Your handy checklist for moving from India to Dubai
Dubai is a much-preferred choice for Indian nationals looking to live abroad. This is partly because flying back to the home country at any time is easy – with India being 3 to 4 hours away (depending on the location). Other factors include the multicultural experience and loads of opportunities Dubai offers. If you are considering moving from India to Dubai, here’s a handy checklist of everything you need to know to make your move stress-free. We will also try to answer the question, “What do I need to move to Dubai!”
PAPERWORK
VISAS FOR INDIANS MOVING TO DUBAI
Indian passport holders visiting Dubai must arrange a visa through a sponsor before moving. This may sound daunting, but it is a pretty straightforward process. You can learn more about this when you book a hotel and apply for a visa via Emirates Airlines or a travel agent.
If you have a valid USA visa, green card, or a UK or European Union residence visa (valid for at least six months after your entry to the UAE), you can get a 14-day visa on arrival.
You can consider different types of UAE visas when moving to Dubai. Please ensure your passport is valid for at least six months after your move.
- Employment Visa: This visa is the most common type where your employer will handle all arrangements for an employment visa and residency permit. Once you get the residence visa, you can check your UAE visa status online.
- Dependent Visa:
- You are eligible for a dependent visa for Dubai when your spouse is in the city. However, they must earn a minimum of AED 4,000 per month (or AED 3,000 per month plus accommodation) to sponsor you.
- If your children are in Dubai, they must earn at least AED 20,000 monthly to sponsor you.
- Student Visa: If you are enrolled in one of the UAE universities or academic institutions, you will be granted a visa for the duration of your education.
- Investor Visa: If you open a company in the UAE or invest in one, you can benefit from an Investor visa. There are different types of Dubai investor visas that you can consider.
- Property Owner Visa: If you invest in a property in Dubai, you are eligible for a renewable residency visa. However, the benefits of these visas (dependents, etc.) vary.
You must undergo a medical test in Dubai upon arrival to process these visas.
If your passport expires post-re-location, here’s the process of Indian passport renewal in the UAE.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR MOVING FROM INDIA TO DUBAI
When moving from India to Dubai, your employer will take care of the bulk of the process. What you need to do, though, is make sure you have all your documents in order.
- Get your Indian university degree/certificate attested before you plan on moving. This process is often lengthy and a hassle once you’ve moved to Dubai. There are four steps to attesting your degree, should you wish to do it yourself.
- First, visit your university to get your documents stamped. Give them a call beforehand to find out what documents you need. You might have to bring in mark sheets and high school certificates. Depending on your field, you might also need attestation from your field’s registered regulatory board. This will require payment from your side.
- Next, you need HRD (human resources development) attestation. For this, visit an HRD office or registered centre in your state. If you visit the HRD office directly, there is no fee, but you must bring documents such as mark sheets (from high school) and a passport photo (varies by state).
- Head to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in Delhi (or use a registered agent) to get the attestation stamp on all documents.
- Finally, you need an approval stamp from the UAE Embassy.
- Bring your attested marriage certificate if you wish to enter the country as a married couple.
- Before applying for a work visa, you will need a good conduct certificate from India.
- Bring plenty of passport-sized photographs (white background). You’d be surprised at how many you’ll need, from visa processes to different licences.
FINDING ACCOMMODATION IN DUBAI
When you arrive in Dubai, your company will likely put you in a hotel or hotel apartment. However, you will have to find somewhere to move to!
Luckily, Dubai has a booming property market with numerous options for all budgets and ‘real estate preferences.’ Before signing the papers, decide whether renting or buying a property is right for you.
RENTING A PROPERTY IN DUBAI
Several first-time expats rent property in Dubai. Regarding budget, it’s easy to overspend and be influenced by prestigious addresses or Burj Khalifa views. But a rule of thumb to stick to is not spending more than 35% of your monthly income on rent.
You can rent affordable apartments in Dubai and save significant money. You can also read more about areas that are popular with Indian expats!
