Your Complete Guide to Moving to the UAE: 10 Simple Steps for a Stress-Free Relocation

Moving to a new country is both exciting and challenging. The United Arab Emirates, with its stunning skylines, tax-free income, and high living standards, attracts thousands of expats each year. But how do you navigate the process smoothly?

This step-by-step guide breaks down everything you need to know about relocating to the UAE. Whether you're moving for work, family, or lifestyle reasons, our checklist approach ensures you won't miss any critical steps along the way and avoid common mistakes when moving to the country.

Step 1: Secure Your UAE Visa and Residency

The foundation of your move to the UAE starts with obtaining the right visa. The good news is that the UAE offers various visa options to suit different circumstances:

• Employment Visa: The most common route for expats, sponsored by your UAE employer
• Investor Visa: For those starting or investing in a UAE business
• Property Investor Visa: Available when you purchase property above a certain value
• Retirement Visa: For individuals over 55 who meet financial requirements
• Golden Visa: Long-term residency (5-10 years) for specialized talent, investors, and entrepreneurs
• Freelance Permit: For self-employed professionals in certain industries

For any visa application, you'll generally need:

• A valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity
• Several passport-sized photographs with white background
• Educational certificates (properly attested)
• Professional qualifications (properly attested)
• Marriage certificate and children's birth certificates if applicable (attested)

The attestation process involves getting your documents verified by your home country's foreign affairs ministry and the UAE embassy. While this might sound complicated, many agencies specialize in handling this process for a reasonable fee.

Pro tip: Start the visa process early, as attestation and processing can take several weeks depending on your home country.

Step 2: Arrange Employment or Business Setup

Most expats move to the UAE with a job already secured. If this is your path:

• Get a detailed written job offer before making any moving plans

Carefully review your employment contract for:

• Base salary and any additional allowances
• Housing and transportation benefits
• Working hours and annual leave entitlement
• Health insurance coverage
• End-of-service benefits (similar to severance pay)
• Probation period terms

If you're planning to start a business, you'll need to:

• Decide between a mainland company or a free zone entity
• Choose the appropriate business activity category
• Complete the business registration process
• Obtain the necessary licenses

The UAE has over 40 free zones, each with different benefits and focus industries. Research which one aligns best with your business goals, as this decision impacts everything from ownership rules to the types of business activities you can conduct.

Step 3: Choose Your Ideal Location

The UAE consists of seven emirates, each with its unique character. Your choice depends on your lifestyle preferences, budget, and work location:

• Dubai: The most popular choice for expats, known for its modern infrastructure, vibrant social scene, and extensive amenities. Areas like Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, and JLT are expat favorites.
• Abu Dhabi: The capital city offers a slightly more relaxed pace than Dubai, with excellent schools, beautiful beaches, and a family-friendly environment. Popular areas include Al Reem Island, Khalifa City, and Al Reef.
• Sharjah: Just north of Dubai, Sharjah offers more affordable housing options while maintaining good infrastructure. The commute to Dubai can be challenging during peak hours.
• Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain: These northern emirates provide a quieter lifestyle with significantly lower living costs, though with fewer amenities than Dubai or Abu Dhabi.

When selecting your neighborhood, consider:

• Your daily commute to work
• Nearby schools if you have children
• Available amenities like supermarkets, parks, and restaurants
• Community feel and demographic mix
• Budget constraints

Step 4: Find and Secure Housing

The UAE rental market offers everything from studio apartments to luxury villas. Most properties come unfurnished, though furnished options are available.

To secure your new home:

• Decide on your housing type (apartment vs. villa) based on your budget and needs
• Connect with reputable real estate agents or browse property websites.
• Schedule viewings (in-person or virtual)
• Prepare your budget, accounting for:
• Annual rent (typically paid in 1-4 checks upfront)
• Security deposit (usually 5% of the annual rent)
• Agent's commission (typically 5% of annual rent)
• Utility connection deposits
• Ejari or Tawtheeq registration fees (mandatory rental contract registration)

When you find a suitable property:

• Review the tenancy contract carefully
• Negotiate terms if possible (number of checks, maintenance responsibilities)
• Arrange payment (typically post-dated checks)
• Register your tenancy contract with Ejari (Dubai) or Tawtheeq (Abu Dhabi)

Remember that rental prices vary significantly based on location, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi commanding the highest rates. Be prepared for the upfront costs, which can be substantial.

Step 5: Set Up Banking and Finances

Setting up your financial life in the UAE is straightforward but requires some planning:

• Research UAE banks that offer expat-friendly services
• Prepare documents for opening an account:
• Emirates ID (or passport if ID not yet issued)
• Residency visa
• Salary certificate or employment contract
• Proof of address (rental contract or utility bill)

Popular banks among expats include Emirates NBD, ADCB, Mashreq, and HSBC, each offering different benefits and services.

Once your account is set up:

• Activate online and mobile banking
• Set up direct debits for rent checks and utility payments
• Arrange an efficient method for transferring money internationally
• Create a realistic monthly budget so you don't affect your credit score that accounts for:
• Housing and utilities
• Transportation
• Groceries and dining
• Healthcare costs
• Education if applicable
• Leisure and entertainment

The good news? The UAE has no personal income tax, meaning your salary is received in full. However, keep in mind that VAT (5%) applies to most goods and services, and you may still have tax obligations in your home country.

