Moving to Dubai: A Comprehensive Guide to the UAE for Expats

Dubai has become a top destination for expats and digital nomads. They rate the United Arab Emirates highly for its quality of life, career prospects, and local culture, not to mention its considerable tax advantages.

Relocating to the UAE requires thorough planning and research. While the country has relatively simple visa processes, there are pitfalls to avoid. Read our step-by-step to understand all the requirements and potential setbacks to ensure a successful move to the UAE.

Step 1: Ensure your paperwork checks out

The first item on your expat checklist is ensuring you meet all the UAE’s eligibility criteria. Thoroughly review all the required paperwork to guarantee your relocation isn’t just possible but also seamless. Here are the key areas you need to consider:

Visa types

The UAE government offers several types of visas to cater to the diverse needs of its expats:

• Job seeker visa: Use this entry permit for up to five years to look for work or finalize your UAE residency

• Standard work visa: Apply for residency through your Emirati employer or an EOR visa sponsorship

• Green work visa: Sponsor yourself as a sole proprietor or skilled worker indefinitely. You must meet minimum income requirements—360,000 Dirham ($100,000 USD) per year for freelancers and 180,000 Dirham ($65,000) for employees

• Virtual work visa: Get a one-year visa as a digital nomad working for a foreign organization. You need to have proof of employment and earn no less than $3,500 (USD) a month

• Golden visa: If you’re a specialist, see if you’re eligible for a long-term, renewable visa with no sponsorship required

Aside from job seeker visas, all the work permits above let you bring family members with you. You have to meet a higher earning threshold and provide accommodation though.

Visa sponsorship

If you’re applying for a standard work residence visa, you need an Emirati employer to sponsor you. The good news is they’ll handle most of this process on your behalf.

Ensure a smooth sponsorship process by providing all the required documents timely and keeping yourself updated. 

A checklist of essential documents

The exact paperwork you need depends on the type of visa you apply for and your nationality. For example, there are special exemptions for citizens of countries from the Middle East like Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. However, the following documents are likely to end up on your checklist:

Authentications and translations

UAE authorities require you to attest most documents originating from other countries. You can usually verify them through your own government services or your nearest UAE embassy. Sometimes you may need to authenticate documents in both countries as in the case of degree certificates.

You may also need to translate documents into Arabic. Even if you speak both languages fluently, you should use a professional service for this step.

Failure to provide authenticated and translated documents could lead to delays and complications in your visa application process. In the worst-case scenario, the authorities might reject your application and cause you to start over from scratch.

Step 2: Consider finances

Moving to Dubai can be a smart financial move, offering you the opportunity to fast-track your career and benefit from generous tax breaks. However, it’s essential to budget effectively for your move and new life abroad.

Cost of living

Dubai is famous for its luxurious lifestyle and business opportunities but these features make it one of the most expensive cities in the world after New York and London. Before you move there, it’s important to understand the costs you’ll have to manage. Here are some of your main considerations:

• Housing costs: The cost of accommodation starts at around $1,200 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in the suburbs

• Utilities: Basic electricity, cooling, and water for an apartment come to around $200 per month

• Retail: Most of Dubai’s commercial goods come from abroad meaning they carry a hefty import tax

• Daily expenses: Food and drink prices are comparable to US supermarkets but there’s an excise tax on unhealthy products like carbonated drinks and tobacco

• Transportation: Dubai has an extensive public transport system with tickets costing as little as 3 Dirham (around $1) 

Banking and currency exchange

The UAE has a robust, modern financial system that supports online and international banking. Opening an Emirati bank account is a straightforward process that only requires your passport, visa, and proof of address. You can choose between one of the UAE’s national banks or global ones like HSBC and Barclays.

Exchanging currencies is also relatively simple. As the Arab Emirati Dirham is pegged to the US dollar, the rate remains fixed at $1 USD to 3.67 Dirham. Use reputable services to exchange currencies to avoid the risk of scams.

Taxes

One of the main attractions of the UAE is the favorable tax system. There’s no income tax on individuals and VAT rates are low. When you’re living tax-free, you also have less paperwork to take care of every year.

While you can enjoy tax advantages in the UAE, check whether you have any financial obligations to your home country. You’ll need to see whether there’s a double taxation agreement between the two jurisdictions. The Emirati Ministry of Finance (MOF) lists all the UAE’s current tax treaties on its website.

Step 3: Secure housing and accommodation

Although some employers provide expats with accommodation, you may need to arrange housing. The UAE has many options from luxury apartments in skyscrapers to budget-friendly shared houses so what you choose mostly depends on your budget.

Renting vs. buying

The main consideration is whether to rent or buy your accommodation. Renting provides flexibility as Emirati leaseholders usually only require a year’s commitment. On the other hand, buying property can be a wise investment, albeit one with substantial upfront costs.

Note that the UAE restricts foreigners from buying property in some areas. You can look at real estate in freehold zones like Business Bay and Dubai Marina for expat accommodation.

