Everything to arrange before and after you land in Dubai — visas, shipping, Emirates ID, banking, housing, healthcare, schools, and settling in, step by step.
Introduction
Every year, tens of thousands of people make the move to Dubai — for work, for business, or for the lifestyle. The city makes relocation easier than almost anywhere, but the first month goes far more smoothly when you tackle things in the right order. This is the complete checklist, from before your flight to feeling at home.
Before You Arrive
- Secure your visa route. Most arrivals come on an employment visa sponsored by their company; entrepreneurs get residency through their own license (see our guide to starting a business in Dubai); investors and top talent may qualify for the 10-year Golden Visa.
- Attest your documents. Degree certificates, marriage certificates, and birth certificates typically need attestation in your home country and by UAE authorities — start early; it takes weeks.
- Book your shipping. For household goods, get quotes from licensed international movers; established freight specialists such as Forward Air Cargo handle door-to-door sea and air shipments including vehicles. Ship 6–10 weeks before you need your belongings.
- Bring buffer funds. Between housing deposits and setup costs, plan for at least 2–3 months of expenses in accessible savings.
Your First Two Weeks
- Medical test and Emirates ID. Your residence visa process includes a medical screening and biometrics; the Emirates ID that follows unlocks everything else.
- Get a local SIM immediately — a UAE number is required for almost every registration that follows.
- Open your bank account. With Emirates ID and salary certificate in hand, this takes days. Emirates NBD is the classic full-service choice; digital options are faster still — our UAE banking comparison breaks down which fits you.
- Register with a doctor. Health insurance is mandatory (your employer usually provides it). Identify your nearest network hospital early — see our guide to the best hospitals in Dubai, which includes facilities like American Hospital and Mediclinic City Hospital.
Finding a Home
Rent is your biggest cost decision. Popular expat areas range from Marina and JVC apartments to villa communities like Arabian Ranches. Expect to provide passport, visa, and Emirates ID, pay a security deposit (usually 5%), and register the lease through Ejari — required for utilities (DEWA), internet, and school applications. Annual rent is traditionally paid in 1–4 cheques; more cheques usually means a slightly higher total.
Schools (If You Have Children)
Dubai’s private school market is large and competitive, spanning British, American, IB, and Indian curricula. Major operators like GEMS Education and Taaleem run dozens of schools across the city, each rated annually by the KHDA inspection framework — check the latest rating before applying, and apply early: good schools waitlist for September intakes.
Getting Around and Getting a Car
The Metro and taxis cover central Dubai well, but most residents eventually drive. You can convert many countries’ licenses directly. For buying, dealerships like Al-Futtaim Toyota dominate the new market, and certified pre-owned programmes are a sensible first-car route while you learn the roads.
Settling In: Month One
- Stock the house: Carrefour hypermarkets cover groceries and essentials; The Dubai Mall covers everything else (and the aquarium, when family visits).
- Home services on demand: apps and providers like Justlife handle cleaning, AC servicing, and handyman jobs — most homes book a deep clean on move-in day.
- Build your routine: budget-friendly gym chains like GymNation make fitness one of Dubai’s cheapest habits.
- Eat well from week one: start with our list of the best restaurants in Dubai — from Emirati heritage dining to the city’s cult burger brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money should I have before moving to Dubai?
A comfortable buffer is 2–3 months of living costs plus housing deposit and first rent cheque — for many singles that means AED 40,000–60,000 accessible; families should plan for more.
Is Dubai expensive to live in?
Housing and schooling are the major costs; groceries, fuel, and services are moderate, and there is no income tax. Your lifestyle choices swing the total enormously.
Can I move to Dubai without a job?
Yes — routes include starting a company, freelance permits, remote-work visas, and the Golden Visa for qualifying investors and professionals.
One Last Tip
Whether you need a mover, a clinic, a school, or a plumber, AE Profile lists verified businesses across every emirate and category. And if you’re moving here to launch something of your own, put your new business on the map free.