Moving to Dubai: Step-by-Step Guide

Have you finally made your decision and moving to Dubai?

If yes, then get ready for a great lifestyle and atmosphere that await you. It’s no surprise that this iconic city is where many expats seek when it comes to relocating.

It’s a perfect option whatever your goal, whether a promising career, high salary, good lifestyle, or even for investment. Since you have already made your decision, the next step is to know everything about the city.

Save your time and effort! check now this complete guide to find everything you need to know from your arrival till settling down.

Welcome to Dubai

Since you have already made your decision, the next step is to know everything about the city. Understanding the specifics of how to move to Dubai will help you relocate smoothly and swiftly.

1. Checking out From the Airport

In order to get into Dubai, you will be asked to submit a health certificate which any Dubai visitor should provide upon arrival.

2. Getting a New Emirati Sim Card

Once you arrive, the first essential thing you need is a local mobile number so you can easily make calls or use the internet.

Inside the airport, there are different outlets for various mobile phone companies like Du, Etisalat, and Virgin Mobile. You can ask about their different plans to pick the one that suits your needs.

In addition, these companies offer tailored plans for those coming on a short visit or for tourism. So feel free to tell them your demand to find you the optimum option.

You can head to any of their booths and get a new sim card; all you have to provide is

Your entry visa to Dubai
A copy of your valid passport.

Moreover, once you have the new SIM, you will be able to

Send SMS messages
Make calls
Browse the internet
Download any app you need.

The outlets for SIM cards are available not only inside Dubai’s International Airport but also in various areas of the city, maalls, attractions, and across its different communities.

Moreover, if you pass through automatic passport control, you don’t need visa to apply for a flat/sim-card.

3. Providing Your Entry Permit

Dubai’s entry permit is a document that allows expats to come to the UAE in order to finalize their residency visa procedures. The entry permit is valid for:

2 months for typical visa types or Green residence visa (whose duration is 1 to 5 years)
6 months with multiple entries for Golden Visa holders

However, if you’re coming for tourism, medical treatment, investment, finding a job opportunity, visiting a relative, or transit, it’s called:

Visit visa
Tourist visa
Transit visa.

The entry permit is the responsibility of your sponsor it might be your employer, relative, public or private sector, and more. They are accountable for issuing it for you.

4. Getting a Residency Visa and Emirates ID

After leaving the airport gates, the first thing you need to do is issue your residency visa. It’s important to have it so you can enjoy all the services in the city and avoid any issues regarding your stay.

Getting a residency visa in Dubai is not a complicated process; it’s pretty direct and straightforward so that you won’t feel confused.

After completing your residency visa, the next step is to have an Emiratis ID. It’s the identification card that enables you to relish all the services and amenities of the city.

Find Your New Home

Once your papers are done, it’s time to find your new home, which is the most important step. In Dubai, renting is more in demand as many expats go for it.

Yet, you can find many properties for sale in case you’re seeking a permanent stay or investment in real estate in Dubai.

Moreover, you might think it’s a hard process, but this is not the case with Property Finder, as we provide you with a comfortable and smooth home-finding process.

Through our website, you will find endless unit options for rent and sale across the different communities of Dubai.

However, we recommend you the leasing option; it gives you more flexibility regarding the home location, the unit type, and the residential period, especially if you’re new to the city.

In addition, you can easily relocate in case your work location changes or move to a bigger unit if your family joins you.

Tips for Expats When Renting a Home in Dubai

Renting a home in a new city for the first time might feel risky, yet exciting. To ensure you the best renting experience, you should plan well and consider the following tips for a flawless move.

Assign a maximum budget limit for rental to stick to it while searching and finalizing a deal.
Know your leasing rights and responsibilities in addition to the notice periods
Know more about the additional fees and taxes for renting
In case you’re searching for a furnished unit, then put a list of the important items that you need in a property
Make sure of the due maintenance fees for the building and check if it’s pet friendly, in case you have a one
Discover more about the community that you find suitable, including its facilities and services
Get advice from one of the real estate experts to find the best options in no time
Ask your friends or relatives who went through such a process to give you some recommendations or tips
Use the internet to know more about the community you like to know about its pros and cons
Make sure to negotiate if more than one person is seeking the unit you want. That’s why it’s better to ask for help from real estate experts to easily bring what you need without any hassle.

