How to move to the UAE from Canada

Moving from Canada to the UAE can mean starting fresh with a high-energy lifestyle and environment, but such a move can be a big decision and comes with a complex process. In this guide, we’ll be looking at visas, expenses, preparing for your stay, and dealing with monthly expenses, along with how Wise can help you handle your international finances and transfer money at the mid-market exchange rate.

What are the administrative essentials for moving to the UAE from Canada?

Whether you’re moving to the UAE for work, to join your family, or for new opportunities, the purpose of why you’re moving matters. This will determine the type of visa you need to apply for and allow you to stay compliant with residency requirements to establish your new life there. Luckily, the UAE makes visa application easy, provided you meet the requirements. As Dubai has plans to grow its population, the government is highly interested in attracting immigrants, with options that don’t require sponsors.¹

The UAE’s lack of personal income tax is one of the many factors that make it a highly attractive relocation destination.⁵ However, it can be helpful to get a lay of the land by contacting a tax advisor. A professional will be able to advise any adjustments to make to your current investments and how to manage your money in your new home.

How long does the UAE visa process take?

The length of the visa process can depend on the type of visa you’re applying for and whether there are delays in the system. As a general timeline, you can expect visa processing times to take only around five days, thanks to Dubai’s work permit and residency visa processing time cuts.⁶

Things to take care of in Canada before moving to the UAE

Before your move, you’ll need to handle a variety of important tasks in Canada to avoid issues down the road. From closing bank accounts to making sure all your mail gets delivered to your new address, taking the time to organize these details will help you settle in more comfortably. Here’s how you can get started:

• Notify the relevant authorities, such as the CRA, Service Canada, your bank, and insurance providers, about your change in residency.
• Close your bank accounts if you don’t have any ongoing financial commitments.This helps you avoid monthly fees or inactivity fees that could pile up on top of your expenses.

• Transfer funds to a UAE account so you can manage your expenses, such as with a local bank account or an international money transfer service like Wise.

If you’re permanently moving from Canada to the UAE, you can use Wise to transfer funds to your local AED account at the mid market rate. Rather than deal with hidden fees and markups at banks, you can enjoy minimal, pay-as-you-use transfer fees starting at just 0.48%^*.¹²

• Use Canada Post’s mail forwarding service to get important mail to your new UAE address.
• Cancel any Canada-based memberships or subscriptions that can’t be used in the UAE.
• Make sure you have all your necessary medical records to continue treatment smoothly.
• If you’re relocating with a pet, ensure you have an import permit, proof of immunization, a certified health certificate, and any additional documents for service animals.^7,8 Each pet will need to be microchipped and have a full vaccination record. The UAE is known to have many operating airlines that have humane and safe transit for pets, with opportunities for them to stay in the cabin with you.

Flight expenses for flying from Canada to Dubai

One of the biggest upfront expenses for your move will be the flight from Canada to the UAE. Since it’s such a lengthy flight, how much will it set you back? Let’s take a look at a few examples:

Keep in mind that these price ranges are broad and depend on:

• The month and time of year that you choose to travel
• The airline you choose to travel with
• How far in advance you book
• The time of your flight
• Whether you choose a direct flight or have one with layovers

Preparing for your stay in the UAE before leaving Canada

No matter where you’re moving to, transitioning and settling into a new country takes time. However, getting an idea of what your monthly expenses will look like, how to get around the city, and how to purchase insurance will make the adjustment period go more smoothly.

Estimation of monthly expenses

Depending on where you choose to live, you’ll find that the cost of certain essentials, like housing, transportation, and groceries, will vary. Here’s a quick rundown of the average cost of living in the UAE’s major cities.

While Canada is liberal and individualistic, the UAE is more understated and traditional, prioritizing modest dressing and collectivism. Public displays of affection are frowned upon, social interactions aren’t as casual, and there’s a big emphasis on respect for Islamic religious practices. The UAE also has a four and a half day work week that spans Monday to Friday, with some in the private sector working Sunday to Thursday.

Transportation in the UAE

The UAE is known for its advanced technology and modern architecture, so it’s no surprise that it has an efficient transportation system to match. The public transportation network includes water transport, metros, buses, taxis, trams, and more that help you easily travel around the UAE.

The country has one of the most advanced rail systems worldwide, with the 74.6-kilometre Dubai Metro. There are also taxis with strictly regulated fares and special taxis for women passengers.

Need to go across the water? You’ll find 30 pick-up points around the country to take water buses, ferries, and water taxis at low costs. In the three major cities, passengers can use dedicated smart cards to get around. If you’d rather drive your car, Canadians can purchase one or rent one with their driver’s license issued in Canada.¹³

Health insurance plans in the UAE

Only UAE nationals get full medical coverage under the Thiqa program or Enaya program, which means you’ll need to purchase health insurance as a non-citizen.¹⁴ If you’re employed by an employer, you can become eligible for public health insurance, but coverage is often limited. While private health insurance is optional in Canada, Dubai and Abu Dhabi have made it mandatory for residents to have health insurance. You can find health insurance plans of varying tiers from Sukoon Insurance, Allianz Care, Takaful Emarat, and more.

Final thoughts on moving to the UAE from Canada

Stay prepared to avoid unnecessary challenges on your new adventure. Being informed and proactive about your move can reduce the number of challenges you face as you start settling in. Making sure you have the right visa and have all the documentation you need to assimilate will make you ready to embrace a new life in the UAE.

Sources:

1. Catalyst - Immigration in the UAE
2. Residence visa for working in the UAE | The Official Portal of the UAE Government
3. Golden visa | The Official Portal of the UAE Government
4. Residence visa for the retired | The Official Portal of the UAE Government
5. Taxation | The Official Portal of the UAE Government
6. Economic Times: Dubai cuts work permit and residency visa processing time from 30 days to 5
7. Import of pets (cats / dogs)
8. Abu Dhabi Residents Office: Living With Pets
9. Numbeo: Cost of Living in Dubai
10. Numbeo: Cost of Living in Abu Dhabi
11. Numbeo: Cost of Living in Sharjah
12. Wise Fees & Pricing: Only Pay for What You Use
13. Transportation and Mobility | Ministry of Economy - UAE
14. Getting a health insurance | The Official Portal of the UAE Government