Can expats buy property in Dubai and Abu Dhabi?

Yes, expats can buy freehold property in designated areas. Dubai freehold areas include Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, JBR, Palm Jumeirah, Arabian Ranches, and Dubai Hills Estate. Abu Dhabi freehold areas include Al Reem Island, Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, and Al Raha Beach. Property ownership grants eligibility for long-term residence visa (renewable). No restrictions on nationality for most freehold areas.

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Dubai?

Dubai rental prices vary by area. Studios: AED 25,000-60,000/year. 1-bedroom: AED 45,000-90,000/year. 2-bedroom: AED 70,000-140,000/year. 3-bedroom: AED 100,000-200,000/year. Premium areas (Dubai Marina, Downtown, JBR) are 30-50% more expensive than mid-range areas (Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai Sports City). Budget areas (International City, Discovery Gardens) offer 40-50% savings.

What is EJARI and do I need it?

EJARI is Dubai's mandatory rental contract registration system managed by Dubai Land Department (DLD). All Dubai rental agreements must be registered on EJARI within 48 hours of signing. Cost: AED 220 for registration. Required for: DEWA connection, Emirates ID application, school enrollment, and visa processing. Your landlord or agent typically handles EJARI registration. Keep EJARI certificate for all official procedures.

How do I pay rent in UAE - monthly or annually?

UAE rent is typically paid annually or in multiple cheques (2-4 payments). Most common: 1 cheque (full year, 5% discount), 2 cheques (every 6 months), 4 cheques (quarterly). Monthly payments are rare and usually cost 10-15% premium. Post-dated cheques are standard practice. Keep sufficient funds as bounced cheques are illegal in UAE. New tenants may need to pay first year upfront plus 5% security deposit.

What are the best family-friendly areas in Dubai and Abu Dhabi?

Dubai: Arabian Ranches (villas, community feel, international schools nearby), Dubai Hills Estate (modern, parks, family amenities), Jumeirah Village Circle (affordable, family-friendly), The Springs/Meadows (established, good schools). Abu Dhabi: Yas Island (entertainment, schools, beaches), Al Reem Island (modern towers, sea views, schools), Khalifa City (spacious villas, family-oriented), Al Reef (affordable villas, community). Consider proximity to schools, supermarkets, parks, and your workplace.

What is the Founder Launch Partner program?

The Founder Launch Partner program offers 40-50% discounted rates and extended payment terms for service providers joining Relocate2UAE before March 2026. This limited-time offer helps us build our initial partner network with premium UAE businesses across education, housing, business setup, financial services, lifestyle, hospitality, and healthcare categories.

Who can become a partner with Relocate2UAE?

We partner with licensed UAE businesses serving expats and relocators including international schools, real estate agencies, business setup consultants, financial advisors, lifestyle brands, hotels, and healthcare providers. All partners undergo verification by our Abu Dhabi-based team to ensure quality and licensing compliance.

How much do partnership tiers cost?

Standard rates: Bronze AED 1,500-3,000/month, Silver AED 4,000-7,000/month, Gold custom pricing. Founder Launch Partners (until March 2026) receive 40-50% discount: Bronze from AED 750/month, Silver from AED 2,000/month, Gold 50% off custom rates.

What audience will I reach as a partner?

Relocate2UAE attracts 2,000+ monthly visitors actively researching and planning their relocation to Dubai and Abu Dhabi. These are high-intent users making real decisions about housing, schools, banking, business setup, and lifestyle services - not casual browsers.

How do I apply for partnership?

Submit the partnership application form with your company details, service category, and business information. Our Abu Dhabi team reviews applications within 2-3 business days and schedules a free consultation call to discuss partnership tiers, pricing, and onboarding.

🏦 Essential Financial Information | Updated January 2025

UAE Banking & Finance Guide
for Expats 2025

Everything expats and professionals need to know about opening bank accounts in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, managing finances, accessing mortgages, credit cards, and banking services in the United Arab Emirates. Covers Emirates NBD, ADCB, FAB, Mashreq, HSBC UAE, and digital banking options. Also see our UAE salary guide and cost of living breakdown.

