Dubai is a city of dazzling skyscrapers, luxury shopping, and vibrant culture, blending modernity with tradition in a unique desert setting. Whether you're drawn by its booming job market, captivating architecture, or tax-friendly environment, moving to Dubai offers an exciting adventure.
This ultimate guide is designed to provide you with everything you need to know to make your relocation smooth and successful. From navigating the real estate market to understanding local customs, we’ve got you covered every step of the way.
Your Ultimate Guide to Moving to Dubai 1
Legal Requirements - visas, residency permits 2
Accessing the healthcare system 6
Fun facts about Dubai
- Dubai population: 3.638 million
- Total foreigners: 2.72 million (75%)
- Currency: United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED), also called Dirhams (symbolised as Dhs)
- Capital: Dubai, the city, is the largest city within the Emirate of Dubai
- Official languages: Arabic, although English very common
Understanding Dubai
Location and Climate
Dubai sits on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, right along the sparkling Arabian Gulf. The city's modern skyscrapers and luxurious lifestyle stand in sharp contrast to the traditional desert backdrop, offering a fascinating mix of old-world charm and contemporary flair.
Expect extreme temperatures, with scorching heat - temperatures can soar up to 54°C (129°F) during the summer (May - September) - and much cooler nights, winter nights typically drop to between 10°C and 16°C (50°F to 61°F).
Cultural Considerations
Dubai is a melting pot of cultures, with people from all over the world calling it home. This diversity makes it a vibrant city, but it also means understanding and respecting local customs is important.
The laws and cultural norms in Dubai and the UAE are deeply rooted in Islamic tradition, with customs and etiquette that might differ from what you’re accustomed to. To stay respectful and avoid any issues, dress modestly in public, avoid being intoxicated or disruptive, and keep displays of affection like hugging or kissing to a minimum.
It wouldn’t hurt to dive deeper into the traditional Arabian values to get a better understanding of the local way of life before you touch down.
Language
Arabic is the official language, but you'll find that English is widely spoken and understood, especially in business and social settings. This makes settling in easier for newcomers and helps you navigate daily life without too much hassle. See more on this later.
Legal Requirements - visas, residency permits
Before relocating to Dubai, ensure your paperwork is in order. Your passport should be valid for at least six months from your entry date and make sure to have any necessary documents, like marriage licenses or diplomas, certified before you go.
If you’re from the US, UK, Canada, or most European countries, you can get a 30-day visa on arrival, and reapply for a work visa once you’ve found a job. Alternatively, you can sort out your residency permit beforehand by finding a job and getting the employer to apply on your behalf.
Getting a visa allows you to open a bank account, secure loans (personal or car), access visa-free travel to several countries, enroll your children in private or government schools, get a driver’s license, and access government health services and insurance.
For long-term stays, there are three main visa options: the Green Visa, Standard Visa and Golden Visa. There is also the option to study there, which you’ll need a student visa for.
- Green Visa
The UAE’s Green Visa is a five-year residence visa that allows holders to self-sponsor, removing the need for a UAE national or employer to provide sponsorship.
Requirements:
- Freelancers and Self-Employedsome text
- Freelance/self-employment permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
- Bachelor’s degree or specialized diploma
- Proof of annual income of at least AED 360,000 for the past two years, or financial solvency for your duration of stay.
- Skilled Employeessome text
- Valid employment contract
- Classification in the first, second, or third occupational level
- Minimum of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- Salary of at least AED 15,000 per month
- Standard Work Visa
Your employer is responsible for this application, and will need to apply for a residency visa through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFAD) Dubai. Available for employees in the private and government sectors and free zone.
- Golden Visa
The UAE’s Golden visa is a long-term residence visa designed for foreign talents, offering the following benefits:
- Entry visa: A six-month entry visa with multiple entries to proceed with residence issuance.
- Long-term residence: Renewable visa valid for 5 or 10 years.
- No sponsor needed: Allows holders to live without needing a local sponsor.
- Extended stay: Permits holders to stay outside the UAE beyond the usual six-month period.
- Family sponsorship: Enables sponsorship of family members, including spouses and children of any age, and unlimited domestic helpers.
- Continuity: Family members can remain in the UAE until their permit expires if the primary visa holder passes away.
- Student Visa
Students need a student visa, which are typically valid for one year and renewable annually. To apply, provide a passport, recent photos, an acceptance letter from a UAE educational institution, and a tenancy agreement if applicable. A security check and medical tests for tuberculosis, HIV, and hepatitis may also be required.
As all this information is subject to change, be sure to check the finer details before taking the leap. Find more info here.
Finding a job
Finding a job in Dubai can be an exciting opportunity due to its tax-free income and diverse job market. To get started, you can explore popular online job boards such as Bayt, Buzzon, Dubizzle, Naukrigulf, and Gulf Talent.
Alternatively, consider partnering with a reputable recruitment agency known for connecting job seekers with Dubai employers (be sure to check the reviews!). If possible, it’s advisable to secure a position before arriving.
Job seekers can also use English-speaking sites like UAE Recruitment Agency, Caterer Global, GoToGulf, and Gulflancer.
Be aware that the work week typically runs from Sunday to Thursday, with Friday and Saturday as the weekend, and working hours are reduced during Ramadan.