Types of Rental in Dubai

In this notable city, you are offered two types of rentals:

Long-term rental
Short-term rental.

The difference between long-term and short-term rental is mainly the leasing period; short-term rental allows you to lease a unit on a weekly or monthly basis without the commitment to a long-term contract.

On the other hand, a long-term rental is a more permanent option as you will have a leasing contract for at least 1 year.

Once you reach the city, the short-term option might be better until you settle down and decide which community fits you best. It’s also less expensive than staying in a hotel.

Top Residential Areas for Rent in Dubai

Choosing the right community is important while finding your new home. You should first think of the one that suits your budget, needs, and preferences.

In case you’re living on your own or a newlywed, then small apartments or studios might be a nice option for you.

The below areas include the best towers and buildings at which you can relish various facilities in a vibrant setting.

Dubai Marina
Downtown Dubai
Business Bay
Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT)
City Walk.

For families, those are the top family-friendly communities in Dubai at which you can enjoy a calm and lovely lifestyle. The units there have ranging sizes and prices, ensuring you a suitable option according to your demands.

Palm Jumeirah
Mirdif
Jumeirah Beach Residences (JBR)
Mudon
Arabian Ranches

You can have a look at the different properties for rent in Dubai on Property Finder.

Top Residential Areas for Sale in Dubai

Buying a house in Dubai depends on different factors like the unit’s value, whether it’s a good deal for investment, location, and services.

In addition, the UAE allows expats and visitors to own units with full ownership in specified communities which are known as Freehold areas; this list is updated yearly by Dubai Land Department (DLD).

Here are some of the top freehold communities:

Are you thinking of owning a unit in this emirate? If yes, here are various properties for sale in Dubai on our portal.

If you decide to own a unit in Dubai, you can enjoy this by taking a home loan which is valid for primary and secondary properties; you can contact our professional team in Mortgage Finder, who are here to help you find the best deal.

Start Working in Dubai

The working routine and system differ from one country to another; as a new expat in Dubai, you surely need to know about the working procedures in this emirate.

All the details you need to start seeking new opportunities in Dubai will be covered below to have full visibility and clarity during such an important step.

1. Get Your Paper Ready

Work Permit

Having a work permit is essential to start working in Dubai and the first step to completing your employment procedures. Issuing it is the employer’s responsibility, although it might ask you to prepare some documents to proceed in the process.

Here are the documents the employer will ask for:

Coloured picture with a white backdrop
A copy of a passport valid for at least 6 months
The ministry’s formal Employment Offer form, which should be signed by both the employer and the employee
The academic documentation required is based on the profession’s skill level
Workers who earn less than AED 4000/month or who don’t have a degree aren’t considered skilled
A professional license issued by the competent UAE authority
Nationals from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Iran must provide a readable and clear photocopy of both sides of their current national ID issued by their home nations.

Residence Visa for Working in UAE

The residency visa for employment is one of the types of residency visas in UAE which is issued by the employer or sponsor to have a permanent residency visa.

The validity of a residency visa is from 1 to 3 years, depending on the employment contract and your job.

You should check the status of your visa through the website of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), using your valid passport.
Once your residency visa for work is issued, you will be able to get an Emirates ID.

These procedures are the same to start working whether you’re moving to Dubai from the UK, India, or any other location.

2. Know About the Working Regulations

The Working Hours

Recently, the UAE government changed the official working hours and days in order to be aligned with the international working environment; besides, this will ease things for all the employed people and residents.

Consequently, here is the division of the working days and weekends.

Working days: Monday – Friday
Weekend: Saturday – Sunday

This is in addition to the official holidays and events that the country grants to employers.

Salaries in Dubai

According to the official websites that depend on the performance rates and the size of the business sector, the average monthly salary in Dubai is

From AED 19,000 to AED 21,500.

This range might increase or decrease depending on many factors like the field, job position, or entity size. Moreover, many insights and trusted sources indicate that the minimum wage range is AED 5,000 for employers across Dubai’s various sectors.