50+

Banks Operating

3-7

Days to Open

AED 0

Income Tax

24/7

Digital Banking

Opening a Bank Account in UAE

Basic Requirements

📋 Essential Documents

Valid passport with UAE residence visa
Emirates ID (original and copy)
Proof of address (utility bill or tenancy contract)
Salary certificate or employment letter
Initial deposit (varies by bank, typically AED 3,000-5,000)

⏱️ Process Timeline

1

Application Submission

Visit branch or apply online
2

Verification (1-3 days)

Document review and approval
3

Account Activation (3-7 days)

Receive debit card and online banking

🏦 Major Banks for Expats

Emirates NBD

UAE's largest bank with extensive branch network

• Min salary: AED 5,000
• Strong digital banking
• Multi-currency accounts

ADCB

Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank with premium services

• Min salary: AED 5,000
• Excellent rewards program
• Priority banking options

First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)

Largest bank in UAE by assets

• Min salary: AED 5,000
• Global banking network
• Premium wealth management

Mashreq Bank

Oldest private bank in UAE

• Min salary: AED 5,000
• Neo banking platform
• Instant digital accounts

HSBC UAE

International bank with global presence

• Min salary: AED 10,000
• Global banking access
• Premier banking services

Standard Chartered

International bank with priority services

• Min salary: AED 8,000
• Priority banking
• Investment services

Credit Cards in UAE

Eligibility Requirements

Minimum salary: AED 5,000-8,000/month (varies by card type)
Age: 21-60 years (salaried) or 21-65 (self-employed)
Employment: Minimum 6 months with current employer
Documentation: Salary certificate, bank statements (6 months)
Credit check: UAE credit history review via Al Etihad Credit Bureau

Card Categories

Classic/Standard

Min salary: AED 5,000 | Basic rewards

Gold

Min salary: AED 8,000-10,000 | Enhanced rewards

Platinum

Min salary: AED 15,000-20,000 | Premium benefits

Infinite/Signature

Min salary: AED 25,000+ | Luxury perks

💳 Popular Credit Cards for Expats

Emirates NBD U By Emaar Family Credit Card

Min salary: AED 5,000

CASHBACK

Up to 5% cashback on family spending categories

FAB Etihad Guest Platinum

Min salary: AED 10,000

MILES

Earn Etihad miles on every purchase, lounge access

ADCB Traveller Credit Card

Min salary: AED 8,000

TRAVEL

Airport lounge access, travel insurance, zero forex markup

Home Mortgages for Expats

📊 Key Mortgage Terms

Loan-to-Value (LTV): Up to 80% for properties under AED 5M (first property for UAE/GCC nationals), 75% for expats
Interest rates: Typically 3.5%-5% annual (fixed or variable)
Tenure: Up to 25 years (or until age 65-70)
Down payment: Minimum 20-25% of property value
Processing fees: 0.25%-1% of loan amount

✅ Eligibility Requirements

Minimum salary: AED 15,000/month (salaried) or AED 25,000/month (self-employed)
Age: 21-65 years at loan maturity
Debt Burden Ratio: Maximum 50% of gross income
Clean credit history with no defaults
UAE residence visa validity throughout loan term

Pro Tip for Expats

Consider using a mortgage broker to compare rates across multiple banks. Many expats save thousands of AED by shopping around. Also check if your employer offers salary transfer discounts with partner banks.

