The United Arab Emirates is attracting more and more foreign nationals to relocate. There are many attractive factors, from the simplified visa process to the safe and comfortable living conditions for the whole family. However, the question arises here: how to move to Dubai? What factors should be considered?
First of all, it is worth paying attention to the types of legalization in the UAE. The good news is that in recent years, the process of obtaining residency for foreigners has been significantly simplified.
Let’s highlight a few options for short and long term visas depending on your goals:
1. investor — for a period of two years or more when buying real estate and investing between 750,000 and 2 million AED. The same type of legalization is provided when investing in business — opening a company.
2. Pension — for 5 years for the age of 55 years and older.
3. Freelance visa for working remotely or self-employed for a period of 1 year.
4. “Golden” — for up to ten years for owners of real estate worth more than 2 million dirhams, highly skilled professionals in certain industries and investors.
5. Worker — for employment in a local firm.
6. Dependent — implies the possibility for a UAE resident to sponsor close relatives.
7. Student — suitable for those studying in higher education institutions.
After obtaining the basis for a particular type of legalization, the applicant receives a temporary entry permit for 60 days. During this period it is necessary to pass a medical examination and submit documents for registration of a local identity card (Emirates ID). We advise you to choose the right type of residency and go through all the steps together with a qualified Makebiz specialist to save time and ensure the most suitable and favorable conditions for you to live and work.
Another important procedure is the registration of a personal account. You must have a local bank card to make money transactions. Foreign citizens may have certain difficulties with this procedure because of the large number of requirements. Therefore, here we also advise you to contact professionals to guarantee the opening of the account.
Upon completion of all the stages, access to government services, banking system and other benefits of relocation to the Emirates is opened. Let’s pay attention to the main spheres of life and their peculiarities in Dubai.
1. Renting or buying housing.
The safest and easiest way to find housing is with the help of a real estate broker. This is a qualified professional registered with the Dubai Real Estate Regulatory Agency. Most often the contract with the landlord is signed for a long period of one year, so it is important to carefully study all its clauses and choose the most suitable housing in terms of location and number of bedrooms.
Please note: the lease must be registered in the EJARI system. This can be done by both the landlord and the tenant. Next, you will need to apply for a utility connection on the DEWA platform, checking that there are no arrears from previous tenants.
Among the most popular neighborhoods for families with children with adequate infrastructure are Jumeirah Park and Dubai Hills Estate, more luxurious options with pitchforks are presented in Springs and Arabian Ranches.
If you work in the center or love active city life, you can rent apartments or studios on Business Bay and Downtown Dubai, Village Circle and Dubai Marina. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in metro areas starts at $2,000 per month.
Buying a home is also a lucrative investment, thanks to the ever-increasing demand in the construction sector of the economy and high rental yields.
2. Nutrition.
The peculiarity of the region is that most food products are supplied mainly from abroad. Of course, this fact causes high prices in this category compared to other countries. Sometimes even eating in a cafe will be more profitable than going to a grocery store. Also, the cost of food varies depending on the season and its origin.
3. Education.
Kindergartens in the UAE are divided into three stages: for children from 6 months to 3 years, from 3 to 4 years and from 4 to 6 years. Teaching is mostly in English, and the kindergartens themselves are often attached to elementary school. The price of a primary level can range from $1,500 to $15,000 per year depending on the rating, level, international accreditation and location.
Schools in the UAE offer several international study programs from British and American to Pakistani and Philippine. Prices range from $1,500 to $25,000. The older the grade, the higher the value of the tuition.
4. Healthcare.
The region under study is famous for its world-class quality healthcare. Medical insurance is a mandatory condition for all residents of the city. For foreign citizens, medical services, both in public and private institutions, are paid.
The average cost of good insurance in Dubai is about $1,000 per year. We also recommend getting a medical card from the Department of Health Affairs (DHA), which gives you access to a wider range of medical services. It costs $90, even cheaper for children.
5. Jobs.
When moving for the purpose of employment, pay attention to the legislation in this area to know the rights and obligations in the workplace. The main advantage is that visa processing is done with the help of an employer. In most cases, the employment contract includes assistance with the cost of housing, moving expenses and insurance from the company.
6. Climate.
An important factor — warm sunny weather almost all year round and a lot of equipped beaches for recreation and swimming in the sea. In summer the temperature can reach up to 45 degrees, but a large number of parks create excellent shade in the city. All public places are air-conditioned.
7. Religion.
Despite the openness for foreign citizens and simplification of most laws and regulations, it is worth remembering that the UAE is a Muslim country. Stricter moral principles apply here. In everyday environment and in business it is necessary to comply with local customs and dress code requirements.
Thus, when the question “How to move to Dubai?” arises, it is important to consider possible expenses and plan your budget. It should include the costs of flight, transportation of belongings by transport companies, legalization and opening a personal account, rent, utilities, food, medical insurance and, if moving with a family, children’s education.
The region offers excellent opportunities for work and investment, safe living in a multicultural environment, developed infrastructure and warm climate. With proper planning, relocation will be a successful start to a new life in one of the most successful cities in the Middle East. Makebiz specialists will help you through all the legal aspects of relocation.
Рус