Expat's Complete Guide to Moving to Dubai

Moving to Dubai as an Expat

Relocating to Dubai is an exciting adventure that requires careful planning and cultural awareness. This comprehensive guide covers everything expats need to know for a smooth transition to life in the UAE.

Before You Move: Essential Planning

Visa and Employment

Employment Visa (Most Common):

• Employer sponsors your residence visa
• Valid for 2-3 years, renewable
• Includes work permit
• Allows you to sponsor family members
• Processing time: 2-4 weeks

Golden Visa (Long-Term):

• 5 or 10-year residence visa
• For investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals
• No employer sponsorship needed
• Can sponsor family members

Investor Visa:

• Requires property investment of AED 750,000+
• 3-year renewable residence visa
• Can sponsor family

Essential Documents

Gather and prepare:

• Passport (valid for 6+ months)
• Passport-sized photos (white background)
• Educational certificates (attested)
• Employment contract
• Marriage certificate (if applicable, attested)
• Children's birth certificates (attested)
• Medical records and vaccination certificates
• Driving license from home country

Document Attestation: Required for most official documents through:

• Notary in home country
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs (home country)
• UAE Embassy in home country
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs (UAE)

Finding Accommodation

Popular Expat Areas

Dubai Marina:

• Waterfront community
• Many Western restaurants and cafes
• Young professional demographic
• 1-bed: AED 70,000-110,000/year
• 2-bed: AED 100,000-160,000/year

Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT):

• Close to Marina, more affordable
• High-rise towers
• Good community facilities
• 1-bed: AED 55,000-80,000/year
• 2-bed: AED 80,000-120,000/year

Downtown Dubai:

• Central location
• Luxury lifestyle
• Near Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa
• 1-bed: AED 80,000-130,000/year
• 2-bed: AED 130,000-200,000/year

Arabian Ranches / Dubai Hills:

• Family-oriented communities
• Villas with gardens
• Community pools and parks
• 3-bed villa: AED 150,000-220,000/year
• 4-bed villa: AED 200,000-300,000/year

Business Bay:

• Business district
• Mix of commercial and residential
• Central location
• 1-bed: AED 60,000-95,000/year
• 2-bed: AED 90,000-140,000/year

Rental Process

Payment Structure:

• Rent paid annually or in 1-4 cheques (postdated)
• Security deposit: Usually 5% of annual rent (refundable)
• Agency fee: 5% of annual rent (one-time)
• DEWA deposit: AED 2,000-4,000 (refundable)
• Chiller/AC charges: If not included in rent

Rental Contract:

• Ejari registration required (government registration)
• Typically 12-month lease
• Landlord notice period: 90 days for rent increase
• Tenant notice period: 60 days to vacate

What's Included/Excluded

Usually Included:

• Kitchen appliances (oven, stove, refrigerator)
• Air conditioning units
• Building facilities (gym, pool)
• Maintenance of building common areas

Usually Excluded (Tenant Pays):

• Electricity and water (DEWA)
• Internet and TV
• Chiller fees (central AC, if applicable)
• Gas (if applicable)

Setting Up Utilities and Services

DEWA (Dubai Electricity & Water Authority)

• Register within 48 hours of moving in
• Requires: Passport copy, visa copy, Ejari, tenancy contract
• Security deposit: AED 2,000-4,000 (refundable)
• Average monthly bill: AED 400-800 (1-2 bed apartment)

Internet and TV

Providers:

• du: Home internet packages from AED 300/month
• Etisalat: Home internet from AED 350/month
• Installation within 3-5 business days
• 12-month contracts typical

Mobile Phone

• du and Etisalat main providers
• Postpaid plans: AED 100-300/month
• Prepaid available
• Requires Emirates ID for postpaid

Banking and Finance

Opening a Bank Account

Requirements:

• Passport with residence visa
• Emirates ID
• Salary certificate or employment contract
• Proof of address (utility bill or tenancy contract)
• Minimum salary requirements vary (typically AED 5,000-10,000)

