Everything you need to know about relocating to the UAE. Find answers to
the most common questions about visas, housing, schools, banking, and
life in the United Arab Emirates.
Visa & Immigration
Work permits, Golden Visa, family sponsorship
Housing & Living
Rental market, neighborhoods, utilities
Education & Schools
International schools, curriculum options
Banking & Finance
Account opening, credit, investments
Most Common Questions About Moving to UAE
The UAE offers several visa types: Employment visas (most common),
Golden Visa for investors and skilled professionals, Family/Spouse
visas, Retirement visas for those 55+, and Tourist visas for short
stays. Each has specific requirements and benefits. Check the
UAE Government Portal
for detailed requirements, or visit
MOHRE
for employment-related visas.
Dubai is typically 15-20% more expensive than Abu Dhabi. Monthly
costs for a family of four: Dubai AED 15,000-25,000, Abu Dhabi AED
12,000-20,000. Housing is the biggest expense (40-50% of income).
Single professionals need AED 8,000-12,000 monthly in Dubai, AED
6,000-10,000 in Abu Dhabi. These include housing, utilities, food,
transport, and entertainment.
Top expat-friendly banks include
Emirates NBD
(largest network),
First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)
(premium services),
ADCB
(government salaries), and
Mashreq Bank
(international services). Most require salary certificates and
Emirates ID. Minimum salary requirements vary from AED 3,000-10,000
depending on the bank and account type.
Top school groups include
GEMS Education
(largest network, British/American curricula),
Aldar Academies
(Abu Dhabi-based, excellent facilities), British International
School, and American School of Dubai. Fees range from AED
20,000-100,000 annually. Popular curricula include British
(GCSE/A-Levels), American (High School Diploma), and International
Baccalaureate (IB).
Job search duration varies by industry and experience level.
Typically 2-6 months for most professionals. Use platforms like
LinkedIn Jobs UAE,
Bayt.com,
GulfTalent, and
Naukrigulf. Networking is crucial - attend industry events and join
professional associations. Having a UAE phone number and address
speeds up the process significantly.
Health insurance is mandatory in UAE. Most employers provide basic
coverage, but you may need to upgrade for comprehensive care. Annual
premiums range from AED 1,500-8,000 per person. Top hospitals
include Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, American Hospital Dubai, and
Mediclinic. Without insurance, consultations cost AED 200-500, and
procedures can be expensive. Many expats opt for international
insurance for worldwide coverage.
Essential documents include: Valid passport (6+ months validity),
attested educational certificates, attested marriage certificate (if
applicable), medical records, police clearance certificate, passport
photos, and digital copies of everything. Documents must be attested
by your home country's foreign ministry and UAE consulate. Keep
originals safe and carry certified copies for daily use.
Yes, expats can buy freehold property in designated areas of Dubai
and Abu Dhabi. Popular areas include Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai,
Business Bay, and Al Reem Island Abu Dhabi. Property ownership
grants long-term residence visa for you and family. Minimum
investment varies by location, typically AED 1-2 million. You'll
need Emirates ID, passport, and salary certificate. Consider
RERA-registered agents for legal compliance.
Process varies by nationality and existing license. Some countries
allow direct transfer (US, UK, Canada, Australia, etc.), others
require theory and practical tests. You'll need Emirates ID,
passport, salary certificate, eye test, and current license
translation. Cost ranges from AED 300 (transfer) to AED 3,000+ (full
training). Visit RTA centers in Dubai or relevant authorities in
other emirates. Budget 2-8 weeks depending on your situation.
UAE is one of the world's safest countries with extremely low crime
rates. The Global Peace Index consistently ranks UAE in the top 25
safest countries globally. Strict laws ensure public safety, and
there's virtually no petty crime. Women can travel alone safely, and
children can play outdoors freely. Emergency services are excellent,
and the multicultural environment is very welcoming to international
families.
Our comprehensive UAE relocation consultation is $200 USD (AED 735)
for a focused 30-minute session with our expert team. This includes
a personalized relocation roadmap, resource package, timeline
planning, and follow-up support. The consultation fee is fully
refundable if you proceed with any of our relocation service
packages within 30 days.
Quick Visa Facts
Processing Time
Employment visas: 2-4 weeks, Golden Visa: 6-8 weeks
Validity
Most employment visas: 2-3 years renewable
Family Sponsorship
Minimum salary AED 4,000-10,000 depending on emirate
Housing Essentials
Security Deposit
5-10% of annual rent, refundable
Commission
2-5% of annual rent to real estate agent
DEWA Connection
AED 2,000 deposit for utilities connection
Still Have Questions?
Get personalized answers to your specific UAE relocation questions. Our
experts have helped thousands of families successfully move to the UAE.
Comprehensive 30-minute consultation for $200 USD - fully refundable
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