Your complete guide to relocating from the United Kingdom to Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Everything UK expats need to know about visas, tax, cost of living, schools, healthcare, and settling in the UAE.
Understanding the key differences will help you prepare for your move and adjust to life in the UAE
Dramatic difference
Major financial benefit
Comparable with differences
Different system
| Category | 🇬🇧 UK | 🇦🇪 UAE |
|---|---|---|
| Income Tax | 20-45% | 0% |
| VAT | 20% | 5% |
| Average Summer Temp | 15-25°C | 35-45°C |
| Working Week | Monday-Friday | Monday-Friday (most companies) |
| Time Difference (GMT) | GMT +0 | GMT +4 |
| Currency | GBP (£) | AED (Dh) - Pegged to USD |
| Driving | Left-hand side | Right-hand side |
| Official Language | English | Arabic (English widely spoken) |
British passport holders have relatively straightforward visa options for the UAE
Most common for UK expats
Note: Most employers cover visa costs. You can sponsor family members once your visa is issued.
Long-term residency
Popular for UK Expats: Property investment route is commonly used by British expats buying Dubai real estate.
Bring your family with you
Husband or wife (marriage certificate required)
Sons under 18, daughters (unmarried, any age)
If you meet minimum salary requirements
Or AED 3,000 + accommodation
Higher threshold for parent sponsorship
Documents Needed: Marriage certificate, birth certificates, passport copies (all attested by UK FCO and UAE embassy)
UK documents must be attested before they're valid in the UAE. This is a multi-step process:
Get documents notarized by UK solicitor
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office attestation
Attestation at UAE Embassy in London
Final attestation by Ministry of Foreign Affairs in UAE
Documents Typically Requiring Attestation:
Timeline: Allow 4-6 weeks for complete attestation process. Many UK expats use attestation agencies to handle this.
Properly establishing non-UK tax residency is critical to avoid UK tax obligations while living in the UAE
The UK uses the Statutory Residence Test to determine your tax status. You must break UK tax residency to avoid paying UK income tax on your UAE earnings.
Critical: The SRT is complex. Consult a UK tax advisor before you leave to properly establish non-residency and avoid unexpected tax bills.
If you leave the UK part-way through a tax year (6 April - 5 April) to move to UAE, you may qualify for "Split Year Treatment" which means:
Once in UAE, obtain a UAE Tax Residency Certificate (TRC) to prove your non-UK status to HMRC and for double taxation treaty benefits.
Get personalized guidance on your UK to UAE relocation including visas, tax planning, school selection, and settling support. We understand the specific needs of British expats.
Leaving UK tax properly
UK curriculum school selection
UK document attestation help
Complete moving checklist
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The UAE has excellent British curriculum schools following the English National Curriculum, leading to IGCSEs and A-Levels
Seamless transition from UK schools, same curriculum and assessment structure
Direct pathway to UK universities with familiar qualifications
Many teachers are UK-qualified and recruited from Britain
Children can return to UK schools at the same academic level
Familiar school culture, sports, and extracurricular activities
Connect with other UK families
Unlike the UK's free state schools, all international schools in UAE charge fees. This is typically the largest cost difference for UK families relocating to the UAE.
Note: Fees vary by school reputation, location, and facilities. Premium schools charge higher fees. Many employers include education allowance in packages.
Tip: Get UK school reports and transfer letters before leaving the UK. Have birth certificates attested in UK.
Waiting Lists: Top British schools like JESS, Repton Dubai, and Kings' School Dubai often have waiting lists. Apply early and have backup options.
Academic year starts (like UK)
Similar structure to UK schools
Summer holiday begins (longer than UK)
British passport holders can convert their UK driving licence to a UAE licence without taking a driving test
UK driving licences are recognized in the UAE. British citizens can exchange their UK licence for a UAE licence without taking a driving test - one of the easiest conversion processes available.
AED 400-800
Varies by emirate and licence type. Includes fees for application, eye test, and licence issuance.
Same Day
In most cases, you can get your UAE licence the same day. Some locations may take 1-3 days.
2 Years
UAE licences are typically valid for 2 years and renewable. Keep your UK licence as backup.
A practical timeline for organizing your move from the UK to the UAE
Get our detailed UK to UAE moving checklist with timelines, document requirements, and insider tips for British expats.
Request Moving ChecklistDownload our free UAE Relocation Starter Pack designed specifically for UK expats - including checklists, guides, and insider tips for your move.
Common questions from UK families moving to the UAE
Detailed resources to support your UK to UAE relocation
Detailed breakdown of living expenses including housing, food, transport, and lifestyle costs compared to UK prices.
Understand UAE tax framework, UK tax exit strategies, and tax residency requirements for British expats.
Complete guide to Dubai schools including British curriculum options, fees, and admissions for UK families.
Everything about renting and buying property in UAE including areas, costs, and rental procedures.
Complete visa guide including employment visas, Golden Visa, and family sponsorship for UK citizens.
UAE healthcare system, insurance requirements, and how it compares to NHS for British expats.