How to Move to Dubai from the UK

With its sunny climate, tax-free salaries, and cosmopolitan lifestyle, Dubai attracts thousands of British expats every year. However, relocating to a new country also involves careful preparation and understanding of what lies ahead. This guide breaks down the steps you’ll need to take to make your move as smooth as possible, from researching life in Dubai to securing your visa and finding a place to call home.

Before committing to a move to Dubai, you’ll need to understand what daily life is really like. Knowing what life is really like in Dubai beyond the glossy images can help you approach your move with clarity and confidence. Doing your research in advance can help you decide whether it’s the right fit for you – we have a handy Expat Guide in Dubai to get you started.

Dubai is a fast-paced, international city where English is widely spoken and expats make up the majority of the population. It’s known for its high standard of living, with excellent healthcare, education, and public services. However, beneath the modern surface, it remains a conservative society rooted in Islamic traditions. This can affect everything from how you dress in public to how you behave socially, especially in more traditional or government-run settings. Whilst many areas are relaxed and open, there are still legal and cultural rules that must be respected, so you should ensure you understand what will be expected of you before you move.

The cost of living in Dubai is another important factor to research. Salaries are often higher than in the UK, but housing, school fees, and general day-to-day expenses can be significant. It’s worth speaking to other British expats or reading up-to-date guides and forums to get a realistic picture of what to expect financially and culturally.

When planning a move from the UK to Dubai, you’ll need to understand what visas are available for you, and the entry requirements. UK passport holders can obtain a free 30-day visit visa upon arrival in the UAE, with no need to apply in advance. This visa is stamped at immigration and includes a 10-day grace period, which gives you a total stay of up to 40 days. If you want to extend your stay, you’ll need to apply before the visa expires, either through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai or the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship for other emirates.

For those intending to work, study, or reside in Dubai, a residence visa will be required. Typically, this involves securing employment with a UAE-based company that will sponsor your visa. The process includes medical examinations and the submission of various documents. Alternatively, the UAE offers other visa options, such as the Green Visa for freelancers and skilled workers, and the Golden Visa for investors and highly skilled professionals.

You’ll need to make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your intended date of entry into the UAE. You should check the latest information on visa requirements and application procedures through official channels or consult with the UAE Embassy in the UK.

For most people, securing a residency visa will require employment with a UAE-based company, who will act as your sponsor. They’ll typically handle the visa application process on your behalf, including organising your work permit, arranging a medical test, and applying for an Emirates ID.

If you’re job hunting before you move, it’s worth focusing on sectors that are actively recruiting international talent, such as finance, real estate, healthcare, IT, education, and hospitality. Many expats also find roles in construction, energy, and aviation. You can look on job sites that cater to the UAE market, and consider working with recruitment agencies that specialise in placing professionals from overseas.

It’s also possible to move to Dubai on a different type of visa, such as the Green Visa, which allows freelancers, skilled workers, and self-employed individuals to sponsor themselves. However, eligibility criteria for these are strict, and you’ll need to prove your income and qualifications. For business owners or investors, the Golden Visa may be another route to long-term residency, but, again, the eligibility criteria for this are quite strict.

The cost of living can be high, especially when it comes to rent, schooling, and healthcare, so it’s important to set a realistic budget ahead of your move to Dubai. Although salaries in Dubai are often tax-free, this doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll save money unless you plan your finances carefully.

You’ll need to compare your expected income against your potential outgoings. Rent is usually paid in large instalments, often quarterly or even annually, which can be a shock to those used to monthly payments in the UK. You’ll also need to budget for a deposit and agent fees when renting. Other significant costs can include international school fees, private international health insurance (which is a requirement for expats), and day-to-day essentials, which may be more expensive than in the UK due to import costs.

You’ll also need to consider your banking options. Many expats choose to open a local bank account in Dubai to receive their salary and manage everyday expenses. To do this, you’ll typically need a residency visa and Emirates ID. Until then, you might need to rely on your UK bank account or a multi-currency account that allows for easy transfers and favourable exchange rates.

It’s also worth thinking about your long-term financial goals. The UAE has no income tax, but there are no state pensions either, so you’ll need to manage your own retirement planning. Some expats continue contributing to pensions in the UK or invest privately while they’re abroad.

You’ll also need to check whether you’ll have any tax obligations in the UK, particularly if you plan to rent out your UK property or maintain ties that could affect your residency status for tax purposes. You could get professional financial advice before the move to help you make decisions and avoid unexpected costs.

Healthcare in Dubai is generally of a high standard, with a mix of public and private providers offering excellent facilities. However, as an expat, it’s important to understand that the public healthcare system is primarily reserved for UAE nationals, and most residents rely on private healthcare services. This means you’ll need to obtain appropriate health insurance.

Dubai has introduced mandatory health insurance laws for all residents, so it’s crucial to secure comprehensive expat health insurance before you arrive, or very soon after. Your employer might provide basic coverage, but it often doesn’t cover all medical expenses or specialist treatments, so many expats choose to take out additional private insurance for wider protection.

Without adequate health insurance, medical treatment in Dubai can be expensive. Private hospitals and clinics charge higher fees than in the UK, and you are usually required to pay upfront and claim reimbursement later. If you have reliable insurance, you’ll also have peace of mind that you can access the care you need without significant financial strain.

Finding the right home in Dubai is a key part of settling in, but it can be quite different from the experience in the UK. Most expats rent rather than buy, as property ownership rules vary depending on the area and nationality. However, you can find out more information in our guide to buying property in Dubai, if this is the route you prefer.

Popular areas for British expats living in Dubai include Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, and Downtown Dubai. These all have a mix of apartments and villas that provide good access to amenities, schools, and transport links. If you prefer a quieter, family-friendly environment, suburbs like Arabian Ranches or Mirdif might be more suitable.

Before committing, it can be a good idea to visit the potential neighbourhoods in person or through trusted contacts, as photos and listings don’t always tell the full story. Using a reputable real estate agent familiar with the needs of expats can simplify the process and help you navigate tenancy contracts, deposits, and agent fees.

Preparing to move to Dubai involves careful planning to ensure everything goes smoothly. This will usually start by organising the shipping of your belongings to Dubai. Many expats choose to send only essential items as there is a high cost associated with international shipping and many goods are available locally. It’s worth getting quotes from various international removal companies to compare prices and services, including support with customs clearance so you can avoid any delays.

You’ll need to gather and safely store your important documents, such as your passport, visa paperwork, birth and marriage certificates, educational qualifications, medical records, and any professional licences. Having certified copies can be useful, and some documents might need to be attested by the UAE embassy to be recognised there.

Before your departure, you’ll need to notify UK authorities and service providers about your move. This includes updating your address for banking, tax, and voting purposes, as well as cancelling or transferring subscriptions and memberships.

If you’re moving to Dubai, Expatriate Group can make sure you’re covered with comprehensive health insurance. We’re an expert in international healthcare, with thousands of customers based all over the world. We provide flexible and comprehensive health insurance policies, specifically designed for expats ranging from international family health insurance to policies for solo expats. Get a quote today.