Before You Arrive in the UAE Essential Checklist & Preparation Guide 2025

Bring AED 30,000-50,000 (USD 8,000-14,000) minimum to cover initial expenses before your first salary: housing deposit (typically 1 cheque for annual rent), agency fee (5% of rent), temporary accommodation (AED 3,000-8,000 for 2-4 weeks), school registration fees if applicable, DEWA connection, car rental/deposit, and daily expenses. Many employers offer settling-in allowance or upfront advance. Bring international credit card with no foreign transaction fees as UAE bank account requires Emirates ID which takes 2-4 weeks.

Start 3-6 months before your planned move. Popular schools (GEMS Wellington, Dubai College, American School Dubai) have waiting lists. Academic year runs September-June. Schools require: application form, birth certificate (attested by UAE embassy), vaccination records, previous school transcripts/reports (attested), passport copies, entrance assessments. Processing takes 4-8 weeks. Some schools accept conditional applications before visa is finalized. Mid-year admissions possible but limited availability.

It's challenging but possible. Most landlords want to meet tenants in person and see Emirates ID. Recommended approach: Book temporary accommodation (hotel/serviced apartment) for first 2-4 weeks. Arrange property viewings during this time with RERA-licensed agents. Some employers arrange temporary housing. Virtual viewings available via WhatsApp/video calls to shortlist properties before arrival. Need for rental contract: Emirates ID, salary certificate, passport copy, cheques (typically 1-4 post-dated cheques for annual rent).

Documents requiring attestation: marriage certificate (for family visa), children's birth certificates (for family visa & school admission), university degrees/transcripts (for some employment visas), school transcripts/reports (for school admission). Process: 1) Home country - notarized by notary public, 2) Authenticated by your country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 3) Attested by UAE embassy in your country, 4) Final attestation by UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) upon arrival. Total time: 2-6 weeks depending on country. Some countries offer faster service. Start process 2-3 months before move. Attestation agencies can expedite for fee.

Depends on your situation. Shipping furniture costs: Sea freight (4-8 weeks) AED 15,000-40,000 for full container depending on volume and origin. Air freight (1-2 weeks) significantly more expensive. Consider: unfurnished rental saves AED 15-30K/year but requires furniture. Furniture readily available in UAE (IKEA, Home Centre, 2XL, The One). Voltage: UAE uses 220V (Type G plugs - UK standard) vs 110V in North America. Recommendation: Ship sentimental items, sell bulky furniture. Buy essentials in UAE. Employer often covers shipping costs (check contract). DEWA, internet setup takes 1-2 weeks.