Are you relocating to Dubai anytime soon? If yes, you will have to keep several aspects in mind, ranging from visas and living costs to accommodation and more. The Emirate is an expat-friendly destination and a few tips will help you make the transition comfortably. Here is a moving to Dubai guide that you may find helpful.
Visas & Key Aspects while Moving to Dubai
Most Dubai relocation guides highlight the importance of securing a visa when moving to Dubai, as it’s the first thing you’ll need to arrange. Getting the right long-term residency visa is a key step, with options like a Green visa, Standard work visa, and a Golden visa. Then there are the tax implications. In this case, you’ll not have any tax liabilities if you’re an expat, on your income from employment, rentals, dividends, royalties, capital gains, freelance/self-employment earnings, and gifts or inheritance. Yet, corporate taxes are sometimes payable for businesses, depending on specific earning guidelines.
The other aspect is arranging residence visas for your family members. You can sponsor long-term residence visas, provided you earn a minimum amount per month. You’ll also have to submit attested marriage and birth certificates in this case, while those older than 18 in your family will have to clear medical fitness tests to qualify for this visa. Check the terms and conditions for sponsoring long-term residence visas for your family members. Understanding the local educational system is also vital if you are to choose a school for your kids. The public school system is usually accessible, although you have to pay the tuition costs and meet other specific requirements (employed by a local/government/semi-government entity, enroll in only grades 2-12, total capacity regulations in a single classroom/school, etc.). On the flipside, you’ll discover 200+ international and private schools offering American, British, and International Baccalaureate curricula although they have much higher fees.
Some Other Tips for Moving to Dubai
Once you choose to stay in Dubai, you’ll find the Emirate surprisingly easier to navigate, even though Arabic is the official language. Learning conversation-level Arabic is recommended, although almost everyone here speaks English as their second language. With numerous global expatriates, there are several other languages that are spoken here for maximum comfort. Also, Dubai is one of the safest places to live globally. Yet, keeping the local laws in mind is very important as an expat, since punishments are severe for several crimes.
You should know that swearing and drinking without alcohol licenses are illegal in Dubai, along with accessing pornography, cross-dressing, taking photographs of people or Government buildings without permission, criticizing the UAE Government, possessing drugs, and living with someone who is not your legal spouse. Living costs in Dubai are another thing that you should keep in mind, including the cost of accommodation in Dubai, food, education, transportation, and more. While Dubai is not exactly affordable, it’s still cheaper to live here than several major cities like London, New York, Paris, and more. The zero income tax rules also help you earn 20-45% more than the same salary in the UK or elsewhere.
Accommodation in Dubai
Setting up a new home in Dubai is not easy and will take time, energy, and money. In this case, you can consider booking serviced apartments accommodation in Dubai for your relocation to the Emirate. You can land at the airport and directly move into your apartment, thereby settling into Dubai swiftly without the hassles of buying/renting furniture, arranging utilities and essentials, moving/shipping furniture, logistics costs and hassles, and so on.
Serviced apartments in Dubai are an excellent option for the initial settling-in period, offering flexible lease terms, home-like space and comfort, multiple configurations, amenities, hotel-like services (laundry, housekeeping, concierge, etc.), on-site amenities, kitchens to cook meals, work and family-friendly amenities, and strategic locations. You can settle into the city without the stress of executing the move, focus on work, and stay as long as you like, before arranging more permanent accommodation in the future. Expats can have ownership of freehold property in some designated areas with full ownership rights, while mortgage financing also available. Investing in real estate in Dubai will also give you residency benefits. Buying property above certain values may help you gain eligibility for either a 2-year residence visa or even a 10-year Golden visa.
Choosing the Right Area, Bank Accounts, and Community
Selecting the right place to live in Dubai is one of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make when moving to the Emirate. You’ll have to factor several aspects into the mix:
- The location should be near your workplace, your child’s school, and major transit points.
- Note that accommodation in the city center and other popular areas may be costly.
- Traffic congestion is a common problem and hence easier commutes are what you should focus on.
- Dubai Marina is preferred by expats, while families often opt for Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah.
- Accommodation is usually paid for up-front, if you’re renting an apartment directly. Serviced apartments have flexible lease terms with deposits and month-on-month rental arrangements which may be more convenient for you.
- Be aware of all maintenance charges and other fees, while adding utility and other costs. Serviced apartments may give you better value with all-inclusive rates that cover utilities and services, while there are often lower rates for extended stays.
- Ask your landlord whether the tap water is filtered in your apartment or whether you’ll have to purchase bottled water.
You’ll have to pay rental and council taxes while VAT is chargeable on all purchase. Tourists may have to pay special taxes, including the departure tax. You should also open your bank account in Dubai by submitting your employment proof, passport, no-objection letter from the employer, address proof, and one local identification, like the Emirates ID.
The healthcare system is well-developed throughout the city with both public and private options available. You may apply for a DHA health card to get healthcare at lower rates. You will also require mandatory health insurance in Dubai, which is mostly provided by your employer. As for the community, you’ll discover several expat groups and meet-up initiatives that will help you settle into the city faster. On that note, here’s wishing you an enjoyable Dubai adventure and seamless relocation process.