Step 6: Arrange Health Insurance

Health insurance is mandatory for residents in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and highly recommended in other emirates:

• Check if your employer provides health insurance (most do)
• If not employer-provided, research and purchase a suitable plan
• Compare health insurance options based on:
• Hospital and clinic networks
• Inpatient and outpatient coverage
• Prescription medication benefits
• Maternity coverage if relevant
• Dental and vision inclusions
• Annual limits and co-payments

Once insured:

• Download your provider's app for easy claims submission
• Identify the nearest hospitals and clinics in your network
• Register with a primary healthcare provider

Healthcare in the UAE is of high quality but can be expensive without adequate insurance coverage, so choose your plan carefully.

Step 7: Organize Education for Children

If you're relocating with children, researching and securing school places should be a priority:

• Start the school search early, as popular schools often have waiting lists

Research schools based on:

• Curriculum (British, American, IB, Indian, etc.)
• Location relative to your home
• Fee structure (which varies widely)
• Facilities and extracurricular offerings
• School inspection ratings

When applying, prepare:

• Previous school records and reports
• Standardized test results if available
• Vaccination records
• Copies of passports and visas
• Passport-sized photographs

Budget not just for tuition but also:

• Registration and admission fees
• Uniform costs
• Transportation
• Extra-curricular activities
• Technology requirements

Many schools offer virtual tours and open days, which are great opportunities to get a feel for the environment before making a decision.

Step 8: Plan Your Physical Move

With your paperwork, housing, and essential services arranged, it's time to plan the physical relocation:

• Decide what to bring versus what to buy in the UAE

Get quotes from international moving companies for:

• Air freight (faster but more expensive)
• Sea freight (more economical for larger shipments)
• Check UAE customs regulations for prohibited items
• Create a detailed inventory of shipped items
• Arrange shipping insurance

If you're bringing pets:

• Verify the latest pet import requirements
• Schedule necessary vaccinations and health certificates
• Book pet-friendly transportation
• Consider the UAE climate when deciding whether to bring pets, especially if they're sensitive to heat

For your personal journey:

• Book flights well in advance
• Check baggage allowances
• Pack essentials in carry-on luggage
• Prepare for the UAE climate (especially if arriving during summer months)

Step 9: Complete Post-Arrival Procedures

Once you've arrived in the UAE, several administrative tasks await:

• Apply for your Emirates ID card (your primary identification document)

Sort out your driving situation:

• Check if your country's license can be directly converted to a UAE license
• If not, enroll in a UAE driving school
• Register with your home country's embassy or consulate

Set up utilities in your name:

• DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) or ADDC (Abu Dhabi Distribution Company)
• Internet and TV services
• Home gas if applicable
• Obtain a UAE mobile phone SIM card (providers include Etisalat, Du, and Virgin Mobile)

Download essential UAE apps:

• UAE PASS (digital identity for government services)
• Transportation apps (Careem, Uber, RTA Dubai)
• Food delivery platforms (Talabat, Deliveroo, Zomato)
• Mobile banking apps

Step 10: Settle In and Adapt to UAE Life

The final step is adapting to your new home:

• Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs:
• Dress modestly in public places
• Avoid public displays of affection
• Be aware of photography restrictions
• Understand Ramadan etiquette if applicable
• Learn basic Arabic phrases as a courtesy
• Join expat groups and social networks to build connections

Explore your neighborhood to locate:

• Supermarkets and grocery stores
• Pharmacies
• Medical facilities
• Parks and recreational areas
• Set up home services like cleaning if desired

Explore transportation options:

• Public transport (metro, tram, bus)
• Taxis and ride-hailing services
• Car purchase or leasing options

Final Pre-Departure Checklist

Before leaving your home country, don't forget to:

Notify important institutions:

• Tax authorities
• Banking institutions
• Insurance providers
• Postal service for mail forwarding
• Cancel or transfer utilities and subscriptions
• Arrange travel insurance for the move
• Make copies of all important documents
• Check visa entry requirements and procedures
• Confirm flight details and baggage allowances
• Exchange some currency for immediate arrival needs
• Research emergency numbers and procedures in the UAE

Embracing Your New Life in the UAE

Moving to the UAE opens the door to a unique blend of traditional Arabic culture and modern international living. While the relocation process involves many steps, breaking it down into manageable tasks makes it far less daunting.

Remember that adaptation takes time. Be patient with yourself as you adjust to new systems, cultural norms, and the desert climate. Most expats find that the initial challenges are well worth the rewarding lifestyle that awaits.

The UAE government has worked hard to make the country welcoming to expatriates, with English widely spoken and efficient systems in place for most administrative processes. You'll find a diverse international community ready to share advice and support.

With proper planning using this checklist, your move to the UAE can be the beginning of an exciting new chapter filled with opportunity, cultural experiences, and personal growth.

Useful Resources

• Official UAE Government Portal: u.ae 
• Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship: ica.gov.ae 
• Dubai GDRFA: gdrfad.gov.ae 
• Abu Dhabi Residence Department: adro.gov.ae 
• UAE Community Forums: expatwoman.com, reddit.com/r/dubai
• Emergency Contact Numbers: 999 (Police), 997 (Ambulance), 998 (Fire Department)

With this comprehensive guide in hand, you're now well-equipped to make your UAE relocation a success. Welcome to your new adventure in one of the world's most dynamic destinations!