Popular Banks for Expats:

• Emirates NBD
• ADCB (Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank)
• Mashreq
• HSBC
• Standard Chartered

Cost of Living

Monthly Expenses (Single Person):

• Studio/1-bed rent: AED 4,000-8,000
• Utilities (DEWA, internet, mobile): AED 600-900
• Groceries: AED 800-1,200
• Transportation (metro/taxi): AED 400-800
• Dining out (moderate): AED 1,000-1,500
• Entertainment: AED 500-1,000
• Total: AED 7,300-13,400/month

Monthly Expenses (Family of 4):

• 3-bed apartment/villa: AED 12,000-18,000
• Utilities: AED 1,000-1,500
• Groceries: AED 2,500-3,500
• Schools (per child): AED 2,000-5,000
• Transportation (car): AED 1,500-2,500
• Dining/Entertainment: AED 2,000-3,000
• Total: AED 25,000-40,000/month

Healthcare and Insurance

Health Insurance

• Mandatory for all residents
• Usually provided by employer
• Essential Benefits Plan (basic): AED 500-700/year
• Enhanced plans: AED 3,000-10,000+/year
• Family coverage: Add AED 2,000-5,000 per dependent

Healthcare System

• Mix of government and private hospitals
• High-quality medical facilities
• English widely spoken
• Insurance card required for treatment
• Emergency care: Dial 999 or 998

Education for Children

School Options

International Schools:

• British curriculum most common
• Also American, IB, French, Indian curriculums
• High quality but expensive
• Annual fees: AED 30,000-100,000+ per child
• Waiting lists at popular schools
• Apply 6-12 months in advance

Additional Costs:

• Registration fees: AED 500-2,000
• School bus: AED 4,000-8,000/year
• Uniforms: AED 500-1,000
• Books and supplies: AED 1,000-2,000
• Extracurricular activities: AED 2,000-5,000/year

Transportation

Public Transportation

• Dubai Metro: Modern, clean, affordable
• Nol Card: Required for metro/bus
• Average trip: AED 3-7
• Monthly metro pass: AED 300-350
• Taxis: Readily available, metered
• Starting fare: AED 12, AED 1.96/km

Driving and Cars

Driver's License:

• Convert foreign license if from approved country
• Process: Eye test (AED 100) + fees (AED 500-1,000)
• If not approved country: Full driving course required (AED 4,000-7,000)

Car Ownership:

• New car: AED 60,000-150,000 (mid-range)
• Used car: AED 25,000-80,000
• Registration: AED 500-1,000/year
• Insurance: AED 2,000-5,000/year
• Petrol: AED 2.73/liter (subsidized)
• Parking: Often free, paid in some areas
• Salik (toll): AED 4 per crossing

Cultural Adaptation

Laws and Customs

Important Legal Points:

• Zero tolerance for drinking and driving
• Alcohol consumption only in licensed venues
• Alcohol license required to purchase from shops
• Modest dress in public areas (cover shoulders and knees)
• Public displays of affection discouraged
• Ramadan: No eating/drinking in public during daylight
• No photography of government buildings or people without permission
• Respect Islamic culture and traditions

Social Norms

• Right hand for eating and greeting
• Remove shoes when entering someone's home
• Friday is weekly holiday (weekend Friday-Saturday)
• Tipping: 10-15% in restaurants (often included)
• Bargaining acceptable in souks, not malls

Working in Dubai

Work Culture

• Sunday to Thursday work week
• 8-9 hour work days typically
• More hierarchical than Western countries
• Building relationships important
• Dress code: Business formal/smart casual

Employment Benefits

Common expat packages include:

• Tax-free salary
• Housing allowance
• Annual flight tickets home
• Health insurance
• Children's school fees (senior positions)
• End of service gratuity (21 days salary per year)
• Annual leave: 30 days typically

