Things to know before moving to Dubai – a complete checklist
Moving to Dubai is an exciting step that promises new opportunities, a vibrant lifestyle and a tax-free income. However, relocating to a new country, especially one as dynamic as the UAE, requires careful planning and thoughtful decision-making. From sorting paperwork to understanding cultural norms, there are several important factors to consider. Hence, here’s a complete checklist of things to know before moving to Dubai!
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE MOVING TO DUBAI
To ensure your transition to a new city/country is smooth, it’s best to plan and iron out all small and big ambiguities in the plan. To help you achieve this goal, here’s a handy moving to Dubai checklist:
GET YOUR PAPERWORK IN ORDER
One of the first and most important steps in moving to Dubai is arranging your legal documentation. To live and work in the UAE, you will need a valid residence visa, typically sponsored by your employer.
Your employer will usually handle much of the process, including your work permit, Emirates ID and medical testing. However, it is still essential to understand the procedure and keep track of your documents. Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months, and keep multiple copies of important documents such as educational certificates, marriage certificates and references.
If you are planning to move with your family, you will need to sponsor them once your visa is processed. This involves additional paperwork and proof of income, so it is wise to prepare in advance.
Things to watch out for:
- If you’re coming on a tourist visa to find a job in Dubai, be careful not to accumulate the so-called overstay fines. If your tourist visa is valid for 30 days, you must either leave the country or extend your stay promptly. Otherwise, it could cost you a pretty penny.
- Driving license: once here, you will need to convert your driving license in Dubai. The good news is, it’s a straightforward process. You’ll need to obtain an optician’s certificate and a few other documents, visit the RTA Driving License Centre and pay a reasonable fee. Just make sure to bring your original driving license with you.(Note: This option does not apply to all nationalities, and some may still have to go for driving lessons and a driving test)
WRAPPING UP LIFE IN YOUR HOME COUNTRY
Next on our list of Dubai relocation tips is wrapping up life in your home country. It’s important that you properly close or manage your responsibilities in your current country. This includes ending rental agreements, selling property if necessary, cancelling utilities and settling any outstanding bills. This also applies if you are moving from another emirate.
If you are employed, make sure to complete your notice period professionally and collect all relevant documents, such as experience letters and references. For business owners, the process can be more complex. You may need to deregister your company, clear any financial obligations and handle legal closures depending on your country’s regulations.
Do not forget to inform your bank and consider whether you will keep your existing accounts active. It is also a good idea to organise international access to your funds.
MAKE A FINANCIAL PLAN
Dubai offers a high standard of living, but it can also be expensive depending on your lifestyle. Rent is usually the largest expense, followed by schooling (if you have children), transportation and groceries.
Before relocating, research the average cost of living in Dubai. It is also helpful to negotiate your salary package carefully. Many employers offer benefits such as housing allowance, medical insurance, transportation or schooling support.
Keep in mind that while there is no income tax, there are other costs, such as VAT (Value Added Tax) on goods and services. Having a financial cushion for your first few months is strongly recommended.
We’re not saying you shouldn’t go out and enjoy life – on the contrary! However, you don’t need to go to a pricey brunch every weekend. You can refer to our guide to saving money in Dubai.
START YOUR PROPERTY RESEARCH SOONER THAN LATER
Dubai is a city of diverse neighbourhoods, each offering a unique lifestyle. Choosing the right area to live in can significantly affect your daily routine and overall experience.
If you prefer a lively urban environment, areas such as Downtown Dubai or Dubai Marina may be suitable. For families, quieter communities like Arabian Ranches, Mirdif or Jumeirah Village Circle offer more space and a relaxed atmosphere.
When selecting a location, consider proximity to your workplace, access to public transport, nearby schools and essential amenities. Traffic can be heavy during peak hours, so commuting time is an important factor.
Since location is a major component of the moving to Dubai for expats checklist, try making use of the AI-powered app BayutGPT. It can help you with everything you’ll need in advance, or at least put you in touch with the right people.
Things to watch out for:
- You won’t be able to reserve a property without a copy of your residence visa, so you’ll have to wait until your employer has processed that before signing the lease. Alternatively, you can ask for an original letter from your sponsor stating that the residence visa process is underway.
- The property lease in Dubai usually involves a one-year contract. However, paying full price in advance does have its perks. If you pay the total yearly rent with one or two checks, as opposed to three or four, you could save some money.
- Dubai is all about location. Just like in Los Angeles, the less time you spend stuck in traffic, the better. In addition to tens of thousands of listings on Bayut, you can find extensive content on Dubai’s most coveted areas on MyBayut.
UNDERSTANDING THE JOB MARKET
One of the key things to know before moving to Dubai is securing stable employment to cover living expenses. Ideally, you should have a job offer in place before making the move. Since Dubai has a dynamic job market, competition can be strong, particularly in popular sectors.
Research your industry, understand salary expectations and prepare a professional CV tailored to the UAE market. Networking can also play a key role in finding opportunities.
If you plan to start a business, Dubai offers several free zones and business-friendly regulations. However, it is essential to understand licensing requirements, costs and legal structures before proceeding.