International Money Transfers

Traditional Bank Transfers

SWIFT/Wire transfers: 2-5 business days
Fees: AED 50-150 per transfer
Exchange rates: Bank markup typically 2-4%
Limits: High limits, no cap for most banks

UAE Exchange Houses

Speed: Same day to 2 days
Fees: Lower than banks (AED 15-50)
Exchange rates: Often better than banks
Popular: UAE Exchange, Al Ansari Exchange, Al Rostamani Exchange

📱 Modern Digital Transfer Options

Wise (formerly TransferWise)

• Mid-market exchange rates
• Low, transparent fees
• 1-3 business days
• Multi-currency account

Remitly

• Express & economy options
• Competitive rates to Asia
• Bank or cash pickup
• Mobile app focused

Western Union

• Global network
• Cash pickup available
• Minutes to days
• Higher fees

Savings & Investment Accounts

💰 Savings Account Options

Standard Savings

Interest: 0.5%-2% annually
Minimum balance: AED 3,000-10,000
Easy access to funds

Fixed Deposits

Interest: 3%-5% annually
Terms: 1 month to 5 years
Higher returns for longer commitment

📈 Investment Opportunities

Investment Portfolios

Most major banks offer managed investment portfolios with access to global markets, mutual funds, and ETFs. Minimum investment typically starts at AED 50,000.

Dubai Financial Market (DFM) & Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX)

Direct stock trading on UAE exchanges. Open a trading account through your bank or licensed brokerage firms.

Gold Savings Accounts

UAE banks offer gold savings accounts where you can buy and sell gold at market prices. Popular alternative investment in the region.

Important Banking Tips for Expats

✅ Do's

Maintain minimum balance to avoid fees
Set up salary transfer for better rates & benefits
Enable SMS/email alerts for all transactions
Check your Al Etihad Credit Bureau report annually
Compare multiple banks before choosing

❌ Don'ts

Don't issue cheques without sufficient funds (criminal offense)
Don't ignore credit card payments (serious consequences)
Don't leave credit cards maxed out (affects credit score)
Don't forget to notify bank when leaving UAE temporarily
Don't share PIN or OTP codes with anyone

📚 Related UAE Guides

Explore more comprehensive guides to help with your UAE relocation

Healthcare Guide

Health insurance requirements, best hospitals, and medical costs

Cost of Living Guide

Complete breakdown of monthly expenses and budgeting tips

Housing Guide

Renting, buying property, and popular neighborhoods in UAE

Related UAE Guides

Explore more comprehensive guides to plan your move to Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Salary Guide

Income & Compensation

Comprehensive UAE salary benchmarks to help you understand expected income before setting up banking and finances.

Read Guide

Cost of Living

Budget Planning

Complete breakdown of living expenses to help you plan your banking needs and savings goals in the UAE.

Read Guide

Visa Guide

Emirates ID for Banking

Everything about UAE visas and Emirates ID which you'll need before you can open a bank account.

Read Guide

Housing Guide

Mortgages & Deposits

Complete guide to housing including mortgage options, rental deposits, and property financing through UAE banks.

Read Guide

Taxation Guide

Tax Residency & Certificates

Complete guide to UAE taxation including tax residency certificates, international reporting, and financial planning.

Read Guide

First 30 Days

Banking Setup Priority

Complete step-by-step guide including when to open your bank account and setup your finances after arrival.

Read Guide

Browse All UAE Guides

UAE Banking & Finance Guidefor Expats 2025

Table of Contents

Opening a Bank Account in UAE

Basic Requirements

📋 Essential Documents

⏱️ Process Timeline

🏦 Major Banks for Expats

Credit Cards in UAE

Eligibility Requirements

Card Categories

💳 Popular Credit Cards for Expats

Home Mortgages for Expats

📊 Key Mortgage Terms

✅ Eligibility Requirements

Pro Tip for Expats

Got a Question About Moving to the UAE?

International Money Transfers

Traditional Bank Transfers

UAE Exchange Houses

📱 Modern Digital Transfer Options

Savings & Investment Accounts

💰 Savings Account Options

Standard Savings

Fixed Deposits

📈 Investment Opportunities

Investment Portfolios

Dubai Financial Market (DFM) & Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX)

Gold Savings Accounts

Important Banking Tips for Expats

✅ Do's

❌ Don'ts

📚 Related UAE Guides

Healthcare Guide

Cost of Living Guide

Housing Guide

Before You Go…

Related UAE Guides

Salary Guide

Cost of Living

Visa Guide

Housing Guide

Taxation Guide

First 30 Days

UAE Banking & Finance Guide
for Expats 2025