Germany vs Dubai: What is the best destination to study and work in 2025
Deciding between traditional European excellence and modern Arab dynamism is a dilemma for many Brazilians who dream of an international exchange experience. Germany and Dubai represent two distinct worlds, each with its unique advantages for those seeking an academic and professional development journey abroad.
Minimum wage and compensation: contrasting economic realities
The wage scenario in Germany presents an extremely favorable picture for 2025, with the new minimum wage set at €12.82 per hour. For a standard 40-hour working week, this represents approximately €2,222 per month, placing the country among the most attractive in Europe in terms of compensation. A surprising fact revealed by the Institute of German Economics shows that Brazilian professionals are among the 10 nationalities with the highest salaries in the country, with a monthly average of €4,565, even exceeding the average salary of the Germans themselves.
In contrast, Dubai does not operate with an established minimum wage system, but it offers a significant competitive advantage: salaries free from income taxes. While in Germany the discounts can reach 40% of the gross amount, in Dubai the amount received is practically full, maximizing the purchasing power of workers. For students who work part-time, average salaries vary between AED 2,000-5,000 (approximately R$ 3,000-7,500) depending on the sector, with emphasis on areas such as tutoring and hospitality.
Work Permits: Flexibility and Regulations
As work permissions both destinations have well-defined structures, with specific advantages for each student profile. Let's analyze the main characteristics:
- Germany: International students can work up to 20 hours a week during term time and full time during academic vacations. Upon completion of studies, it is possible to obtain a visa extension for up to 18 months to search for employment.
- Dubai: The process requires obtaining a Certificate of Non-Objection (NOC) from the university and that the employer make the formal request with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization. Documentation includes passport, student visa, proof of enrollment, and Emirates ID.
- Contractual stability: In Germany, the worker protection system is one of the most robust in Europe, guaranteeing rights such as 30-day paid vacation and job stability. Dubai offers more flexible contracts, ideal for those seeking short-term experiences.
- Migratory processes: The German immigration process has become simpler, especially for qualified professionals, with the European Blue Card offering additional advantages. Dubai has implemented specific student visas, with short-term (90 or 180 days) and long-term (1 year) options.
Cost of living and purchasing power: where does your money pay the most?
The cost of living is a determining factor when choosing an exchange destination, directly impacting the quality of the experience and the ability to take advantage of local opportunities. The ratio between expenses and earnings varies significantly between Study and Work in Germany and Dubai.
In Germany, the monthly cost for comfortable living in medium-sized cities ranges from €1,500-2,000, and in metropolises such as Munich and Frankfurt this amount can reach up to €2,500. The typical distribution of expenses includes rent (€800-1,200 for a one-bedroom apartment in the center), food (€300-400), public transport (€70-90), and utilities (€150-200).
Dubai has a higher cost structure in some aspects, especially in accommodation. A one-bedroom apartment ranges from AED 3,750 (International City, most affordable) to AED 10,000 (Downtown Dubai, premium region). Monthly food expenses are around AED 626, public transport AED 300 and utilities approximately AED 300 for students.
Considering the relationship between earnings and expenses, Germany offers greater financial stability for those planning a long-term stay, while Dubai may be more advantageous for short and medium term experiences, especially for those who can find accommodation in more affordable areas such as Al Barsha or International City.
Climate and lifestyle: between European organization and Arab luxury
O climate and lifestyle represent fundamental aspects that define the daily experience at any exchange destination. These factors influence everything from initial adaptation to satisfaction with the experience in the long term.
Germany has four well-defined seasons, with mild summers (15-25°C) and severe winters that can reach negative temperatures. This climatic variation allows you to experience unique seasonal traditions, such as Christmas markets and summer festivals. The German lifestyle is characterized by punctuality, organization, and appreciation of work-life balance, with working hours that rarely exceed 40 hours a week.
In contrast, Dubai offers a warm climate all year round, with average temperatures between 24°C and 35°C, which can exceed 40°C in the summer months (June to August). This climatic constancy favors outdoor activities most of the year, with infrastructure adapted to the heat, including air-conditioned environments and air-conditioned public transport. The lifestyle is cosmopolitan and dynamic, with a strong influence of traditional Arab culture combined with ultramodern elements.
Key differences in everyday life include:
- Transportation: Extremely efficient German public transport system versus greater reliance on subways, taxis, and apps in Dubai
- Cultural Activities: Museums, Theaters, and Historic Sites in Germany versus gigantic shopping malls, theme parks and desert experiences in Dubai
- Food: Traditional European cuisine in Germany versus diverse international cuisine in Dubai
- Social interaction: More reserved environment in Germany versus vibrant multicultural mix in Dubai, with over 200 nationalities
Immigration possibilities: building an international future
As immigration possibilities offered by each destination can be decisive for those who plan to transform an exchange into an international life project. Both countries present different paths to permanent residence and citizenship.
