International Moving Checklist Dubai: Complete Relocation Guide

How Should You Plan Your International Move from Dubai?

International moves require 12+ weeks of planning covering customs regulations, shipping logistics, visa documentation, and country-specific tax relief applications.

Moving internationally from Dubai is a major undertaking. Unlike local moves, you are dealing with customs regulations, shipping logistics, and paperwork that varies by destination country. This checklist ensures nothing falls through the cracks.

For detailed country-specific guidance, visit our international moving guides.

What Should You Do 12 Weeks Before Your International Move?

Begin with research and decisions: determine what to ship versus sell, research customs requirements, get multiple quotes, choose shipping method, and create your budget.

What Research and Decisions Are Needed?

• Decide what to take vs. sell/donate vs. store
• Research customs requirements for your destination country
• Get quotes from 3+ international moving companies
• Choose shipping method: sea freight vs. air freight
• Create a moving budget including shipping, insurance, and customs fees

Compare international moving companies and review options for sea freight vs. air freight.

What Documentation Should You Gather Early?

• Check passport validity (6+ months recommended)
• Verify visa status for destination country
• Request employment reference letters
• Gather important documents (birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic records)

What Should You Complete 8 Weeks Before Moving?

Book your international mover with deposit, schedule pre-move survey, confirm insurance coverage, and apply for destination country tax relief forms.

How Do You Finalize Your Moving Company?

• Book your international mover with deposit
• Schedule pre-move survey (in-person or virtual)
• Review and sign contract carefully
• Confirm insurance coverage and value limits

Which Tax Relief Applications Should You Submit?

Apply for destination country tax relief to avoid paying duties on your personal effects:

• UK: ToR1 Transfer of Residence form (2-3 weeks processing)
• USA: CBP Form 3299 for returning residents
• Canada: B4 Goods to Follow list
• India: TR Declaration for NRIs
• Saudi Arabia: FASAH registration

What Should You Complete 6 Weeks Before Moving?

Create a detailed inventory listing every item with descriptions and values, photograph valuables, and complete UAE administrative tasks like DEWA and Ejari cancellation.

How Do You Create a Detailed Inventory?

• List every item with descriptions and values
• Photograph valuable items for insurance purposes
• Identify items requiring special packing (antiques, art, pianos)
• Note serial numbers for electronics

What UAE Administrative Tasks Need Completion?

• Cancel or transfer DEWA account
• Cancel internet (Du/Etisalat)—note any contract penalties
• Cancel Ejari registration
• Notify bank of relocation
• Close or maintain UAE bank accounts as needed

What Should You Complete 4 Weeks Before Moving?

Confirm packing date, begin decluttering to reduce shipping costs, verify all required documents are ready, and book flights for your family.

What Packing Decisions Should You Make?

• Confirm packing date with moving company
• Begin decluttering—less weight = lower shipping costs
• Arrange sale or donation of items not shipping
• Empty and clean appliances

What Shipping and Documentation Tasks Remain?

• Verify all required documents are ready
• Confirm destination address for delivery
• Arrange temporary accommodation if needed
• Book flights for family

What Should You Complete 2 Weeks Before Moving?

Confirm pickup dates, prepare items to carry personally, backup digital data, transfer medical records, and arrange someone to receive your shipment at destination.

What Pre-Pack Tasks Are Essential?

• Confirm packing and pickup dates
• Prepare items you will carry personally (do not ship)
• Backup digital data and photos
• Transfer medical records

What Destination Preparations Are Needed?

• Confirm someone can receive shipment at destination
• Research customs clearance process at destination
• Arrange storage if home not ready

What Should You Complete 1 Week Before Moving?

Confirm final pickup time, prepare payment balance, pack suitcases with 2-4 weeks of essentials, do final property walkthrough, and return keys to landlord.

• Confirm final pickup time with movers
• Prepare payment for moving company (final balance)
• Pack suitcases for immediate needs (2-4 weeks of essentials)
• Final walkthrough of property
• Return keys to landlord/agent
• Collect security deposit documentation

What Should You Do on Packing Day?

Be present during entire packing, verify each box is labeled correctly, check inventory matches packed items, keep documents and valuables with you, and get shipping documents.

• Be present during entire packing process
• Check each box is properly labeled
• Verify inventory list matches packed items
• Keep essential documents and valuables with you
• Get copy of Bill of Lading/Airway Bill
• Confirm estimated arrival date at destination

What Items Should You NOT Ship Internationally?

Do not ship prohibited items like alcohol or weapons, perishables, hazardous materials, or valuables—carry jewelry, cash, important documents, and irreplaceable items personally.

Leave these behind or carry personally:

• Prohibited: Alcohol (some countries), pork products, weapons, drugs
• Perishables: Food items, plants without certificates
• Hazardous: Aerosols, batteries, flammable liquids
• Valuable: Jewelry, cash, important documents (carry these)
• Irreplaceable: Family photos, heirlooms (carry these)

What Should You Do After Arriving at Your Destination?

Track your shipment, prepare customs documentation for clearance, inspect all items upon delivery, document any damage immediately, and file claims within required timeframes.

• Track shipment with your moving company
• Prepare customs documentation for clearance
• Inspect all items upon delivery
• Document any damage immediately
• File claims within required timeframe
• Complete any post-entry customs requirements

What Is the Key to a Successful International Move?

Start planning early, stay organized with checklists, and work with experienced international movers who understand customs requirements for smooth, stress-free relocation.

International moves from Dubai require careful planning and attention to detail. Work with an experienced international moving company that understands customs requirements. With proper preparation, your relocation can be smooth and stress-free.