Emirates' Tax-Free Salary Offer: Too Good to Be True, or the Ultimate Career Perk?

Have you ever dreamed of seeing the world on your employer’s dime? If so, Emirates’ latest hiring spree could be the answer you’ve been looking for.

Emirates, the world-renowned airline based in Dubai, is making waves with its latest hiring campaign, particularly targeting Australian candidates. The airline is offering an attractive package for new cabin crew members, including a tax-free salary, free accommodation, and an average starting pay of over $4,000 USD per month.

Why the Emirates Offer Stands Out

Emirates is currently on what Yahoo! termed a “hiring blitz”, aiming to fill 5,000 flight attendant positions globally. The offer includes a monthly salary of 10,170 Emirati Dirham (AED), roughly equivalent to $4,110. This figure includes both a base salary and additional flying pay. Beyond the salary, the benefits are substantial: free accommodation in Dubai, coverage of household bills like water and electricity, and 30 days of annual leave. Cabin crew members also receive one free return ticket to their home city each year, along with free transport to and from work, life insurance, and comprehensive medical and dental coverage.

For many, the opportunity to save a significant portion of their salary while enjoying a vibrant lifestyle in one of the world’s most dynamic cities is a major draw. Alexandra Cosoff, a former Australian makeup artist now working with Emirates, shares her positive experience in a 2023 article that received significant exposure: “The chance to travel the world and live rent-free in Dubai has been a dream come true.”

Understanding the Tax Benefits

One of the standout features of Emirates' offer is the tax-free salary. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is known for its absence of personal income tax, which means that the full salary earned is take-home pay, providing massive financial benefits for employees.

Implications Under U.S. Tax Code

For U.S. citizens considering employment opportunities with Emirates (or any other Dubai-based company), it is absolutely essential to understand how this arrangement would be treated under the U.S. tax code. The IRS requires U.S. citizens and resident aliens to report their worldwide income, regardless of where they are employed. However, there are provisions that can mitigate the impact of foreign income:

Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE): Under the FEIE, U.S. taxpayers can exclude up to $126,500 (as of 2024) of their foreign-earned income from U.S. taxation if they meet specific requirements. To qualify, the taxpayer must either be a bona fide resident of a foreign country or meet the physical presence test, which requires living in a foreign country for at least 330 days within a 12-month period.

Housing Exclusion: In addition to the FEIE, U.S. taxpayers may also qualify for the foreign housing exclusion, which allows them to exclude certain housing costs from their taxable income.

To maximize these benefits, U.S. cabin crew members working for Emirates would need to ensure they meet the residency or physical presence requirements to benefit from the FEIE. Keeping detailed records of travel and living arrangements is essential for compliance and tax optimization, as is working with a tax professional who specializes in helping expatriates. 

Application Process and Requirements

Interested candidates need to complete an online application that includes a CV, photos, and personal details. Selected candidates will be invited to a recruitment event for further assessment and interviews. Emirates is looking for individuals with a vibrant personality, exceptional customer service skills, and a passion for travel.

For those who meet the requirements and are accepted into the program, the perks, as we’ve established, are substantial, making Emirates a compelling option for those seeking a rewarding career with almost unbelievably good financial and lifestyle benefits.

The Emirates hiring blitz presents an exciting opportunity for Australians, and others, looking to join a leading global airline while enjoying a tax-free salary and other significant benefits. For U.S. citizens, understanding the tax implications is crucial to ensure they can fully benefit from this unique offer. With the right planning, this could be the start of an incredible career adventure.

Share this article...

Sign up for our newsletter.

Each month, we will send you a roundup of our latest blog content covering the tax and accounting tips & insights you need to know.

I confirm this is a service inquiry and not an advertising message or solicitation. By clicking “Submit”, I acknowledge and agree to the creation of an account and to the and .

We care about the protection of your data.

See why our clients love us!

Cece D.

By far the best tax preparer Ever! Great to work with-no shame when you can't get docs over right away and nud...
Read More

Pat H.

Jeffrey is very knowledgable about all areas of tax law. He sends a great newsletter to keep his clients infor...
Read More

Evan R.

I have been going to Jeff for my taxes for 4-5 years now. Always up to date on current tax laws. Very friendly...
Read More

Doug G.

good job

Cece D.

Jeffrey is very knowledgeable . We have utilized his services for many years and highly recommend him. He make...
Read More

Mort P.

Jeffrey was efficient and did a good job on our taxes. He was patient and explained when we asked for informa...
Read More

Margaret W.

Jeff is first class! I have been kept informed since day one on everything. Made me feel very comfortable from...
Read More

Honey S.

My husband Mort and I have been using Jeffrey Quatrone for several years. He is very personable, knowledgea...
Read More

Honey S.

My husband and I have been using Jeffrey for our taxes for several years. He is so very knowledgeable, persona...
Read More

Thomas S.