Tax and Financial Considerations

Taxation

• No personal income tax in UAE
• VAT at 5% on goods and services
• Corporate tax introduced 2023 (9% on profits >AED 375,000)
• Check home country tax obligations
• Possible tax residency implications

Sending Money Home

• Exchange houses offer better rates than banks
• Online services: Wise, Remitly, Western Union
• Check fees and exchange rates
• No restrictions on transfers abroad

Moving Your Belongings

International Shipping

Sea Freight (Most Common):

• 20ft container: $2,000-5,000
• 40ft container: $3,000-8,000
• Transit time: 4-8 weeks (depends on origin)
• Cost-effective for full household

Air Freight:

• Faster: 5-10 days
• Expensive: $5-10 per kg
• Best for urgent/valuable items

Customs and Import

• Personal effects duty-free
• Detailed inventory required
• Passport and visa for clearance
• Prohibited items: Pork products, alcohol, some medications
• Pets: Requires permits and health certificates

First Week Essentials

Upon Arrival

Immediate Priorities:

• Activate SIM card
• Get Nol card for transport
• Register DEWA
• Complete medical fitness test for visa
• Open bank account
• Apply for Emirates ID

First Week Shopping

• Basic groceries: Carrefour, Lulu, Spinneys
• Home essentials: IKEA, Home Centre, ACE Hardware
• Phone and electronics: Sharaf DG, Jumbo, Carrefour
• Clothing: Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, outlet malls

Building Your Social Network

Meeting People

• Meetup.com groups
• Facebook expat groups
• Work colleagues
• Sports clubs and fitness groups
• Hobby classes
• Church/religious communities
• Kids' school (for parents)

Popular Expat Activities

• Beach clubs
• Desert safaris
• Brunch culture (Friday brunch very popular)
• Shopping festivals
• Sports: Golf, tennis, water sports
• Cultural events and exhibitions

Common Challenges and Solutions

Homesickness

• Stay connected with family/friends
• Build local support network
• Explore Dubai and UAE
• Join clubs matching home country interests
• Plan trips home

Culture Shock

• Learn basic Arabic phrases
• Understand Islamic culture
• Be patient with bureaucracy
• Connect with other expats who've adjusted
• Give yourself 3-6 months to settle

Finding Services

• Housekeeping: AED 25-40/hour
• Nanny/babysitter: AED 25-50/hour
• Part-time maid: AED 800-1,200/month
• Full-time live-in maid: AED 1,500-2,500/month (plus visa costs)

Long-Term Considerations

Permanent Residence

• Golden Visa options for long-term stay
• Property investment route
• Business ownership
• Highly skilled professionals

Retirement and Savings

• No local pension system
• End of service gratuity only
• Important to save and invest independently
• Consider home country pension contributions
• Consult financial advisor re: long-term planning

Resources for Expats

Useful Websites

• Dubai Government Portal: dubai.ae
• Dubai Land Department (property): dubailand.gov.ae
• DEWA: dewa.gov.ae
• RTA (transport): rta.ae
• Dubai Health Authority: dha.gov.ae

Expat Forums and Groups

• ExpatWoman.com
• Dubai Expats Facebook groups
• Meetup Dubai
• InterNations Dubai

How Should You Plan the Physical Move to Dubai?

Once your visa, housing, and administrative preparations are underway, planning the physical relocation of your household goods is the final major step.

Shipping Your Belongings

• Sea freight: Most cost-effective for a full household. 20ft container (AED 7,000-18,000) handles a 2-bedroom home. Transit time: 4-8 weeks depending on origin. Best for families relocating permanently.
• Air freight: Fast (5-10 days) but expensive (AED 15-30 per kg). Best for essential items you need immediately while sea freight is in transit.
• Hybrid approach: Ship essentials by air (clothes, documents, electronics) and bulk items by sea. This is the most practical strategy for most expats.

For detailed international moving logistics, including customs clearance and prohibited items, consult with a professional international relocation company.

