Moving to the UAE: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

Moving to the UAE can be one of the most exciting decisions you will ever make, but it can also feel completely overwhelming.

When I first moved here more than 13 years ago, I had no idea how much my life would change. Since then, I have built a career, raised my children, experienced life in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi and created a home for our beautifully blended family.

The UAE offers incredible opportunities, a high standard of living, year-round sunshine and a wonderfully international community. However, moving here involves much more than packing your suitcase and booking a flight.

From visas and housing to schools, healthcare and everyday expenses, here is what you should know before beginning your new life in the UAE.

1. Research the Different Emirates

The United Arab Emirates is made up of seven emirates, and each one offers a different lifestyle.

Dubai is fast-paced, energetic and filled with restaurants, attractions, events and career opportunities. Abu Dhabi feels slightly calmer and more spacious while still offering beautiful beaches, excellent schools, family communities and plenty to do.

Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain can offer a quieter lifestyle and, depending on the area, more affordable housing. However, you must consider where you will work, your daily commute and where your children will attend school.

Do not choose an area based on photographs alone. Look at traffic during your expected commuting times, nearby schools, supermarkets, medical facilities and the general feel of the community.

2. Understand Your Visa Situation

Before moving, make sure you understand exactly which visa you will have and who will be responsible for arranging it.

Many expats move to the UAE with an employment visa sponsored by their employer. Other options may include family sponsorship, investor visas, freelance permits, remote-working visas and longer-term residence programmes.

If you are relocating for a job, your employer should provide an official employment offer and explain the visa process. Be cautious of anyone asking you to pay large amounts of money in exchange for a job or work visa. The UAE Government provides guidance on avoiding labour and visa fraud.

Adults applying for UAE residence will usually need to complete medical screening. Once your residency process is complete, you will receive an Emirates ID, which becomes one of your most important forms of identification in the country.

Visa requirements can change, so always check the latest information on the official UAE Government website or with the relevant emirate’s immigration authority.

3. Prepare and Attest Your Documents

Do not leave your paperwork until the last minute.

Depending on your employment and family circumstances, you may need original or officially attested copies of documents such as:

• Marriage certificate
• Children’s birth certificates
• University degrees and professional qualifications
• School reports and transfer certificates
• Vaccination and medical records
• Driving licence records
• Divorce or custody documents, where applicable
• Passport copies and passport photographs

The documents required and the attestation process will depend on the country where they were issued and what they will be used for in the UAE.

Ask your employer, school or relevant government authority exactly what is required before paying for attestation. Bringing the correct documents with you can save weeks of stress after you arrive.

4. Look Closely at Your Employment Package

A UAE salary can look attractive, but the full employment package matters just as much as the amount you receive each month.

Before accepting a role, ask whether the package includes:

• Medical insurance
• Family medical insurance
• Housing or a housing allowance
• School fee assistance
• Annual return flights
• Relocation support
• Transport or a car allowance
• Mobile phone allowance
• End-of-service benefits

Read your employment contract carefully and make sure it matches the offer you accepted. If something was promised during the interview process, ask for it to be included in writing.

The UAE does not currently impose personal income tax on individuals, but that does not mean living here is inexpensive. The country applies VAT to many goods and services, and large expenses such as rent, education and healthcare must be considered when evaluating your salary. You can check current tax information through the official UAE Government portal.

5. Calculate the Real Cost of Living

The cost of living in the UAE varies dramatically depending on your lifestyle, family size, chosen emirate and preferred neighbourhood.

Your biggest expenses are likely to include:

• Rent and housing deposits
• School and nursery fees
• Utilities and air conditioning
• Groceries
• Medical insurance
• Transport
• Car payments and insurance
• Mobile phone and internet
• Home help or childcare
• Entertainment and dining out

When you first arrive, you may also need money for temporary accommodation, furniture, deposits, agency fees, school registration fees and setting up utilities.

Try to arrive with an emergency fund rather than relying on your first salary. Setting up a new life almost always costs more than expected.

6. Do Not Rush into Choosing a Home

It can be tempting to sign for the first beautiful apartment or villa you see, especially when you are tired of living in temporary accommodation.

Take your time.

In addition to the rent, ask about:

• Security deposit
• Agency commission
• Number and timing of rental payments
• Maintenance responsibilities
• Air-conditioning charges
• Parking
• Community fees
• Nearby construction
• Traffic during rush hour
• Distance from work and school
• Supermarkets and facilities within the area

A home that looks affordable may become expensive once additional costs are included. It is also worth visiting the community during both the day and evening before making a decision.

One of the biggest lessons I have learned is that your daily commute can have a huge effect on your quality of life. A slightly more expensive home closer to work or school may be worth it if it gives you more time with your family.

7. Research Schools Early

If you are moving with children, start researching schools as soon as possible.

The UAE has a wide choice of international schools offering British, American, IB, Australian, Indian and other curriculums. Fees, facilities, inspection ratings, locations and availability vary significantly.

