How to move to Dubai: Step-by-step guide

Whether you’re starting a new job or setting off on an exciting adventure, Dubai is like no other place in the world.

In this complete relocation guide you’ll learn all of the ins and outs of what it’s like to live in Dubai. Below you’ll find tips on landing new accommodations and employment, steps to set up bank accounts and health insurance, and the typical cost of living.

Living in Dubai - quick stats:

Before moving to Dubai, here’s a snapshot of some basic statistics you should know:

• Total population: 2.8 million
• Total size: 1,500 square miles
• Capital: Dubai
• Currency: Dirhams, also symbolised as ‘Dhs’ or ‘AED’
• Total number of expats: 7.8 million
• Expats from the US: 50,000
• Expats from Australia: 16,000
• Expats from the UK: 240,000
• Official languages: Arabic, but English is widely spoken
• Weather: Dubai gets very hot in the summer months and drastically cool at night. From May to September, temperatures can touch 54°C (129°F) and in winter the temperature at night is usually from 10 to 16°C (50 to 61°F).
• Biggest cities: The city of Dubai can be distinguished from Dubai the Emirate; Dubai is the largest city within the Emirate of Dubai
• Customs: Dubai is a Muslim city and the customs and etiquette might be slightly different than what you’re used to at home. While in public you should dress modestly, refrain from being drunk or disorderly, and keep displays of affection such as hugging or kissing to minimum so that you keep out of trouble with the local law enforcement.
• Average salary: Dhs 15,000 a month for a teacher, Dhs 25,000 a month for an architect, Dhs 35,000 a month for a project manager, Dhs 25,000 for an engineer

Step 1: Figure out the legal requirements to move to Dubai

Before moving to Dubai, it’s important to make sure your paperwork is in order. You’ll need to have a passport that’s been valid for at least six months prior to entry and not due to expire during your stay. If you’re coming from the US, UK, Canada or most of Europe you can obtain a visa on arrival. You’ll also want to make sure any additional documents, like marriage licenses, bank statements or diplomas, are certified prior to entering the country.

There are a few types of visas that will allow you to enter the country for an extended or permanent stay. If you don’t have a job prior to entering, the long-term multiple visit visas will allow you to stay in the country for 90 days with the possibility of reapplying after the time has expired. If you do have an employer set up, they'll typically handle all of the paperwork for your work permit and visa. This can be done either before you enter the country, or you can change your visa status from visiting to work once you’ve crossed the border. It’s smart to check with the official General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs office of Dubai if your situation is a bit more detailed.

You’ll need to have an updated passport photo of yourself for a work visa and will likely have to pay a fee to change your visa status. If you plan on moving your family with you, Dubai also requires proof that you have a salary of at least Dhs 10,000 per month before you can obtain an entry permit for your loved ones.

And remember, you'll need a sponsor to enter Dubai regardless if it’s for a quick visit or for a permanent relocation. This could simply be your hotel or tourist company, your future place of employment, or a friend or family member who’s a permanent UAE resident.

Requirements for Australian, American, EU, and UK citizens

Citizens from Australia, the EU, UK, or US can visit Dubai for 30 days without making advance arrangements. After disembarking from a flight, your passport will be stamped with a 30-day visit visa. To stay beyond this visa, a residency visa is required. This can either be taken care of through an employer, a family member who already lives in Dubai, or by meeting certain other criteria. There's also an investor residence visa, which means that if you invest Dhs 70,000 (£14,500) in a UAE company and pays a Dhs 300 fee, you’re eligible to receive a three-year visa.

Requirements for students

Students in the UAE must carry a student visa, which is generally granted for one year. It can be renewed annually through their program of study. To receive the visa, students need to provide a passport, photos, a letter of acceptance to a UAE educational institution, and a tenancy agreement, if they have one. Applicants for this visa may also be required to undergo a security check and take a medical test for tuberculosis, HIV and hepatitis B or C.

