Moving to Dubai
Visa pathways, attestation, shipping, first 30 days.
Signed by: Sarah Al Qasimi (Lead Editor). Fact-checked by the full editorial team.
Do I need attestation for my marriage certificate?
Yes. The chain is: home-country apostille → UAE Embassy in that country → UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFAIC) in Dubai. Budget 2–6 weeks and AED 200–1,500 per document depending on country and service speed. Skipping any step means the document is rejected. Some attestation agents handle the full chain for a flat fee.
Source: MOFAIC AttestationHow much cash do I need for the first month in Dubai?
A family of four typically needs AED 30,000–60,000 to cover: hotel (1–2 weeks while finding a flat), first rental cheque (often 2–4 cheques upfront), Ejari registration, DEWA deposit and connection, real-estate agent fee (5%), and basic furniture. Singles can manage on AED 15,000–25,000 if staying in a serviced apartment.
Should I rent or buy property when first moving to Dubai?
Always rent for the first 12–24 months. You need time to learn which neighbourhood suits your commute, lifestyle, and school catchment. Buying commits AED 1M+ before you understand the market. After a year you will know whether Dubai Hills, Marina, or JVC fits your life — and the right entry price.
Can I ship my car from my home country to Dubai?
Yes, but rarely worth it. Shipping costs AED 20,000–50,000 plus 5% customs duty plus engineering inspection and GCC-spec conformity modifications (lights, emissions). Most cars fail specs. Unless your vehicle is rare or has sentimental value, selling at home and buying UAE is usually cheaper and faster.
When should I cancel utilities back home before moving to Dubai?
Cancel gas, electricity, and broadband on your actual departure date or final property handback date. Cancel subscriptions (streaming, gym) 30 days before to avoid billing cycles. Keep a UK/US bank card active for 3–6 months — you will need it for international purchases before your UAE account is fully set up.
Do I need a visa before flying to Dubai?
It depends on your passport. Citizens of 60+ countries — including UK, US, EU, Australia, Canada — receive a free 30-day or 90-day visa on arrival. Other nationalities must apply in advance via Emirates, flydubai, a hotel, or a UAE sponsor. Check GDRFA's official country list before booking flights.
Source: GDRFA DubaiHow long does a UAE residence visa take to process?
Typically 2–4 weeks from arrival if your employer or sponsor has pre-approval in place. The process is: entry permit → medical fitness test → Emirates ID biometrics → visa stamping. Express options via typing centres reduce this to 5–10 working days for an additional AED 500–1,500 fee.
Source: ICA Smart ServicesCan I bring my pet to Dubai?
Yes. Requirements: MoCCAE import permit, ISO microchip, rabies vaccination (valid 30 days to 12 months at travel), health certificate signed within 10 days of travel, and breed restrictions apply (banned breeds include pitbulls, rottweilers). All-in costs are AED 3,000–8,000 including quarantine inspection if needed.
Source: MoCCAE Animal ImportShould I use a professional relocation agent for moving to Dubai?
For families with children, yes — typical cost AED 30,000–150,000 covers school search, flat hunting, visa coordination, DEWA setup, and bank introductions. The time saving is enormous. Singles and young professionals can DIY the same process in 4–6 weeks using DubaiMLS, Bayut, and government portals.
When can I sponsor my spouse to join me in Dubai?
You can sponsor your spouse after your own residence visa is issued and stamped. Sponsorship requires a minimum basic salary of AED 4,000 with employer-provided accommodation, or AED 10,000 without. The process takes 2–3 weeks: entry permit → medical → Emirates ID. Salary thresholds are per GDRFA guidance.
Source: GDRFA Family VisaIs it better to rent a furnished or unfurnished apartment in Dubai?
Unfurnished is 15–25% cheaper annually and lets you choose your own furniture. Furnished saves an upfront outlay of AED 30,000–80,000 and suits stays under 2 years. If your employer provides a furniture allowance, always go unfurnished. For short assignments or first-year arrivals, furnished avoids the immediate capital hit.
What documents need to be translated for moving to Dubai?
Any official document not in English or Arabic must be translated by a UAE Ministry of Justice–approved legal translator. This includes birth certificates, marriage certificates, diplomas, and driving licences. Cost is AED 100–300 per page. Translation is separate from attestation — you typically need both for most official processes.