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Complete Pre-Arrival Preparation Guide

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

Everything you need to organize before moving to Dubai or Abu Dhabi - document preparation, financial arrangements, housing search, school applications, visa requirements, and essential tasks to complete from your home country. Start your UAE relocation journey prepared and stress-free.

3-6
Months Before
15+
Key Tasks
8
Categories
100%
Free Guide
Preparation Timeline

When to Start Each Task

A comprehensive timeline to help you plan your UAE relocation - from 6 months before to arrival day

6-4 Months Before

Initial Research & Planning

  • Research housing options - Browse Dubai & Abu Dhabi areas (Dubai Marina, Arabian Ranches, JBR, Downtown, Springs/Meadows). Understand rental costs: 1-bed AED 50-100K, 2-bed AED 80-150K, 3-bed villa AED 120-280K depending on location.
  • International school research - If you have children, start researching schools early. Top schools have waiting lists. British curriculum (GEMS Wellington AED 68-92K, Dubai College AED 75-88K), American (ASD AED 75-95K), IB schools. Check KHDA ratings and admission requirements.
  • Understand visa requirements - Employment visa (employer-sponsored), Golden Visa (investors AED 2M+, entrepreneurs, specialized talents), family sponsorship (minimum salary AED 4,000-10,000), freelance visa, or remote work visa (AED 300K+ income).
  • Calculate your budget - Use cost of living calculators to estimate: housing, school fees, utilities (DEWA AED 800-1,500/month), car costs, groceries (family of 4: AED 3,000-5,000/month), dining, healthcare insurance.
  • Review employment contract - Understand salary package, housing allowance, flight allowances, school fee assistance, medical insurance coverage, and end-of-service gratuity terms.
3-2 Months Before

Document Preparation

  • Passport validity - Ensure your passport (and family members') has at least 6 months validity from planned arrival date. UAE residence visa requires valid passport.
  • Educational documents - For school applications: birth certificates (attested by UAE embassy in home country), vaccination records, previous school transcripts & report cards (attested), passport copies, visa copies (once available).
  • Marriage & birth certificates - For family sponsorship visa, you'll need marriage certificate and children's birth certificates attested by UAE embassy in your home country and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
  • Driver's license - Get International Driving Permit (IDP) from your home country. Some nationalities can directly convert to UAE license (UK, US, Canada, Australia, EU countries). Others need RTA driving test.
  • Medical records - Bring copies of medical history, vaccination records, prescriptions, and chronic condition documentation. You'll need medical fitness test upon arrival for residence visa.
  • University degrees - If your job requires it, get university degrees and transcripts attested by UAE embassy for employment visa processing.
2-1 Months Before

Housing & Schools

  • Apply to schools - Submit applications to your shortlisted international schools. Many require: application form, passport copies, birth certificate (attested), vaccination records, previous school reports, entrance assessments. Expect 4-8 week processing.
  • Virtual property viewings - Many real estate agents (RERA licensed) offer virtual tours via WhatsApp or video calls. Shortlist 5-10 properties in your preferred areas and budget.
  • Temporary accommodation - Book hotel or serviced apartment for first 2-4 weeks (Airbnb, hotel apartments in Dubai Marina, Business Bay, Downtown). This gives you time for property viewings and finalizing rental.
  • Furniture planning - Decide: furnished vs unfurnished rental. Unfurnished saves AED 15-30K/year but requires furniture. Popular stores: IKEA, Home Centre, 2XL Furniture, The One.
Final Month & Departure

Final Arrangements

  • Book flights - One-way or return ticket. Employer usually covers relocation flights. Book early for best rates. Consider extra baggage allowance (sports equipment, children's items).
  • International shipping - If bringing furniture/belongings: get quotes from international movers (AGS, Crown Relocations, Allied Pickfords). Sea freight: 4-8 weeks, air freight: 1-2 weeks. Or sell everything and buy new in UAE.
  • Notify home country services - Cancel or pause: utilities, subscriptions, gym memberships, phone contracts. Update address for banks, tax authorities, and government agencies.
  • Pack essentials - Carry important documents in hand luggage: passports, employment contract, school acceptance letters, medical records, driver's license + IDP, bank statements, university degrees (attested), marriage/birth certificates (attested).
  • Currency exchange - Bring initial cash: AED 5,000-10,000 for first expenses before salary starts. Can exchange at airport or use credit card initially. UAE uses UAE Dirham (AED), 1 USD = ~3.67 AED (fixed peg).
Comprehensive Checklist