He is a super star!

Thomas S.

The very best

Beatriz R.

I was doing my taxes in California for years, one of my worries was finding the right person , I found Jeffre...
Read More

Trude Q.

Great job,

Tom K.

Last year my Enrolled Agent of 20 years retired so I switched over to Jeff and I'm happy that I did. He is inc...
Read More

Tom C.

Jeffrey is knowledgeable with the current tax laws and is very informative. He is very easy to talk to and has...
Read More

Pasquale L.

Jeffrey is very knowledgeable at what he does. He looks out for his clients and keeps them well informed. A t...
Read More

Fred M.

Jeff Quatrone helped me submit an Offer in compromise for unpaid back taxes. He was professional, responsive, ...
Read More

Ronald L.

I've had tax preparer my whole live. Jeff understands the tax codes and gives me his experience in preparing...
Read More

Lou S.

Very professional and thorough. Jeff is certainly well schooled and very knowledgeable about our ever changing...
Read More

Honey S.

I found Jeffrey on the internet, as I was looking for a local person with good reviews and comments.We have no...
Read More

Tom K.

Jeff goes the extra mile, always responsive and great tax advice. It has been an incredibly professional and e...
Read More

Linda O.

I've been a business owner all my life. I've had numerous CPAs'....Jeff has been my CPA now for a couple year...
Read More

Edward L.

I recently moved to Arizona from another state. I was glad to see Jeffrey knew about New Jersey taxes and was ...
Read More

Victoria C.

Mr. Quatrone has been doing my taxes for many years. He is personable and professional, going out of his way ...
Read More

Ronald L.

Jeff's my guy. I can only hope Jeffery can continue doing my taxes for many years to come. Finding someone y...
Read More

Doug G.

Good

Dana B.

I have been using Mr. Quatrone's services since 2014 and each and every time he has proven to be extremely dep...
Read More

George S.

Loved working with Jeffrey! So thorough and answered all my questions and did an incredible job on making sur...
Read More

Ashleigh Y.

Jeff was great in getting past tax concerns answered and take care of. Very professional and knowledgeable!

Lou S.

Congrats, Jeff!!!! Best of luck at your new "home"! Looking forward to seeing you in 2018!!

Edward L.

I recently moved to Arizona from another state. I was glad to see Jeffrey knew about New Jersey taxes and was ...
Read More

Pat H.

Jeffrey is very knowledgable about all areas of tax law. He sends a great newsletter to keep his clients infor...
Read More

Tom K.

Jeff goes the extra mile, always responsive and great tax advice. It has been an incredibly professional and e...
Read More

David P.

Jeffrey first met with us to help us out with a tax audit we got on our 2012 taxes due to a program glitch in ...
Read More

Magdalena P.

Amazing service and highly recommended. Jeffrey was very patient and understanding and helped me relieve my ta...
Read More

Betty W.

Jeffrey has worked with my family for a few years.He did a great job unraveling difficult problems. So happy h...
Read More

Judy J.

Did an excellent job of explaining what need to be done to file taxes in two states along with Federal as a ne...
Read More

John P.

I have been using Jeffrey for several years. Great to do business with. Highly recommend his service.

EDWARD L.

I was very satisfied with the service in preparing my taxes. The office was very accommodating and efficient i...
Read More

Hugo S.

It's very unusual to find a Tax Professionalthat takes enough time to listen to you and explains everything in...
Read More

Hugo S.

If you need a trustworthy and very knowledgeable tax professional that takes his time and keeps you informed, ...
Read More

Edward L.

I recently moved to Arizona from another state. I was glad to see Jeffrey knew about New Jersey taxes and was ...
Read More

Doug G.

good job

Jerry A.

We are happy to recommend Mr Quatrone. He is efficient, responsive and keeps us informed all year. We like ...
Read More

D F.

Jeffrey did an awesome job of handling my personal and business taxes. I appreciate his open and friendly man...
Read More

Pat H.

Jeffrey is very knowledgable about all areas of tax law. He sends a great newsletter to keep his clients infor...
Read More

Samantha W.

DeWayne W.

Jeffrey is one of the kindest, knowledgeable and responsible people I have ever met. I attempted two other ta...
Read More

Denise B.

Jeffrey is knowledgeable and professional. Being newly single and new in Arizona, he has taught me much. I t...
Read More

Linda O.

Jeff knows his stuff. Helped me out of a difficult situation!!! Only he knows' what I'm talking about. :

Doug G.

Ok

Trude Q.

A very good business man does excellent job would highly recommend him for all your accounting and tax prep. A...
Read More

Cece D.

Jeffrey is very knowledgeable . We have utilized his services for many years and highly recommend him. He make...
Read More

Philip A.

Mr. Quatrone was the treasurer of my political campaign. He kept accurate track of all my donations and expens...
Read More