Step 2: Make sure you can afford the cost of living in Dubai

For most things, the cost of living in Dubai is much lower than cities like London or New York. Here are a few basic costs for typical living in Dubai:

Step 3: Set up your finances in Dubai

Opening a bank account in Dubai is pretty simple. There are over 45 UAE-based commercial banks to choose from. There are also a handful of bank branches from regions like London, Germany and China. You must be a resident to open a checking account, but some banks allow non-UAE residents to open a savings account. You'll also need to bring copies of your passport, any residency or work permits, and if you already have an employer, a letter confirming your salary.

Remember that whether you’re there as a permanent expat, or for temporary work or school, you and your family can save money on cross border transfers through Wise.

Step 4: Find a job and get to work in Dubai

Working in Dubai can be financially rewarding, no matter where in the world you’re from. There's no personal tax, so net income is generally much higher than other countries. As a Muslim country, the weekly day of rest is Friday, and some companies work from Sunday to Thursday, with Friday and Saturday as their weekend. During the holy month of Ramadan, working hours are reduced to six hours; however, a typical work day is from 8:30am to 5:30pm.

It’s recommended to find work prior to entering Dubai, as many new employees are recruited abroad from head-hunters or employment agencies. If you haven’t already landed a job prior to entering the country, here are a few English-speaking sites to help you:

• UAE Recruitment Agency
• Caterer Global
• GoToGulf, a job board for the Gulf countries, especially Dubai and the UAE
• Gulflancer, an online job recruiter for the Middle East

Step 5: Get a place to live in Dubai

It can be daunting finding a place to live when moving to a new country. Many Dubai employers will provide accommodation or have extra living expenses built into contracts for their new recruits. It’s also not uncommon to purchase a home rather than rent. If you're renting, many apartments or condos will likely come furnished, but it’s not too difficult to find a place without furniture. Most landlords will require you to pay either six months to a full year of rent upfront, so be prepared for that large transaction.

The districts of Jumeirah and Dubai Marina are more expensive and rental property is competitive, as they're close to the beach and highly desirable. The Arabian Ranches also have a good reputation for well-built homes and can be at the high end of the market. There are somewhat less expensive districts such as The Lakes, The Meadows, and The Springs. And if you’re up for the commute on the famous Sheikh Zayed Road, the longest highway in the UAE, there's always room in the suburbs.

Step 6: Make sure your healthcare is covered in Dubai

There are public hospitals which offer free or very low-cost services to Dubai residents. You’ll need to have a health card to be treated at one of these hospitals which is available from the Department of Health and Medical Services.

Dubai employers are required to provide health insurance coverage for their employees and sponsors are required to get insurance cover for their resident dependants. You’ll have a few insurance companies to pick from, if you don’t already have insurance coverage from home.

Step 7: If you haven’t already, learn the language

Arabic is the official language of Dubai and the UAE. However, English is used by most of the residents. You’ll also find Hindi, Chinese or Urdu commonly spoken because of the high volume of foreign visitors.

If you want to brush up on your Arabic, there are free online classes available. Learners commonly turn to either Duolingo or Madinah Arabic. You can also find local language classes at universities or schools around Dubai.

Step 8: Don’t be lonely - make friends and get in touch with other expats in Dubai

You’ll find several forums and meetups for connecting with expats in Dubai:

• Expat Forum, a general forum for expats living in Dubai
• British Expats in the Middle East forum
• Americans in the UAE Meetup
• Dubai Aussie Meetup
• InterNations for Australians in Dubai

Step 9: Make sure you’re prepared with important contacts in Dubai in case of an emergency

Here are the important emergency contacts in Dubai:

• Dial 999 for ambulance and police, or 997 for fire emergencies
• For visa issues, dial 8005111 to reach the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai
• British Embassy in Dubai
• US Embassy and Consulate in the UAE
• Consulate General of Canada to the UAE in Dubai
• Embassy of Ireland in the UAE

Dubai is like no other place in the world, filled with travelers from all over the globe. There’s a lot to take care of when relocating to another country, but the process is certainly worth it if you’re looking for a new adventure.