Think about:

• Which curriculum your child currently follows
• Whether you may return to your home country
• School fees and additional charges
• Distance from home and work
• Transport options
• Class sizes
• After-school activities
• Support for children with additional needs
• Waiting lists and application deadlines

Book school tours where possible and speak to other parents, but remember that every child is different. A school that is perfect for one family may not be the right environment for another.

You may need previous school reports, vaccination records, identification documents and an official transfer certificate, so confirm the requirements directly with each school.

8. Understand Healthcare and Insurance

The UAE has excellent public and private healthcare, but treatment can be expensive without appropriate insurance.

Health insurance requirements and coverage can vary between emirates and employers. Check whether your employer covers only you or your entire family. If your family is not covered consider that medical insurance payments are made upfront for the entire year and is not a monthly expense so budget for that separately. 

Before accepting an insurance plan, look at:

• Which hospitals and clinics are included
• Whether dental and optical treatment are covered
• Maternity benefits
• Existing or chronic medical conditions
• Prescription medication
• Emergency treatment
• Annual limits and co-payments

If you take regular medication, bring enough for your first few weeks and check whether it is available and permitted in the UAE. Keep medication in its original packaging and carry a copy of your prescription or doctor’s letter when necessary.

9. Decide How You Will Get Around

Public transport is excellent in some parts of the UAE, particularly Dubai, but many families eventually choose to drive.

Your ability to exchange your existing driving licence will depend on where it was issued and the current rules. Some nationalities can convert their licences, while others must complete driving lessons and tests.

If you plan to buy or lease a car, include the cost of registration, insurance, fuel, parking and road tolls in your budget. Car insurance is also charged upfront for the year. 

Also consider your commute before choosing where to live. A location that appears close on a map can take much longer to reach during peak traffic.

10. Prepare for the Climate

The UAE is known for sunshine, but the summer heat can be a shock if you have never experienced it before.

From roughly May to September, temperatures and humidity can become intense. Life continues, but routines change. Outdoor activities move to early mornings or evenings, and families spend more time at indoor attractions, shopping centres and pools.

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, but bring a cardigan or light jacket because indoor air conditioning can be surprisingly cold.

Hydration, sunscreen and car safety are especially important during summer. Never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle, even for a moment.

11. Learn About Local Culture

The UAE is modern and welcoming, with people from almost every part of the world. It is also a Muslim country with local traditions and laws that residents and visitors are expected to respect.

Dress requirements are generally relaxed in many areas, but modest clothing is appropriate in government buildings, places of worship and more traditional locations.

During Ramadan, be considerate of those who are fasting and pay attention to local guidance around eating, drinking, working hours and public behaviour.

Also be mindful when taking photographs. Do not photograph people without permission, particularly families and children.

You do not need to know everything before arriving. A respectful attitude, willingness to learn and basic awareness of local customs will take you a long way.

12. Prepare Yourself Emotionally

Moving abroad is not only a practical change. It is an emotional one too.

The excitement of a new home can sit alongside homesickness, loneliness and uncertainty. You may miss family, familiar food, old routines and the feeling of knowing exactly how everything works.

Building a new support network takes time. Join community groups, speak to other parents, attend local events and accept invitations when you can. Some of the strongest friendships I have made began because we were all far from home and trying to find our place.

If your children are moving with you, allow them to feel excited, nervous, sad or even angry. Include them in decisions where possible and help them stay connected with the people they love back home.

13. Expect the First Few Months to Feel Unsettled

Your first few weeks may be filled with paperwork, appointments, property viewings, school applications and trips to places you cannot find without your phone.

This is normal.

You will eventually know which supermarket has your favourite products, which delivery app is the fastest and which route avoids the worst traffic. The unfamiliar gradually becomes familiar.

Give yourself time to adjust before deciding whether you love or hate your new life. Moving countries is a huge transition, and it takes more than a few weeks to feel settled.

Your UAE Moving Checklist

Before you leave, try to have the following organised:

• Valid passports with sufficient validity
• Confirmed visa or sponsorship information
• Written employment offer and contract
• Attested personal and professional documents
• School records and transfer certificates
• Medical and vaccination records
• Temporary accommodation
• Health insurance information
• Emergency savings
• Digital and printed copies of important documents
• A plan for transport from the airport
• A shortlist of suitable homes and schools

Final Thoughts

Moving to the UAE can feel like stepping into the unknown, but it can also open the door to experiences and opportunities you never imagined.

More than 13 years after making the move, the UAE is not simply the place where I live. It is where I have raised my girls, built my career, experienced enormous personal changes and created a new chapter with my husband and our blended family.

There will be adjustments, frustrating days and moments when you miss home. There will also be new friendships, incredible experiences and the possibility of building a life that feels completely your own.

Prepare as much as you can, stay open-minded and give yourself time. Before long, the place that once felt so unfamiliar may begin to feel like home too.

Please note: Visa, residency, employment and government requirements can change. Always confirm current information through the official UAE Government portal or the appropriate authority before making decisions.