Enjoy Living in Dubai

When moving to another city, it’s always a good idea to know more about its culture and norms for awareness and to avoid any inconvenience.

Since you’re relocating to Dubai either with your family or on your own, have a look at the below points that will help you know more about the city and its environment.

Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world, with low crime rates
Its weather is mostly humid and hot; except during the winter season (from December to March), it’s likely to be good and with a refreshing breeze
Any racist or verbal comments are not accepted; in addition, in case someone defames another, they could be prisoned or banned from entering the country.
Drinking alcohol in the streets is not allowed, just in licensed places.
For men, it’s better not to initiate handshaking with women, unless they do first.
Most private companies and businesses usually don’t offer pensions.

For families moving to Dubai from the UK or any other eastern country, it’s always important to know about Dubai’s culture; since it’s considered an Arab country, you might find differences compared to the eastern culture.

Costs of Living in Dubai

When it comes to the costs of living in UAE, especially Dubai, people usually find it an expensive city, particularly for those with minimum wages.

Accordingly, it’s good to have an overview of the average costs of the basic requirements and services in the city; this will enable you to estimate and plan your spending upon arriving.

First, the housing expenses will cost you 15% to 30 % of your monthly salary, while the food and transportation will cost around 15% for each.

Here are the average costs of the basic expenses in Dubai

Bus monthly subscription: AED 340
Taxi ride: AED 12
Fuel: AED 3.84/liter
Food: from AED 4 to AED 40 per kg
Water and Electricity (DEWA): AED 700/month
Home Internet: AED 360/month

Moreover, the water and electricity system in Dubai is called DEWA; it stands for Dubai Electricity and Water Authority. It has an online portal through which you should register to have an account.

Consequently, you will be able to manage your bills and payments online.

Commute Around the City

Transportation in Dubai

Commuting in Dubai is not a hassle in any way as there are various means of transportation; besides, the transportation in UAE is all comfortable and convenient; you will find them across the different locations of Dubai.

Find below the kinds of transportation in Dubai:

Metro
Tram
Buses
Private caps
Taxi/Uber.

It’s also important to know that public taxis are cheaper than apps which makes them a more budget-friendly option.

In addition, the payment of the means of transportation in Dubai is through Nol Smart Card. It’s an e-card that eases the payment process while using any of them instead of using cash or your bank card.

Besides, sometimes you get a discount on the fare while using Nol Card.

Driving in Dubai

If you have a car or planning to buy one, you should first get a driving license in Dubai. Moreover, in case of buying a car, you should apply for car insurance through the Roads and Transportation Association (RTA) website.

It’s obligatory to have this document. Car Insurance has different types that vary according to the package it offers. However, the Third Party Liability Insurance is the most common type, as it’s the minimum one you can get.

To get a driving license in Dubai, you should meet the below conditions:

You must be 21 years or more
You will have to pay the service fee, which is about AED 500
You shouldn’t have any disease that prevents you from driving properly
You have to pass the exam test offered by the Emirati government
You should submit the following documents
- A valid residency visa
- A copy of your current rental contract
- An official letter from your employer or sponsor that proves your residency.

Explore the Services in Dubai

After knowing all the essential information regarding the residency, work, and costs, it’s time to know more about the emirate’s top services.

1. Healthcare Services

Among the emirates in UAE, Dubai is known for its full healthcare coverage to all the expats; this is through providing them with specific healthcare cards; you can buy this card from your employer.

Moreover, these cards allow the expats to get a 50% discount on the basic service value. Issuing them costs around AED 500 for all ages.

2. Education in Dubai

In Dubai, all expats can enroll their children in any educational entity, either a governmental or private one, according to the regulations of education in UAE.

You can check below the average annual tuition fees for the different educational stages in Dubai

Nurseries: AED 2,500
Schools:
- Governmental: AED 6,000
- Private/International: from AED 14,000 to AED 22,000
Universities: AED 37,500 to AED 70,000

Choosing the Right School

The school stage is the most important one in your kids’ education; finding the optimum school is surely what you’re thinking of while emigrating to Dubai, but no worries, as the city is home to many schools with various curricula.