- 2 BEDS
- |
- 3 BATHS
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- 1187 SQFT
- 2 BEDS
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- 3 BATHS
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- 1343 SQFT
- 3 BEDS
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- 3 BATHS
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- 1714 SQFT
- STUDIO
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- 1 BATH
- |
- 473 SQFT
- 1 BED
- |
- 2 BATHS
- |
- 587 SQFT
- 1 BED
- |
- 1 BATH
- |
- 552 SQFT
- 1 BED
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- 1 BATH
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- 809 SQFT
It’s also worth remembering that rental payments in Dubai are yearly or quarterly cheques. You will also have to shell out money for DEWA utilities (that’s your electricity and water), internet/phone deposits, agency commissions and security deposits. Make sure you have enough money set aside! It is also worth familiarising yourself with Dubai’s tenancy laws to avoid any unpleasant surprises!
- 6 BEDS
- |
- 7 BATHS
- |
- 6735 SQFT
- 5 BEDS
- |
- 4 BATHS
- |
- 6002 SQFT
BUYING A PROPERTY IN DUBAI
Dubai also has a thriving property sales market with several attractive buyer incentives. Homeownership is widespread in Dubai, from villas and townhouses in well-established neighbourhoods such as Arabian Ranches and apartments in Dubai Marina to off-plan projects with upcoming handover dates.
Indians in Dubai make up the largest group of foreigners who invest in Dubai property. If you are worried about your stay in Dubai, don’t forget that you can always rent out your property when you leave, making it a fantastic extra source of income.
LIVING IN DUBAI: HOW TO SETTLE AFTER MOVING FROM INDIA TO DUBAI?
Nearly 50% of the Dubai expat population is from India, so it should come as no surprise that living in Dubai means you’re not likely to miss the comforts of home.
EDUCATION FOR INDIANS IN DUBAI
Whether you want your child to study in an Indian curriculum school or any other, there are many options.
- Studying in an international school in Dubai will be a diverse experience for your child, with kids from all over the world sharing a classroom.
- In addition to institutions offering international curriculums, there are plenty of Indian schools in Dubai (offering ICSE and CBSE) across the city, within reach of every neighbourhood.
- Schools in Dubai vary in price depending on the facilities and curricula.
- Some of the best schools in Dubai fill up fast across all year groups. We strongly recommend applying for a place well before you reach the city – even if you plan to relocate during summer!
- The academic year for Indian schools starts in April, while most international schools start in September. However, depending on when you’re relocating, children can often join in the second semester.
- Regarding higher education, you can find some world-class institutes and universities in Dubai in the hubs of Academic City and Knowledge Village (including respected ones from India, such as BITS Pilani and Manipal University).
- While you can finish your degree in Dubai from one of these universities, several also offer the option to transfer abroad to the university’s home campus for at least the duration of your course.
If you plan to move to Dubai from India for higher education, here are some popular areas for students in Dubai.
FOOD FOR INDIAN EXPATS IN DUBAI
You can find Indian restaurants across Dubai.
- There’s one thing you won’t miss in the city, and that’s Indian cuisine! From street-side chaat and biryani to Jain food and South Indian thalis, there are plenty of Indian restaurants in Dubai serving food from all corners of India.
- Most eateries are concentrated in the ‘old Dubai’ neighbourhoods of Karama, Bur Dubai, and Deira. But no matter where you live, you will find an Indian restaurant nearby. For instance, there are some amazing Indian restaurants in Downtown Dubai. Similarly, you can find Indian restaurants in Dubai catering to all budgets.
- If it’s groceries that you’re looking for, there are plenty of supermarkets in Dubai for expats that stock native ingredients. Al Adil Supermarket has plenty of foods and brands you will recognise from your local grocery shop in India.
- For fresh produce, LuLu Hypermarket is also a firm favourite among Indian expats in Dubai. When it comes to fresh sweets too, you’re sure to find shops that will rival the ones back home!
