Relocating to Dubai is manageable once you understand the sequence. The city has a well-established expat infrastructure — millions of people have done this before you — but the paperwork follows a specific order and the setup costs are higher than most people expect. This guide walks through each step in the order you should tackle them, with current 2026 figures where costs are involved.
Step 1 — Get Your Visa Sorted First
Everything else depends on your visa status, so this is where you start.
Employment visa (employer-sponsored)
The most common route. Your employer applies for a work permit and then sponsors your residency visa. You will need to provide:
- Passport valid for at least six months
- Passport-sized photograph (white background)
- Attested educational certificates (degree attestation often required for professional roles)
- Medical fitness test (done in Dubai after you arrive)
The typical timeline from offer acceptance to visa stamp in your passport is 2–4 weeks, though it can stretch to 6 weeks if attestation documents need to be sourced from your home country. Once you have your employment visa, you apply for your Emirates ID through the ICP portal — this is your main identification document for everything from opening a bank account to signing a tenancy contract.
Self-sponsored options
If you are relocating without a pre-arranged employer, two routes are worth considering:
- Freelance visa — Available through free zones such as Dubai Development Authority (DDA) and IFZA. All-in cost ranges from AED 12,000–20,000 for three years. See our guide to the TECOM freelance permit if you work in media or education.
- Golden Visa — A 10-year residency for investors, exceptional talent, and professionals earning above AED 30,000 per month. Requirements vary by category; the salary-based route requires proof of income and a valid employment contract.
Do not sign a lease, open a bank account, or register your children in school until you have a visa in hand — most processes require an Emirates ID which is only issued once you are a resident.
Step 2 — Find Housing Before You Arrive (or Book a Short-Term Stay)
The Dubai rental market moves fast, and landlords expect decisions within days rather than weeks. If you cannot visit before your start date, book a serviced apartment or short-stay hotel for the first 2–4 weeks while you view properties in person.
Typical rent ranges by area (2026)
| Area | Studio (AED/yr) | 1BR (AED/yr) | 2BR (AED/yr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deira / Bur Dubai | 35,000–50,000 | 50,000–75,000 | 75,000–110,000 |
| Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) | 45,000–65,000 | 65,000–95,000 | 95,000–140,000 |
| Dubai Marina | 65,000–95,000 | 90,000–140,000 | 140,000–220,000 |
| Jumeirah | 80,000–120,000 | 120,000–180,000 | 180,000–280,000 |
What you need to know before signing
- EJARI registration is mandatory. This registers your tenancy contract with the Dubai Land Department and is required for utilities, Emirates ID, and the municipality housing fee. Cost: AED 220.
- Security deposit is typically 5% of annual rent for unfurnished properties and up to 10% for furnished. On a AED 70,000 apartment, that is AED 3,500.
- Cheque payment norms — most landlords accept 1–4 post-dated cheques per year. Paying in fewer cheques often secures a better rate; more cheques may carry a premium.
- RERA rent index — Use the RERA rent calculator on the Dubai Land Department website to check whether a landlord’s proposed rent is within the legal limit for your area. Landlords cannot raise rent above the index allows with 90 days notice.
Step 3 — Set Up DEWA (Electricity and Water)
Once you have a signed tenancy contract and EJARI certificate, setting up electricity and water with DEWA takes 24–48 hours. You can do it entirely through the DEWA app or website.
What you need:
- EJARI certificate (or tenancy contract reference number)
- Emirates ID
- Security deposit: AED 2,110 for apartments; AED 4,000 for villas
The deposit is refundable when you leave. Connection is typically activated within one business day of submitting your application and paying online. There is no need to visit a DEWA office.
Step 4 — Open a Bank Account
Most major banks in Dubai require you to be physically present to open an account. The standard documents you will need:
- Original passport with visa page
- Emirates ID (or acknowledgement slip if ID is still being processed)
- Job offer letter or employment contract
- Salary certificate or recent payslips (for salary accounts)
For most employed residents, Emirates NBD, Mashreq, and ADCB are straightforward options. Minimum balance requirements range from AED 3,000–25,000 depending on the account type — falling below the minimum triggers monthly fees of AED 25–50.
If you want to avoid minimum balance requirements while you are settling in, digital-first accounts are worth considering. Wio Bank and Mashreq Neo both offer zero-minimum accounts that can be opened with your passport and Emirates ID.
For international transfers, bank rates in the UAE are generally poor. Exchange houses (Al Ansari, Al Fardan) and services like Wise offer significantly better rates for sending money home.
Step 5 — Sort Health Insurance
Health insurance is not optional in Dubai — it is a legal requirement for all residents. Employers are required by Dubai law to provide a DHA-compliant health insurance policy for all employees.
If your employer provides insurance, check the following before you arrive:
- Which network of clinics and hospitals are covered. Some basic plans restrict you to a limited list of providers.
- Essential Benefit Plan (EBP) — this is the minimum DHA-approved plan, covering inpatient and outpatient care, emergency treatment, maternity, and chronic disease management up to AED 150,000 per year. It is adequate for routine healthcare but may not cover specialist treatment or dental.
- Dependant coverage — many employer plans cover only the employee. You may need to purchase separate coverage for your spouse and children, or negotiate this with your employer before accepting the offer.
If you are self-sponsored or between jobs, DHA-approved individual plans start from around AED 700–1,500 per year for basic coverage.