Whether you’re moving to Dubai from London, Canada, the USA, an Arab country, or any other homeland, there is a suitable school option for your kid.

Here are some guiding steps to choosing the best school.

Type of Education: Decide which type of education you seek for your children
- British
- American
- Indian
- Canadian
Tuition Fees. Choose from the options the one whose tuition fees suit your budget
Location: the commuting distance from your home to the school is a very important factor when deciding; it’s always better to be near you, to save time and effort.

3. Online Services

Most of the services in Dubai are digitalized; the city is popular for having online portals and apps for almost all services, including governmental ones.

This is one of the perks of living here, as you won’t consume time and effort getting your papers done offline; it’s all accessible with just one click.

In addition, these are the top app you need to know about for the various services in Dubai.

Dubai Now: It’s a unified portal for more than 120 governmental and private services.

Through it, you can get all the services that cover your daily needs, like paying the bills, renewing your car license, and managing Dewa and Ejari.

Salik: It’s a traffic system through which you pay the toll fee in an automated way. You can use the app to recharge your Salik account and other important services.

Dewa: This app is related to all the water and electricity services, including paying the bills and getting the needed documents to prove your residency.

Have Fun in Dubai

It’s time for some fun and entertainment! Dubai is the ultimate hub for leisure as it’s home to the most iconic attractions in the country. You will enjoy visiting different interesting places, themed parks, and most importantly the tourist landmarks.

The outstanding places to visit in Dubai are endless. Find below some of the most exhilarating destinations:

Burj Khalifa
Museum of Future
IMG World of Adventures
Green Planet
Dubai Parks and Resorts

Not just that, in case you’re a shopaholic, then the malls in Dubai will satisfy the avid shopper inside you as they feature various top brands. Here are the best ones:

Dubai Mall
Mall of the Emirates
Dubai Festival City
Dubai Marina Mall.

Moreover, for those who are nature lovers and enjoy green spaces, the city has something for you! There are different cool parks in Dubai where you can enjoy a walk, have a picnic, or even do yoga!

FAQ

Once you start thinking about taking this new step and say, “I want to move to Dubai,” endless questions pop into your head.

To make things more clear for you and help you in your new chapter, find below the top FAQs for expats in Dubai. This will make things easier and remove any confusion you have.

1. Is Moving to Dubai Worth it?

Yes. Relocating to Dubai can offer significant financial advantages, such as no income tax and opportunities for higher salaries, which many find appealing. However, it’s important to consider the balance between these benefits and the city’s relatively high cost of living, along with adapting to a different cultural landscape.

2. Can You Just Move to Dubai?

You can’t move to Dubai without having a residency visa plan, as there are different types of residency visas; you can surely find an option among them that suits you.

3. What Should You Know Before Moving to Dubai?

There are different important things you should know before moving to Dubai, which are included in detail in the above guide.

However, here is a summed-up checklist for moving to Dubai with the crucial things you should consider

The type of residency visa that suits you
The needed documents to complete your residency procedures and employment
The cost of living in Dubai
The community that fits your needs and budget
The laws of the country, especially the ones related to rentals, working, and driving.

4. How Much Money Do you Need to Move to Dubai?

The amount of money you need to move to Dubai is so variable as it depends on different factors and your lifestyle preferences. However, you might need between AED 3,500 to AED 5,000 monthly to live in Dubai, not including the rental fee.

As it’s mentioned above in the costs of living in Dubai section, you first need to plan for the following basic services.

Rental fee
Water and electricity
Home internet

5. Is Dubai a Good Place to Move to?

Dubai is often seen as an attractive destination for expats due to its vibrant lifestyle, diverse community, and professional opportunities.

While it offers various benefits that appeal to a wide range of people; the suitability of Dubai as a home base differs depending on personal preferences and lifestyle expectations.

6. Can I Move to Dubai Without a Job?

Yes, you can move to Dubai without a job; this is because the UAE has recently offered new types of visas.

7. What salary do I need to live in Dubai?

To live comfortably in Dubai, a family of four might expect to spend around USD $4,546 monthly. This includes average rental costs of about USD $1,193 per month.

