Moving to Dubai: A Step-by-Step Guide for Foreigners

Dubai is among the most sought-after destinations for expats, not just for tourism but also for those looking for a new place to call home. According to the World Population Review 2024, expats account for 85% of Dubai’s population  

The reasons are obvious. Dubai is a tax haven with 0% income tax on personal income. Moreover, the continuously rising GDP of over USD 500 billion which is expected to hit USD 800 billion by the end of the decade, an active and convenient lifestyle, and a low crime rate make it a suitable destination for investors and families. 

If you are also planning to move to Dubai, this article will provide you with the necessary details to help you do that. 

1. Figure out the Legal Requirements to Move to Dubai

When you are planning to move to Dubai, one of the first and most important steps is understanding the legal requirements and visa options available. The type of visa you’ll need depends on your purpose of moving to Dubai whether it is employment, family visa, investment visa, remote worker visa, and so on.

For example, If you’re an investor or entrepreneur looking to start a business in Dubai, you’d need a business/investor visa or a golden visa depending on eligibility. if you’re moving to Dubai to work with a company, you’ll need an employment visa sponsored by your employer or a green visa.

Recommended reading: Types of employment visas in Dubai

On the other hand, if you’re a citizen of countries like the United States, United Kingdom, or most European Union countries, you may be eligible for a Visa on Arrival (VoA) for the UAE. This allows you to enter Dubai as a tourist and stay for up to 90 days without needing to obtain a visa in advance. 

This is especially helpful when you are still in the decision-making process as you can visit the market before you register your company in Dubai.

Here are different types of residency visas in Dubai for Foreigners

Investors & Entrepreneurs

Golden Visa

For up to 10 years (renewable)

Green Visa

Up to 5 years (renewable)

Employees

Green Visa

Self-sponsored visa for up to 5 years (renewable)

Standard Work Visa

Sponsored by Employer for up to 2 years (renewable)

Remote Workers

Remote Worker Visa

Valid for up to 1 year (renewable)

Remote Worker Visa

Valid for Up to 1 year (renewable)

You can talk to our relocation experts in the UAE to find the most suitable visa based on your goals.

2. Understand the Cost of Living

Dubai is known for its luxury lifestyle and is known for its high cost of living. However, compared to other big cities worldwide such as London, New York, etc, it is still lower.

Housing is typically the biggest expense for residents in Dubai. The average monthly rent for a studio apartment in the city center is about AED 8000 (USD 2180) while a 3-bedroom apartment can cost around AED 15580 (USD 4240). 

Beyond housing, other expenses in Dubai include utilities, transportation, food, and healthcare. For transportation, Dubai’s public transport is generally the best option as it is much more efficient. Moreover, there are stops almost every kilometer. 

Here is a comparison of the Average Cost of Living in Dubai (Without the Rent) compared to some major cities across the globe:

*Source: Numbeo

3. Find an Accommodation

Once you have your visa and are ready to make the move, the next step is to find a place to live. You can look for apartments online using websites such as PropertyFinder and Bayut.com. As an alternative, there are several expat community groups and rental groups on Facebook where you can try your luck.

If we talk about the neighborhoods, Palm Jumeirah and Downtown Dubai are among the most expensive neighborhoods in Dubai. If you want to stay at the center of everything, these are the places to go. In comparison, If you head to International City or the Discovery Gardens, they are not far from Downtown Dubai and tend to be more budget-friendly as well. 

In case you plan to set up your business operations outside Dubai City or your employer is located in some other Emirate, it can be a good idea to find your accommodation in those areas.

4. Apply for an Emirates ID and Residence Permit

Emirates ID is the identity card issued to UAE nationals and residents by the Government of UAE. This ID is used for everything from getting an internet connection to opening a bank account. 

Once you are in the UAE, you need to book an appointment for a medical examination. After the medical is done, you can submit your application for Emirates ID to the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP).

To obtain the residence permit, you or your employer (depending on the type of visa) will need to enroll you in health insurance. Afterward, you can apply for the residence permit online or through the service centers.

You can also get RecruitGo’s assistance in applying for your Emirates ID and residence permit. Our team will handle your medical appointment and help you get the Emirates ID and residence permit without the inconvenience of navigating everything on your own.

5. Open Your Bank Account

Now that your legal basis to stay in Dubai is covered, it’s time for you to sort out your financials and open a local bank account. Opening a bank account in Dubai will make it easier for you to take care of your payments such as rentals, utility bills, and so on. Moreover, you will not have to worry about the transaction costs associated with using a foreign bank account.

To open your bank account in Dubai, you will need the following documents:

• A passport valid for at least 6 months
• Your Emirates ID
• Proof of income in the form of a salary certificate or bank statement
• Proof of address (such as Ejari or your utility bill)

Move to Dubai Hassle-Free with RecruitGo

RecruitGo’s relocation experts help entrepreneurs, investors, remote workers, and employees to relocate to the UAE. We understand your needs and advise you on everything from the type of visa you need to apply to opening a personal or business bank account in Dubai.

For a more tailored consultation based on your needs, fill out the form below.