Step 6 — Convert or Get a UAE Driving Licence
You do not need a UAE driving licence to use ride-hailing apps (Careem and Uber are widely used), but if you plan to rent or buy a car, you will need one.
Licence conversion (no test required)
Nationals from the following countries can convert their home licence directly to a UAE licence without sitting a driving test: UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, all EU member states, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and several others. India is on the conversion list for some licence classes — check with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) before assuming.
What to bring to an RTA-authorised driving school or typing centre:
- Original home country driving licence
- Emirates ID
- Passport copy
- Eye test certificate (done at an approved optician, AED 200–300)
- No-objection letter from employer (some schools request this)
Total cost for conversion: AED 600–800 including the eye test and RTA fees. Register your vehicle and access RTA services through the ROADS app.
If your country is not on the conversion list
You will need to complete a UAE driving course. Requirements vary — some nationalities are exempt from certain tests — but budget 2–3 months and AED 3,000–5,000 for the full process.
Step 7 — Enroll Children in School
Dubai’s private school sector is large and competitive. Schools are regulated by KHDA (Knowledge and Human Development Authority), which publishes annual inspection ratings for every school. Ratings range from Outstanding to Weak.
Key points:
- Apply early. Popular schools — particularly those with Outstanding or Good KHDA ratings — fill places 6–12 months ahead of the intake year. If you are moving in August for a September start, you may find limited availability at your preferred schools.
- Curriculum choice. Most expats choose British (GCSE/A-Level), American (AP/SAT), or IB curricula. Indian (CBSE) schools are significantly cheaper. French, German, and Japanese schools serve specific communities.
- Fees range widely: AED 15,000–100,000 per year depending on curriculum and school tier. Uniform, books, and bus transport are typically charged separately and can add AED 3,000–8,000 per year.
- KHDA approval — all private schools must be KHDA-licensed. Verify a school’s current rating on the KHDA website before enrolling.
Moving Checklist
| Task | Notes |
|---|---|
| Apply for employment visa | Employer handles; provide attested documents |
| Complete medical fitness test | Required for all residency visa holders; done in Dubai |
| Obtain Emirates ID | Applied via ICP portal; acknowledgement slip issued immediately |
| Sign tenancy contract | Get EJARI registration (AED 220) within 30 days |
| Register with EJARI | Required for DEWA, bank, school, Emirates ID address update |
| Set up DEWA | Via app; AED 2,110 deposit for apartments; 24–48 hr activation |
| Open UAE bank account | Bring visa, Emirates ID, offer letter, payslips |
| Activate health insurance | Confirm network coverage and dependant status with HR |
| Convert driving licence | Eye test + RTA fees; use ROADS app |
| Enroll children in school | Apply 6–12 months ahead for popular schools |
| Set up gas cylinder account | Register with EMPOWER or a licensed gas supplier; see our gas cylinder guide |
| Get a local SIM card | Etisalat (e&) or du; bring passport and visa; postpaid or prepaid |
| Register for NOL card | Dubai’s public transport card; works on Metro, buses, trams; see NOL card guide |
| Set up Salik account | Dubai’s road toll system; register your vehicle at a toll gate or online |
| Download Careem and Uber | Essential from day one before you have a car |
What It Costs to Set Up in Dubai (First Month)
This table covers the one-off setup costs you should budget for in your first 30 days. It does not include rent itself or ongoing monthly expenses.
| Item | Estimated Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| DEWA deposit (apartment) | 2,110 |
| EJARI registration | 220 |
| Tenancy deposit (5% on AED 70k/yr flat) | 3,500 |
| Emirates ID | 370 |
| Medical fitness test | 300–500 |
| Driving licence conversion (incl. eye test) | 700–900 |
| Local SIM card (prepaid) | 100–200 |
| Shipping / removal costs (varies widely) | 2,000–8,000 |
| Miscellaneous (typing centres, photos, etc.) | 300–500 |
| Estimated total (excluding rent) | 9,600–16,300 |
This does not include your first rent cheque, which is typically paid upfront (or in 1–2 cheques) at lease signing. Budget a further AED 5,000–15,000 for furniture and appliances if you are renting unfurnished, which is standard in mid-range buildings.
FAQ
How long does the visa process take? A standard employer-sponsored employment visa takes 2–4 weeks from the point your employer submits the application. Complex cases — where degree attestation or police clearance certificates need to be sourced overseas — can take 6–8 weeks. Start the process the moment your offer is confirmed.
Can I bring my family with me? Yes, once you have your own residency visa. To sponsor a spouse and children you need a minimum monthly salary of AED 4,000 (for a spouse) and proof of accommodation. Some employers include family sponsorship as part of the employment package — clarify this before you accept the offer.
Is it expensive to set up? The first month is front-heavy. Between the tenancy deposit, DEWA deposit, EJARI, Emirates ID, and medical test, you should set aside AED 10,000–20,000 for setup costs before factoring in rent, shipping, or furniture. After that, month-to-month living costs depend heavily on lifestyle, but a single person in a mid-range apartment can live comfortably on AED 8,000–12,000 per month.
Do I need a UAE driving licence immediately? No. Careem and Uber are reliable and affordable across Dubai, and the Metro covers key corridors. You can operate without a car — and without a UAE licence — for weeks or months while you settle in. If you plan to buy or lease a car, sort the licence conversion in your first 30–60 days to avoid the process dragging.
