound Wealth, we make it simple. Our advisers combine global expertise with local insight to help you build a financial plan that works with you now and builds for your future plans.
6,000
+
international clients & growing
$
1.3
Billion
of client savings under management
27
Industry Awards & Counting Since 2021
11
offices on 4 continents & more opening soon
With a passion for personal and professional development that exists throughout the company, and comprehensive development support, we empower our people to be the very best they can be as we strive as a collective to not only remain at the forefront of international financial planning, but to lead its evolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I manage investments in my home country while living in the UAE?
Are there tax implications when moving assets from the UAE to another country?
What happens to my investments if I leave the UAE?
How often should I review my financial plan while living abroad?
Client Success Stories
Case Study
Second-Generation Wealth Plan
Situation:
Jaques, a 52-year-old South African entrepreneur, had accumulated substantial wealth over his career but faced the challenge of passing it on to his children, who lived abroad. He was uncertain about how to efficiently transfer his wealth while ensuring his legacy was protected.
Solution:
Skybound helped Jaques design a comprehensive estate plan that included a legacy trust and an education fund for his children. We structured his assets for seamless cross-border transfer, using tax-efficient wealth management solutions to minimise tax implications. The plan also included investment strategies that provided flexibility, ensuring Jaques' wealth would be preserved and effectively passed to the next generation.
Outcome:
Jaques now has a clear, well-organised strategy for transferring his $4.2M across three continents. His wealth is structured to ensure that his children will benefit from his legacy without the complexities of cross-border legal issues.
Quote from Client:
“Skybound gave me peace of mind, knowing that my wealth will pass on to my children as I intended, without any complications.”
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Case Study
Maximising a Windfall
Situation:
Pierre, a French expat in the Gulf, received a $150K bonus and was unsure how to allocate the funds to meet his long-term financial goals. With multiple priorities, education, retirement, and aligning his investments with his personal values, he needed guidance.
Solution:
Skybound helped Pierre invest his lump sum into a diversified investment portfolio and planned for future growth with regular contributions. We allocated part of the funds to an education savings plan, set aside for retirement savings, and invested in ESG funds that aligned with his values. This approach created a well-rounded, tax-efficient portfolio designed for both financial growth and alignment with his principles.
Outcome:
Pierre now has a diversified investment portfolio that balances his financial goals with his values, ensuring long-term growth while staying true to his principles. With ESG investments and a structured savings plan in place, he’s confident that his financial future is secured.
Quote from Client:
“Skybound helped me make sure my bonus works for me across multiple areas of my life, andI’m proud to invest in line with my values.”
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Case Study
Planning for Early Retirement in Asia
Situation:
David, a 38-year-old Australian expat in Singapore, had no pension and dreamed of retiring by age 55. Without a clear strategy, he wasn’t sure how to make it happen.
Solution:
Skybound helped David develop a personalised retirement plan, focusing on creating a passive income stream through global tax-efficient savings solutions and a diverse investment portfolio. We introduced a regular savings plan that allowed him to build long-term wealth, while ensuring inflation was accounted for to keep his future income growing with living costs.
Outcome:
By age 55, David is on track to receive $3,000 per month from his investments, with income growing in line with inflation. His regular savings plan and offshore investment solutions now provide him with the financial security he needs, with ongoing visibility through the Skybound Wealth App.
Quote from Client:
“I never imagined I’d be on track to retire at 55, but now I’m on track to do just that!”
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Case Study
UK to UAE – Streamlined SIPP Consolidation
Situation:
Mark, a 49-year-old British engineer, was relocating to the UAE and needed help managing his two old UK pensions. He was unsure about how to handle the pensions and whether they would be properly managed after his move.
Solution:
Skybound facilitated a streamlined SIPP consolidation, transferring his pensions into a Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP). This consolidation provided greater flexibility and control over his retirement funds, especially when it came to currency management for his new life in the UAE.
Outcome:
The transfer allowed Mark to consolidate his pensions into a tax-efficient, flexible income plan, with no loss of benefits and better control over his investments.
Quote from Client:
“Skybound made the whole process simple and seamless, giving me the confidence that my pensions are in the right place and will work for me as I move forward.”
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Case Study
From Chaos to Clarity – A Freelancer’s Financial Reset
Situation:
Lucy, a British expat in Dubai, was self-employed with irregular income streams. Despite her efforts, she lacked a structured savings plan and often felt overwhelmed by her financial situation.
Solution:
Skybound worked with Lucy to create a tailored financial plan that stabilised her cash flow and brought consistency to her savings. We introduced automated savings through tax-efficient investment strategies like SIPP (Self-Invested Personal Pension) and offshore investment solutions, ensuring long-term growth even during income dips.
Lucy was also introduced to our Skybound Wealth App, which gave her clear, real-time visibility into her financial progress, helping her always stay on top of her plan.
Outcome:
In six months, Lucy built a rainy-day fund covering four months of expenses and continued contributing to her SIPP, even during income dips. With full control over her savings and investments, she now feels empowered by Skybound’s personalised approach and tech-driven solutions.
Quote from Client:
“For the first time, I feel confident I can invest monthly, and that my moneyis working for me.”
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Get In Touch
With over 20 years of experience supporting expats in the UAE, Skybound Wealth’s independent, internationally regulated advisers understand the unique financial planning needs that come with living abroad.
Whether you’re building a savings plan, investing for the future, or preparing for retirement, we help you navigate cross-border tax rules, currency management, and global regulations with confidence. Our advisers combine international expertise with local insight to create a financial plan that fits your goals and adapts as your life evolves.
Talk To An Adviser
You can reach us directly by calling us between the hours of 8:30am and 5pm at each of our respective offices and we will immediately assist you.
Book Your Free Expat Financial Planning Consultation
Let’s build a financial plan that works for you and your family. Book a call to get started.
Check Out Other Services
At Skybound Wealth, we focus on everything lifestyle-related for expats. So whether you need advice on saving for international school fees, or you want to build a plan for retirement, we’ve got you covered.
What Else Is There To Consider?
We know financial planning as an expat comes with questions, and sometimes anxieties. Where should your money be invested? How can you protect it? What happens if you leave the UAE?
Managing wealth in the UAE often raises questions that don’t have simple answers. That’s why we work closely with clients to address these concerns with clear, practical strategies tailored to their situation.
Here are some questions that our advisors help expats in the UAE handle every day:
Is your money safe in UAE-based accounts and investments?
We help ensure your funds are held with reputable, regulated institutions and structured in a way that aligns with your risk comfort and long-term goals.
Should you keep assets in AED, your home currency, or both?
It often makes sense to hold a mix of currencies depending on where you earn, spend, and plan to retire. We assess your exposure and help you maintain the right currency balance to reduce exchange rate risks.
What are the tax implications of moving assets between countries?
This depends on your destination’s tax rules. We help structure transfers to remain compliant while minimising unnecessary taxation, ensuring your wealth stays as intact as possible during relocation.
How do you ensure your family can access and benefit from your wealth if something happens to you?
We put clear estate and succession plans in place, supported by the relevant legal entities, so your loved ones can access your assets efficiently and according to your wishes.
See What Our Satisfied Clients Have To Say
October 5, 2025
Shyam is one of the most professional, knowledgeable, and insightful financial advisers I’ve encountered.
Gavin Wootton
September 22, 2025
I highly recommend Kieron Donovan to anyone looking for reliable and transparent financial guidance.
Ali Pope
September 17, 2025
Investment explained simply
Darren Davidson