Also, note that the average yearly salary in Dubai is around USD $53,148 which gives a perspective about the average cost of living in Dubai.

8. Is Moving to Dubai a Good Career Move?

Yes, surely moving to Dubai is a good career move; the city is home to the top international companies. It is also popular for its promising working environment and market, as many expats move to Dubai to seek new opportunities.

You can have a look at this article for details about the professions in UAE on Property Finder.

9. Which Is the Best Area in Dubai to Live in as Expat?

There are different top areas in Dubai for you as an expat, like:

Dubai Marina
Deira
Mirdif
Al Barsha.

However, when choosing your living area, you should consider its price range, amenities and services, accessibility to other areas of the city, and much more. This is to ensure the right option.

10. How Much Is the Rent in Dubai per Month?

The starting range of rental prices in Dubai per month is about AED 4,500. However, it might vary depending on factors like

Type of unit
Location
Size of unit
The amenities
The furnishing status.

Besides, you can negotiate about the total rental fee as it’s not usually the final price.

11. Which Part of Dubai Is the Cheapest?

There are many affordable areas to live in Dubai which are supported with all the services and facilities you might need. Find below the top cheapest districts in Dubai.

Deira
Dubai Production City
International City
Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC)
Dubai South

12. What Are the Disadvantages of Living in Dubai?

Moving to any new city comes with some difficulties till you adapt and get used to everything around you. In Dubai, some of the challenges that you might face are

The traffic jam
The strong competition when it comes to finding the best job opportunities
The hot weather during most of the year
The high prices in case you have a minimum wage

13. What Are the Pros of Moving to Dubai?

There are many cons to moving to Dubai; these are some of them

It has a diverse culture, so acceptance and respect are essential there
It’s a safe country, so you won’t have to worry about walking at night or strolling the streets, especially for women
All the services are systematic, allowing you to reach them easily
Dubai has a wide variety of working fields, so whatever your interests, there is a good opportunity for you to develop yourself
It has a diversity of educational systems
Dubai is a great place for investment as its economy rapidly grows.

14. Should I Move to Dubai as a Woman?

Yes, surely, if you’re a woman who is planning to move to Dubai, you shouldn’t hesitate about it. Thie awesome emirate is among the top safest cities in the world with low crime rates.

15. Is the Quality of Life in Dubai Better?

Yes, it is. Dubai is among the greatest hubs for expats seeking better living quality with world-class standards.

Besides, in this emirate, you will find all the services you need and more as it adopts the latest technologies and modern solutions to make your life more comfortable and easier.

16. How to move in Dubai?

There is no denying that relocating to Dubai or any other place in the UAE is a major undertaking. To keep things organized and smooth, consider the following checklist:

Passport Validity: Your passport should be valid for at least six months after leaving the UAE.
Work Permits and Visas: Obtain appropriate work permits and visas beforehand. This may span weeks or months.
Vaccinations and Health Checks: Ensure you have all the required health checkups and vaccinations before arriving in the UAE.
Budgeting: Consider your moving cost, including shipping, flight, and first accommodation. Additionally, remember that you have also to include the expense of building a new house.
Savings: Savings to cover first-time expenses like rental deposit and leased car charges which may not be reimbursed by an employer immediately are good ideas.
Tax Planning: Know your home country’s tax obligations once you relocate. It is essential to notify your country’s tax institution about your movement.
Schools: If you have kids, take some time to investigate schools around your new location. Given that the wait for international schools is very long, the process should begin now.
Banking: Set up a bank account. This process could begin in your home or within weeks of arrival.
Accommodation: Determine whether you will rent or purchase a residence. Walk in the neighborhoods and learn about rental properties and their pricing policies.
Healthcare: Also, make sure you get health insurance which is valid in the UAE, it is compulsory.
Driving License: Check whether your existing driving license will work in the UAE or you have to obtain the local license.
Cultural Research: Acquaint yourself with the customs, culture, and laws of the local population in order to facilitate a smooth changeover.

Now, you know everything you should do from your arrival to Dubai till settling in your new home through this inclusive guide; moving to Dubai either for work or just living there is a big step but surely worth it.