Finding suitable housing

There are numerous ways to look for accommodation in the UAE’s dynamic property market. You can hire an estate agent or browse websites like Bayut or Dubizzle. Expats on job-seeker visas might explore different locations when they arrive.

When you’ve found the right place, ensure the owner registers your rental agreement with the correct authorities. Dubai calls this document the ‘Ejari’ and Abu Dhabi the ‘Tawtheeq’. You’ll get protection from unlawful practices like unjustified rent increases and sudden evictions.

Most housing should support remote workers. The UAE has some of the fastest internet speeds in the world in the world and many apartments have office spaces.

Dubai Marina by night, photo by Masha Sutherlin, Deel's Director of Mobility & Corporate Legal

Step 4: Seek employment and career opportunities

Expats recently voted the UAE the second-best country for career prospects. The country’s diverse economy and strong international presence make it an excellent place to find work and grow professionally. Let’s explore the opportunities for job seekers here.

Job market overview

As the UAE has a diverse job market, you can find demand for talent in various industries. Top international companies like IBM, Google, and Amazon are often hiring there. In fact, we at Deel have recently partnered with the UAE to offer more roles for remote workers.

Research to find jobs that align with your skills and interests. There’s no need to know Arabic—familiar job sites like Indeed and LinkedIn let you look for opportunities in all the Emirates. You can also check the government job portals for open positions.

Professional networking is vital in securing job opportunities in the UAE. Attend in-person events such as conferences and expos to build as many professional connections as possible.

Work culture

Dubai’s work culture is a blend of modernity and tradition. There’s a heavy emphasis on respect for older, more experienced members of organizations. However, businesses are becoming more interested in their social responsibility as the UAE becomes more and more international.

As with many Gulf countries, the standard work week in the UAE is Sunday to Thursday. The working day is eight hours, except during Ramadan—the government sets the maximum at six hours to protect Islamic employees who fast.

Step 5: Arrange healthcare and education

The UAE has made health insurance mandatory for all residents, including expatriates. If you have children aged 18 or under, the same applies to their education.

Fortunately, Dubai has modern, well-funded hospitals, healthcare facilities, and schools. All you have to do is research the options and pick the ones that suit you best.

Healthcare system

Medical costs shouldn’t be a major concern when moving to Dubai. While healthcare in the UAE isn’t free, it’s heavily subsidized by the state. The government also passed a set of laws requiring employers to cover most of their foreign workers’ medical insurance premiums. 

However, employers aren’t responsible for covering dependents and work-based policies may have gaps. Research different insurance providers before you arrive and consider whether you need additional policies to the one provided by your organization.

For instance, Deel partners with multiple local providers so our EOR in Dubai can offer employees the most comprehensive coverage. We also have a benefits tool so you can see what employers should offer.

Education options

Due to the UAE’s large expat population, it has a wide variety of schools for foreigners. You’re likely to find a center that teaches your home country’s curriculum whether that’s American, British, or Indian. 

To enroll your children in school, you’ll have to complete some paperwork. Prepare copies of their birth certificate, visa, and school records. You may need a transfer certificate to prove your child studied at their previous school and had permission to leave their home country’s education system.

Step 6: Blend into the culture

While Dubai is a cosmopolitan city, the culture is still pervasive and distinct. It’s important to educate yourself about the customs and norms to integrate more quickly into society and make the most of your new home. Here are some key pointers about the Emirati way of life to familiarize yourself with:

• Multiculturalism: Dubai is a melting pot with nationalities from Asia, Africa, and beyond so move to the UAE with an open mind 

• Religion: The UAE is predominantly a Muslim country so learn about Islamic practices and be sure to follow rules about not eating, drinking, or smoking outdoors during Ramadan

• Conservative dress: You should cover your shoulders, arms, and legs when entering religious or government buildings in the UAE

• Dining etiquette: Familiarize yourself with rules such as eating with your right hand only and following the host’s lead at meal times

• Brunch: As the mid-morning meal is the most popular of the day, attending brunches will help you connect with locals and make friends

• Language: Although English is the primary language in Dubai, Arabic is widely spoken and locals will appreciate you making an effort to learn basic phrases and expressions

• Dubai metro: Public transport has its own set of rules like not eating, drinking, or selling goods on the trains

Step 7: Stay safe and secure

The UAE has a low crime rate due to its high-tech security, strong emergency response system, and community policing.

In case you encounter problems, learn the phone numbers for different emergencies. The UAE government website has a list that includes contacts for all the emergency services plus electricity and water failure.

Investing in relocation services can help you navigate all the risks and dangers with ease. They provide guidance on everything from housing and work to local laws so you can avoid common pitfalls. Consider enlisting a top service like Helpxpat, Movguru, or AGS Relocation to plan your move.

Step into your new life in Dubai

If you’re prepared to embrace the Emirati lifestyle, Dubai offers a rewarding expat experience. By focusing on key areas like healthcare, education, and cultural integration, you can make the most of your move abroad.

Deel supports employers and employees alike with the visa and relocation process. Our team of experts can handle the paperwork and any compliance issues with the Emirati government. 

Learn more about moving to new countries and how we can help with the relocation process on the Deel blog.