Germany has implemented policies to facilitate the immigration of qualified professionals, with a system that allows for gradual transitions from student status to permanent resident. After completing a higher education degree in the country, international students are entitled to an 18-month period to seek employment. Once employed, the path to permanent residence takes approximately 5 years, with the possibility of citizenship after 8 years of legal residence.
The German system prioritizes areas with a shortage of professionals, offering benefits such as:
- More streamlined diploma recognition process
- Support for family integration, including spouses and children
- Full access to the social security system and public services
- Possibility of dual citizenship in many cases
Dubai and the United Arab Emirates have modernized their immigration policies but maintain a different approach. The country has implemented long-term visas (Golden Visa) for investors, entrepreneurs and highly qualified professionals, valid for 5 to 10 years. However, the path to permanent residence or citizenship is significantly narrower compared to Germany.
Available options in Dubai include:
- Work visa renewals while maintaining an employment relationship
- Long-term student visa for exceptional students
- Visa for entrepreneurs who establish businesses in the country
- Visa for real estate investors who purchase property above a certain amount
For Brazilians with permanent immigration plans, Germany offers a clearer and more accessible path, especially for professionals with technical or higher qualifications. Dubai represents an excellent opportunity for medium-term experiences and international career development, but with more limited prospects for permanent residence.
International recognition of diplomas and certifications
O worthiness and recognition of the diplomas and certifications obtained during your exchange can significantly impact your future professional trajectory, both in your country of origin and internationally.
Na Germany, the education system is recognized worldwide for its technical and academic excellence. Diplomas from German institutions are highly valued in the global market, especially in areas such as engineering, technology, and science. The dual education system, which combines academic theory with professional practice, is a world reference and provides differentiated training. For validation in Brazil, German diplomas undergo a simplified process with the MEC, with high approval rates.
Dubai developed in recent decades an educational system focused on international standards. The city is home to campuses of renowned American, British, and Australian universities, whose diplomas hold the same value as their original institutions. This means that a degree obtained in Dubai through these institutions has recognition equivalent to the original. The assessment system follows Western standards (GPA - Grade Point Average), facilitating credit transfer and international recognition.
Key comparative aspects include:
- Tradition: German universities with centuries of history versus modern international institutions in Dubai
- Methodology: Focus on theoretical foundations and research in Germany versus a more applied and business-oriented approach in Dubai
- Language: German and English programs in Germany versus predominance of English in Dubai
- Networking: Connections with the European market in Germany versus contacts with multinational and Middle Eastern companies in Dubai
The choice between these systems must consider your long-term professional objectives and the market where you intend to operate after completing the exchange.
Cultural adaptation and social integration
Adapting to a new culture is one of the most challenging and enriching aspects of any international experience. Germany and Dubai offer drastically different cultural contexts, each with its own challenges and opportunities for Brazilians.
In Germany, Brazilians generally find a structured society, with well-defined rules and clear expectations of behavior. The social environment tends to be more reserved initially, but with deep relationships when established. Punctuality is highly valued, as is advance planning and respect for social norms. The most common culture shock for Brazilians involves formality in social and professional interactions, in addition to strict compliance with rules, even in the absence of supervision.
In Dubai, the environment is markedly international, with over 85% of the population comprised of expatriates. This creates a cosmopolitan atmosphere that is more receptive to different cultures. However, it is essential to respect the Islamic customs and traditions that underpin local society. Public displays of affection should be avoided, as should alcohol consumption in undesignated places. During Ramadan, eating, drinking, or smoking in public during the day is not allowed, even for non-Muslims.
To facilitate your integration, consider these strategies:
- In Germany: Learn basic German even if your course is in English; join local sports groups or associations (Vereine); familiarize yourself with garbage separation rules and living standards in residential buildings.
- In Dubai: Learn some basic expressions in Arabic as a form of respect; dress conservatively in public places (covered shoulders and knees); learn about cultural differences related to non-verbal communication.
In both destinations, connecting with other Brazilians may ease the initial transition, but it's important to balance this with efforts to integrate with local and international culture.
Be Easy
A Be Easy is your ideal partner to transform the dream of studying and working abroad into reality. Our specialized team offers full support for exchanges in Germany and Dubai, from choosing the ideal program to adaptation in the destination country. With years of experience in international mobility and in-depth knowledge of both markets, we ensure that your journey is safe and successful. Contact us today and discover how we can help you build a global future.