What You Should NOT Ship to Dubai

• Pork products (prohibited under Islamic law)
• Alcohol (requires permit, limited quantities)
• Certain medications (prescription narcotics, codeine - check UAE MOH list)
• Religious materials that could be considered proselytising
• Israeli-origin products (may cause delays)
• Large electrical appliances (Dubai uses 220V - check compatibility before shipping)
• Old or damaged furniture (may not pass customs inspection)

What Is the Settling-In Timeline for Expats?

Based on feedback from hundreds of expat families we have helped relocate, here is a realistic settling-in timeline:

Timeframe	Milestone
Week 1	Basics: SIM card, DEWA, bank account, grocery shopping
Weeks 2-3	Admin: Emirates ID, driving license, school registration
Month 1	Routine: Learn commute, find local services, explore neighbourhood
Months 2-3	Social: Join clubs, meet colleagues' families, attend community events
Months 3-6	Comfort: Feel settled, know the city, have a social network
Year 1	Home: Dubai feels like home. You know your favourite restaurants, weekend spots, and how to navigate bureaucracy.

Frequently Asked Questions for Expats Moving to Dubai

How much money should I have saved before moving to Dubai?

We recommend having 3-4 months of living expenses available in cash or easily accessible accounts. This covers: first month's rent (often one cheque for full year), DEWA deposits (AED 2,000-4,000), security deposit (5% annual rent), moving costs, and living expenses until your first salary payment. For a single professional, AED 30,000-50,000 is a comfortable buffer. For a family, AED 80,000-150,000.

Is Dubai safe for families?

Dubai is consistently ranked among the safest cities in the world. Violent crime is extremely rare. The main safety considerations are traffic (drive carefully), extreme heat (stay hydrated), and swimming safety (strong currents on open beaches). For families with children, Dubai offers excellent parks, beaches, and recreational facilities.

Can I drink alcohol in Dubai?

Yes, but only in licensed venues (hotels, restaurants, and bars) or at home with a personal liquor permit. Drinking in public or driving under the influence carries severe penalties. The legal drinking age is 21.

How do I find a good moving company for my international relocation?

Look for companies with FIDI or IAM membership, experience with your origin country, and door-to-door service capability. Read our guide to choosing the right moving company for detailed evaluation criteria.

What is the best area for expats to live in Dubai?

It depends on your lifestyle. Dubai Marina and JLT are popular with young professionals. Downtown Dubai and Business Bay suit those who want central living. Arabian Ranches and Dubai Hills are family favourites with villas and community facilities.

What Common Mistakes Do Expats Make When Moving to Dubai?

Based on our experience helping thousands of expat relocations, these mistakes are the most common and costly:

• Shipping too much: Many expats ship entire households only to find that Dubai apartments are smaller than their home-country equivalents. Sell or donate bulky furniture and buy locally. IKEA, Home Centre, and Pan Emirates offer affordable options delivered within days.
• Not checking voltage compatibility: Dubai uses 220V/50Hz with UK-style 3-pin plugs. Appliances from the US (110V) will not work without expensive transformers. Ship only dual-voltage electronics and buy the rest in Dubai.
• Underestimating initial cash needs: Between rent cheques, DEWA deposits, agency fees, and security deposits, the upfront cash requirement can be AED 50,000-150,000 for a family. Have these funds accessible before arriving.
• Ignoring the school waiting list: Top international schools in Dubai have waitlists of 6-12 months. Start applications before you have a confirmed visa if possible.
• Choosing the wrong area: Living near your workplace dramatically improves quality of life in Dubai. A 30-minute commute difference can save 250+ hours per year. Explore Dubai Marina, Downtown, Business Bay, JLT, and Arabian Ranches before committing.

Start Your Dubai Adventure

Moving to Dubai as an expat offers incredible opportunities for career growth, tax-free earnings, and a high quality of life. With proper preparation and professional support, the transition can be smooth and exciting. Request a free moving quote from our team, and let us help you plan every aspect of your relocation to the UAE.