Your Complete Pre-Arrival Checklist

Everything organized by category to ensure you don't miss any critical steps

Documents & Legal

  • Passport valid for 6+ months (all family members)
  • Marriage certificate attested by UAE embassy & MoFA
  • Children's birth certificates attested by UAE embassy & MoFA
  • University degrees & transcripts attested (if required for job)
  • Employment contract signed & reviewed thoroughly
  • Driver's license + International Driving Permit (IDP)
  • Medical records, prescriptions, vaccination certificates
  • Multiple passport-sized photos (white background)

Financial Planning

  • Calculate total budget using cost of living calculator
  • Save initial funds: AED 30,000-50,000 for housing deposits, school fees
  • Research bank account requirements (Emirates ID needed)
  • Get international credit card with no foreign transaction fees
  • Notify your home bank of upcoming international move
  • Understand employer's salary package breakdown & allowances
  • Research health insurance coverage included in employment contract
  • Prepare for housing deposit (1 cheque) + agency fee (5% of annual rent)

Housing & Accommodation

  • Research Dubai/Abu Dhabi areas based on work location & schools
  • Schedule virtual property viewings with RERA-licensed agents
  • Book temporary accommodation for first 2-4 weeks (hotel/Airbnb)
  • Decide: furnished vs unfurnished rental
  • Understand rental costs in preferred areas (check annual rent range)
  • Prepare for EJARI registration, DEWA connection, chiller fees
  • If buying property: research mortgage options (80% LTV for expats, 3-5% rates)

Schools & Children

  • Research international schools by curriculum (British, American, IB)
  • Check KHDA ratings and school fee ranges (AED 35K-95K per child/year)
  • Gather required documents: birth certificates (attested), vaccination records
  • Get previous school transcripts & report cards attested
  • Submit school applications (some have waiting lists)
  • Schedule school tours or virtual viewings
  • Budget for school bus service (AED 6,000-10,000/year per child)
  • Consider school term dates when planning move (Sep-Jun academic year)

Healthcare & Insurance

  • Understand health insurance coverage in employment contract
  • Check if family is covered or needs separate insurance (Dubai: mandatory)
  • Essential Benefits Plan vs Enhanced coverage - understand network
  • Bring 3-6 months supply of prescription medications (with doctor's letter)
  • Get copies of medical history and vaccination records
  • Medical fitness test required for residence visa (includes blood tests, x-ray)
  • Research hospitals/clinics in your chosen residential area

Pets & Personal Items

  • Pet import requirements: microchip, rabies vaccination (21+ days before), health certificate
  • UAE import permit for pets (apply in advance)
  • Book pet-friendly accommodation (not all buildings allow pets)
  • Pack climate-appropriate clothing (hot May-Oct, mild Nov-Apr)
  • Bring electronics (UAE uses Type G plugs - UK standard, 220V)
  • Decide what to ship vs buy new in UAE
  • Get international shipping quotes if bringing furniture (4-8 week sea freight)

Transportation

  • Get International Driving Permit (IDP) from home country
  • Check if your nationality can convert license directly (UK, US, Canada, EU, Australia)
  • Research car options: buy vs lease vs company car
  • Budget for car costs: purchase/lease, insurance, fuel, Salik tolls, parking
  • Familiarize with Dubai Metro/Abu Dhabi bus if considering public transport
  • Download Careem, Uber apps for taxi services

Home Country Affairs

  • Notify tax authorities about relocation (UAE has no personal income tax)
  • Cancel/pause utility bills, subscriptions, memberships
  • Set up mail forwarding or change address to family/friend
  • Decide: rent out or sell your home country property
  • Inform employer (if already employed) about resignation
  • Update address with banks, insurance, government agencies
  • Keep home country bank account active for pension, investments

Want a Printable Version?

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Essential Resources for Your Move

Detailed guides to help you with each aspect of your pre-arrival planning

Common Pre-Arrival Questions

How much money should I bring when moving to UAE?

When should I start applying to schools?

Can I rent a property before arriving in UAE?

What documents need attestation and how long does it take?

Should I ship my belongings or buy new in UAE?

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What Happens After You Arrive?

You've prepared everything before arrival. Now discover what to do in your first 30 days and explore essential guides for settling in.

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