So when moving from India to Dubai, you shouldn’t be concerned about not getting homely food. Life in Dubai for Indians will not be too dissimilar to what they were used to back home, at least in terms of food.
OUT AND ABOUT
As you would know, there is so much to do in Dubai.
- Dubai is known for its nightlife! Bars and clubs cater to every vibe and taste, and many also offer ‘Desi’ or ‘Bollywood’ nights with all the latest chart-toppers. These are perfect for those days when you’re missing home!
- If you can’t wait for one of those nights, Dubai has a few local radio stations that play Hindi and Malayalam music. Check out the list of hindi FM channels in Dubai to know more.
- As a second home for several Indian stars, Dubai annually hosts many concerts and performances.
- Thanks to the high number of Indians in Dubai, it’s easy to celebrate any festival. Don’t worry about missing out from Holi to Diwali, Onam and Navratri.
- When it comes to alcohol, consumption without a licence is no longer a crime after introducing new alcohol license rules. You should, however, remember that being drunk in public or driving under the influence is also strictly prohibited and has serious consequences.
HEALTH
Here is what you need to know about health services in Dubai.
- Dubai has no unified public health service. Every sponsor is responsible for providing health insurance to those they provide a visa to. This means that if you are sponsoring your spouse or children, the burden is on you to provide them with medical insurance. Some companies often offer insurance for dependents as well.
- If you intend to bring any medication to Dubai, check the banned substances list issued by the UAE government. Some medications might be exempt if you get a doctor’s note along with you. Remember that some medicines sold over the counter in India could be regulated in Dubai, and you could face trouble when trying to bring them into the country.
- Thanks to the number of clinics and hospitals in Dubai, if you need specific medication, obtaining a prescription will be a painless process – albeit under a different trade name.
GETTING AROUND
The public transport system in Dubai is one of the best in the world.
- Dubai has a well-established public transport system of buses, the Dubai metro and taxis. Buses are the cheapest option, followed by the metro and then taxis.
- While the metro line is one of the most convenient ways to get around the city, it travels in a straight line and may not be feasible depending on where you choose to live. For example, popular neighbourhoods such as Arabian Ranches are far from the nearest metro station and rely on feeder buses. Luckily, there are many convenient apartments near metro stations, should you wish to use the Dubai Metro to commute.
- If you want to rent or buy a car to get around and have a valid Indian driving license, you must apply for a Dubai driving licence and undergo classes. The number of classes you have to take depends on how long your license has been valid. When applying for the license, remember that most private, light motor vehicles in Dubai are automatic, not manual.
FAQs about moving from India to Dubai
WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW BEFORE MOVING FROM INDIA TO DUBAI?
Here are some helpful tips that you should consider.
- While the UAE is a Muslim country, religious tolerance exists, and you can practice your faith. While mosques are easy to spot, there are well-established places of worship in Dubai for Christians, Hindus, Sikha and Jains alike.
- Remember to dress modestly and keep public displays of affection to a minimum.
- It may be a desert, but Dubai can get quite chilly in the winter and in malls and cinemas. So, keeping a second layer with you can be handy.
- You do not need to learn Arabic to get by in Dubai, with most residents able to communicate in English, Hindi or Urdu. But it’s always a good idea to learn some basic Arabic phrases.
- Remember that your sponsor has no right to keep your passport in their custody – your documents are yours and yours alone.
- There is always something to do in Dubai, but keep an eye on all those expenses; otherwise, you’re likely to exceed your budget and be unable to save up.
All in all, Dubai is a fantastic place for Indians with job opportunities and conveniences.
Suppose you plan to move to Dubai from India. In that case, you can check out our guide to popular areas to rent properties in Dubai according to salary and also read up on Emirati traditions to understand the culture.
Also, don’t forget to subscribe to the UAE’s best property and lifestyle blog, MyBayut.
Disclaimer: Visa rules are subject to change and can vary from company to company. To get up-to-date information on visa procedures and fees, please contact your employer/sponsor.