Moving to the UAE: A Complete Guide for Expats and Investors

Step 2: Prepare for Housing and Accommodation

Finding decent accommodation is a critical move in your UAE moving process. The majority of expats rent, in and around Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, Jumeirah Beach Residence, and Abu Dhabi’s Al Reem Island or Saadiyat Island. Rental contracts are generally signed for 1-year and usually include a 5% annual rent deposit and post-dated checks for quarterly or annual rent. Keep in mind that utilities (electricity, water, air conditioning) are typically not included in the rent and come as extra monthly expenses.

Some organizations include housing allowances in employment packages, which helps cover these expenses to a large extent. Furnishing expenses can affect your initial budget, so it is also important to confirm if the property is furnished, semi-furnished, or unfurnished. Finally, consider proximity to amenities (school, health care, transport, etc.) that you or your family may need based on your personal requirements.

Step 3: Plan Your Healthcare Needs

The UAE’s healthcare system is among the best in the world, with a solid network of both public & private hospitals. Expats tend to get private healthcare, which is faster and often guarantees a higher standard of treatment, though it can be expensive without adequate insurance. Health insurance is required by law and in most emirates, employers must provide it for employees. But you may need to purchase coverage for dependents or for services not fully covered through your employer’s plan.

The coverage of benefits for outpatient visits, specialist care, maternity care, and emergency services, among others, can vary widely, so search among private insurance plans. If you have specific health needs or need ongoing medical treatment, research hospitals and clinics in your area to make sure specialized care is available. 

Step 4: Review Education Options for Expat Children

UAE has numerous schools with many following international curricula like British, American, IB, and Indian systems. Research schools early — admission can be competitive, particularly for top international schools in cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Costs can vary widely depending on the school’s reputation, location, and facilities. International students usually pay between 5,000 and 27,650 EUR per academic year. Also, some schools may charge extra for uniforms, books, extracurricular activities, and transportation.

However, if your employer has included education allowances in your package, this could cover a huge portion of your expenses. Also, think about how close the school is to your home, and whether transportation is provided. When selecting a school, make sure it aligns with your child’s educational needs, language skills, and extracurricular hobbies. Keep in mind that some schools have long wait lists, so the earlier you apply, and the more research you do, the better.

Step 5: Budget for the Cost of Living

UAE cost of living varies according to your lifestyle and location, but this is a general breakdown with real figures:

Individual: A single individual can live comfortably with an average expense of AED 10,000 AED 15,000. In Dubai or Abu Dhabi, a rental for a one-bedroom apartment could be anywhere between AED 3,500 and AED 7,000, etc. Utilities (electricity, water, air conditioning) can range from AED 500 to AED 1,000 a month. Food, transport and entertainment can cost another AED 2,000 to AED 3,000.

Couple: A couple usually needs anywhere between AED 18,000 – AED 25,000 as total monthly income. If you are sharing a two-bedroom apartment, rent costs can range from AED 6,000 to AED 10,000, alongside ongoing utility and daily expenses similar to that of a single person, as well as slightly higher grocery shopping and entertainment bills.

Family of four: A family would require AED 30,000 to AED 40,000 for a month. AED 10,000 to AED 15,000 rent for a three-bedroom apartment. Education is an additional AED 2,000 to AED 8,000 per month per child, along with other healthcare, food, and family costs.

Step 6: Organize Employment and Business Opportunities

Before moving to UAE for work, ensure that your employment contract is finalized and that your employer will sponsor your visa. Do your research on the job market ahead of time, specifically if you plan to go into industries such as finance, construction, technology, and healthcare, where there are high levels of demand. 

As an entrepreneur, it may be interesting for you to know, that UAE has many free zones that help you with tax exemption and easy setting up of your business. These areas give full foreign ownership as well as favorable tax benefits for investors. Networking and connecting with local industry professionals will be imperative as you seek to identify opportunities and find success whether you are looking for a job or planning to start a business.

Step 7: Understand Transportation in the UAE

There are several means of transport in UAE. Public transport facilities, such as metro, buses, and taxis in big cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi are well-developed. The Dubai Metro is especially efficient and cheap, starting from AED 3. Public buses reach most areas, and they are affordable, though outside city centers services can be less frequent. Taxis are widely available, but more expensive, with base fares plus AED 12. Due to low fuel costs, most people own a car, however, you should consider insurance, maintenance, and parking charges in your budget. An international driving license will also be accepted.

Step 8: Gather the Required Documents

If you think that moving to the UAE is your best choice, you need to gather the required documents and apply for a visa. Depending on the visa type, the required documents will vary. In this guide, we’ll mention what you need to submit for a Golden Visa. 

Investors should 

• Own a real estate property worth at least 2,000,000 AED.
• Invest in a UAE-accredited fund with a minimum amount of deposit of 2,000,000 AED.
• Found a company with at least 2,000,000 AED capital.
• Be a partner of another company with a share of at least 2,000,000 AED.

Entrepreneurs should

• Own or be a partner of a pioneering project registered with Dubai Future Authority,
• Own or be a partner of SME (small or medium enterprise)
• Be a founder of a registered pioneering project that’s been sold for at least 7,000,000 AED.

Humanitarian workers need to

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• Have a recommendation from the Ministry of Community Development 
• Have a university degree

To learn more about other visa types and requirements read this article.

Step 9: Seek Legal and Financial Guidance

For newcomers to the UAE, understanding the legal and financial landscape can be quite challenging. Seeking legal advice about residency requirements, visa renewals and work contracts is recommended. If you’re registering a company, you’ll need legal guidance on company formation, free-zone regulations, and foreign ownership laws.. If you're managing big assets or investments in the UAE, consider hiring a financial advisor. Legal and financial professionals will assist you in making informed decisions and complying with local laws.

How Mirabello Consultancy Can Assist with Your Move

Mirabello Consultancy offers you complete support during your move to the UAE from your home country. We help you get the right residency visa, through work, investment or otherwise. Our team will guide you through all the complexity of the legal process, getting all the required paperwork in place, prepared, and attested. For businesses, we provide invaluable assistance in establishing operations in free zones, where 100% foreign ownership is permitted, along with favorable tax conditions. Mirabello also offers tips on finding housing, health care plans and education, if families have children. We help you manage every part of the move seamlessly and in accordance with UAE regulations and laws.