Finding a place to stay
Finding a place to live in Dubai can be a bit of a task, but it’s manageable with some prep. Many jobs come with housing perks or allowances, but if you’re renting, don’t be surprised if you’re asked to fork over six months to a year’s rent upfront. You’ll find both furnished and unfurnished options, so pick what suits you best.
If you’re eyeing swanky areas like Jumeirah or Dubai Marina, be prepared for higher rents and fierce competition. For something a bit easier on the wallet, try The Lakes, The Meadows, or The Springs. And if you don’t mind a longer drive, the suburbs along Sheikh Zayed Road have plenty of choices too.
In Dubai, renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averages around €2,000 per month, while outside the city center it’s more affordable at approximately €1,250. For a three-bedroom apartment, expect to pay about €3,750 in the city center and €2,600 outside of it.
Here’s a quick rundown of what renting an apartment will entail:
- Make an offer: Agree on the rent and terms.
- Pay a deposit: Usually one month’s rent, plus a copy of your passport and visa.
- Sign the lease: Review and sign the tenancy contract.
- Register your lease: Use Ejari to register your lease online or via an agent.
You’ll need:
- Original lease contract
- Landlord’s title deed
- Passport copies (yours and the landlord’s)
- Emirates ID
Also, remember to apply for utilities with DEWA and get a move-in permit if needed. If you’re using an agent, make sure they’re registered with Dubai’s Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA).
Cost of Living
The good news is that living in Dubai is considerably more affordable than living in cities like New York. Here’s a quick look at some common costs:
- Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for a 915 sq ft apartment: 732.78 AED (€180)
- Mobile phone monthly plan (calls and 10gb+ data): 197.80 AED (€50)
- Internet (60 mbps or more, unlimited data): 365.99 AED (€90)
- Fitness club monthly fee: 316.49 AED (€78)
Estimated monthly costs without rent:
- Single Person: 4,020.9 AED (€990)
- Family of Four: 14,036.8 AED (€3,500)
Overall, Dubai is about 40.8% cheaper than New York without considering rent, and rent in Dubai is approximately 49.9% lower.
Setting up a bank account
After receiving your visa, you’ll need to get your Emirates ID through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security website. It’s not just for the bank; it's a legal requirement for everyone in the UAE to carry it.
Once you’ve got this, opening a bank account is relatively straightforward. For this you'll need to provide:
- A copy of your passport with the residence visa
- A copy of your Emirates ID card
- A salary certificate or a letter from your employer or sponsor confirming this
Setting up a bank account might take some time, so you will need other ways to handle your money initially. That’s where services like Tap can come in handy.
With the Tap app, you can manage all your currencies in one place (fiat and crypto), load funds as you need onto your Tap card, and pay for goods and services with a single Tap. The app also allows you to pay bills back home effortlessly, using your preferred currency. Learn more here.
Please note that once you have received your residency permit you are no longer allowed to use the Tap app in the UAE as we do not cover that jurisdiction.
Getting around Dubai
Dubai's transport system is just as sleek and efficient as the city itself. The Dubai Metro, with its state-of-the-art setup, is a budget-friendly way to get around. A single ticket costs around 7 AED (about €1.7), and a monthly pass for unlimited rides is around 300 AED (about €74).
If you prefer a more personalised touch, taxis are readily available, starting at 12 AED (€3) with a rate of around 4.83 AED (€1.2) per mile.
Thinking of driving? Dubai’s roads are well-kept, though traffic can get intense. Gas is reasonably priced at 11.35 AED (€2.8) per gallon, making car ownership appealing. A new Volkswagen Golf or something similar will set you back about 124,000 AED (€30,500). Renting a car is also an option, offering a taste for driving without the long-term commitment.
Accessing the healthcare system
The UAE’s healthcare system is pretty extensive, with both government-funded and private options available.
In Dubai, you can get free or affordable care at public hospitals if you have a health card from the Department of Health and Medical Services. Employers are required to provide health insurance for their staff, and if you’re sponsoring family members, you’ll need to cover them too.
If you’re handling your own sponsorship, you’ll need to sort out your own insurance coverage.
Learn the language
If you want to really get involved, you can learn some basics. Arabic is the official language in Dubai and the UAE, but you'll hear English spoken by many residents. Due to the influx of international visitors, languages like Hindi, Chinese, and Urdu are also common.
If you’re keen to pick up some Arabic, there are plenty of free online resources like Duolingo and Madinah Arabic. Local universities and schools in Dubai also offer language classes if you prefer a more hands-on approach.
Conclusion
So there you have it. From navigating the visa maze to mastering the art of Metro-hopping, you're now equipped with the essentials for your desert adventure.
Remember, Dubai is a city where ancient traditions dance with futuristic dreams, so whether you're chasing career heights in a skyscraper or perfecting your Arabic in a local café, embrace the journey. Pack your sunscreen, your sense of wonder, and maybe a phrase book – your Dubai story awaits.
This article is for general information purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal, financial or other professional advice or a recommendation of any kind whatsoever and should not be relied upon or treated as a substitute for specific advice relevant to particular circumstances. We make no warranties, representations or undertakings about any of the content of this article (including, without limitation, as to the quality, accuracy, completeness or fitness for any particular purpose of such content), or any content of any other material referred to or accessed by hyperlinks through this article. We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether express or implied, that the content on our site is accurate, complete or up-to-date.