DOWNLOAD THE DUBAI NOW APP
Dubai Now is a local app devised by the cutting-edge government entity, Smart Dubai. It’s a reasonably sized application that somehow contains over 50 individual apps from 22 government entities!
That means that you’ll be able to pay all your utilities, Salik (the electronic toll road system in Dubai), top up your RTA Nol Card (Dubai metro card), your phone credit (Du, Etisalat), and much more. You’ll even be able to set up automatic monthly payments with Dubai Now.
Things to watch out for:
- Dubai Now also comprises the Makani app, aka Dubai’s version of Google Maps. This app is based on the special Makani address system, which exists only in Dubai (Makani = Arabic for ‘my location’).
- Every building or villa has its unique Makani number in Dubai, and the app itself allows you to navigate the city more easily.
- You can even use it to call for help in case of an emergency since the app quickly locks down your Makani coordinates and notifies the police or ambulance.
RESPECT THE CULTURAL NORMS AND SOCIAL ETIQUETTES
Dubai is a multicultural city, but it is still rooted in Islamic traditions and values. Understanding and respecting local customs is crucial for a smooth transition.
Dress modestly in public areas, particularly in government offices and traditional neighbourhoods. Public behaviour should be respectful, and certain actions, such as public displays of affection, are discouraged.
During the holy month of Ramadan, eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight hours is restricted. However, Dubai is generally tolerant and accommodating to expatriates, making it easier to adapt over time.
SOCIAL LIFE AND COMMUNITY
One of the advantages of relocating to Dubai is its vibrant social scene. The city is home to people from all over the world, offering a diverse and welcoming environment.
There are numerous social groups, clubs and events catering to different interests: from fitness and sports to arts and networking. This makes it relatively easy to build a social circle, especially for newcomers.
Dining out, beach outings, shopping and desert adventures are popular leisure activities. However, maintaining a balance between work and social life is important, as the fast-paced lifestyle can sometimes feel overwhelming.
Since it’s a brand-new, exciting environment, you’ll need as many friends as you can find. You can’t indulge in fantastic beach sports and sundowners by yourself, right? Here’s how to find your social circle in Dubai.
WEATHER AND CLIMATE
One of the first things to understand when considering how to prepare for moving to Dubai is the city’s desert climate. Summers are extremely hot, often exceeding 40°C from May to September, with humidity that can make outdoor time quite challenging.
Most homes, offices and public spaces are fully air-conditioned, so daily life is mainly centred indoors. The winter months, from November to March, bring much more comfortable weather and are ideal for outdoor activities.
If you are not used to extreme heat, it may take time to adjust. Staying hydrated and planning outdoor activities during cooler hours can help you adapt more easily.
LIFESTYLE ADJUSTMENTS AND EXPECTATION
Among the key things to know before moving to Dubai is the need to adapt to a faster pace of life. The city is defined by rapid growth, bold developments and a high-energy atmosphere, which can feel both exciting and demanding at the same time.
Work culture can vary depending on the industry, but it is generally professional and performance-driven. It is important to remain adaptable and open-minded.
While Dubai offers luxury and convenience, it is also important to manage expectations and avoid overspending. Building a stable routine will help you feel more settled.
TRANSPORTATION AND GETTING AROUND
Dubai has a well-developed transportation system, including the Dubai Metro, buses and taxis. However, if you plan to drive, check whether your driving licence can be converted to a UAE licence. Otherwise, you may need to take driving lessons and pass a test.
Nevertheless, owning a car offers convenience, especially for families, but also comes with costs such as fuel, insurance and parking.
FAQS ABOUT THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE MOVING TO DUBAI
WHY SHOULD I MOVE TO DUBAI?
Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world, and it has been attracting expats for some time. It offers a luxurious lifestyle and good educational institutions. To get you started, here’s a roundup of the best areas to rent apartments in Dubai.
ARE THERE ANY GOOD MOVING COMPANIES IN DUBAI?
Yes! There are quite a few house movers in Dubai you can rely on. These companies will make the move easier for you. These are among the hidden costs of renting property in Dubai you should know about.
WHAT ARE THE THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE MOVING TO DUBAI WITH FAMILY?
Read our guide on moving to Dubai with family to find out all the essential information.
HOW CAN I RENT A PROPERTY IN DUBAI?
Renting in Dubai is a fairly easy process. Our guide contains all the essential details for first-time renters in the emirate.
And on that note, we end our list of things to know before moving to Dubai. There are tons of benefits of moving to Dubai, such as no income tax and a plethora of growth opportunities. We hope you found the details you were looking for. One last piece of advice: make sure to subscribe to MyBayut and receive a bi-weekly dosage of useful content straight to your email.
If you have more questions about what to know before moving, our guide lists all the essential FAQs about moving to Dubai.
On the other hand, for folks who plan to leave the city soon, we’ve prepared an expat leaving Dubai checklist that ensures you experience a safe and smooth transition.
But for now, welcome to the golden city! We hope you make the very best out of the opportunity!
