How to Move to Dubai

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HOW TO MOVE TO DUBAI
RELOCATING CHECKLIST TO THE UAE
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Dubai is becoming one of the top choices for
people around the world who want to live, work,
or start a business in a dynamic, fast-growing
city. Known for its stunning skyline, safe
environment, and tax-free income, Dubai offers a
lifestyle that attracts professionals,
entrepreneurs, and investors alike. In fact,
recent reports show that Dubais expat population
makes up nearly 85 of the total residents, with
more people moving here every year due to its
attractive opportunities.
For entrepreneurs and investors, Dubai is a
business-friendly hub with easy company setup
processes, no personal income tax, and access to
global markets.
If youre considering making the move to Dubai,
its important to be prepared and organized.
Therefore, we will guide you through everything
you need to know about how to move to Dubai, from
visa options and finding a place to live to
sorting out your finances and settling into your
new life.
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5 Ways to Move to Dubai
Residency Visa Options
When planning to move to Dubai, one of the most
important steps is securing the right UAE
residency visa. The UAE offers various visa
options depending on your purpose for relocating,
whether its for work, investment, freelancing,
or bringing your family. Here are the most common
ones
1. Employment Visa
3. Freelancer Visa
2. Investor Visa
5. Golden Visa
4. Family Sponsorship Visa
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1. Employment Visa
The employment visa is the most common option for
individuals moving to Dubai for work. It is
typically sponsored by the employer.
Eligibility To be eligible, you must have a
confirmed job offer from a Dubai-based company.
The employer will sponsor your visa and handle
most of the application process.
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2. Investor Visa
The investor visa, also known as the Dubai
investor visa or partner visa, is ideal for
individuals looking to invest in or start a
business in Dubai.
Eligibility You must either invest in an
existing business or set up your own company in
the UAE. Free zones also offer attractive
packages for business owners to get residency
visas.
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3. Freelancer Visa
The freelancer visa is designed for independent
professionals in sectors such as media,
technology, and education. It allows you to work
as a self-employed individual in Dubai.
Eligibility You must apply for a freelance
permit, which is available in various free zones
(e.g., IFZA, RAKEZ, JAFZA, Dubai Media City, or
Dubai Internet City).
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4. Family Sponsorship Visa
If you have a valid residency visa in Dubai, you
can sponsor your spouse, children, and even
parents to move to Dubai.

• Eligibility
• As a sponsor, you must meet the minimum salary
  requirements
• AED 4,000 per month or AED 3,000 accommodation
  to sponsor your family.
• Higher income requirements may apply for
  sponsoring parents.

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5. Golden Visa
The UAE Golden Visa offers long-term residency
(typically up to 10 years) for investors,
entrepreneurs, specialized talents, and
exceptional students.

• Eligibility
• Investors Must invest AED 2 million in Real
  Estate.
• Entrepreneurs Must own a business with an annual
  revenue of at least AED 1 million.
• Specialized Talents Individuals in fields like
  science, technology, healthcare, or arts, and
  top-performing students.

It is recommended to consult with our immigration
experts at Shuraa who specialize in UAE visa
matters for accurate and up-to-date information.
They can assist with the application process,
provide guidance on eligibility requirements, and
address any questions or concerns.
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Pre-Move Planning Checklist for Dubai
Moving to Dubai requires careful planning to
ensure a smooth transition. Heres a checklist of
the key steps you should take before making the
move
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1. Valid Passport
Make sure your passport is valid for at least six
months from your intended date of entry into
Dubai. This is a standard requirement for visa
processing. If your passport is close to
expiration, renew it before starting your visa
application to avoid delays.
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2. Visa Application
Determine the visa that best suits your
needsemployment visa, investor visa, freelancer
visa, or family sponsorship visa.
Visa processing times can vary, so begin the
process well in advance to avoid last-minute
stress. This includes gathering all the necessary
documents, such as passport copies, photos, and
medical certificates.
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3. Employment Contracts (if applicable)
If youre moving to Dubai for work, thoroughly
review your employment contract. Pay close
attention to the salary package, benefits,
working hours, and probation period. Dubai
employers often provide benefits like
accommodation, transportation allowances, annual
airfare, and health insurance. Ensure these are
clearly stated in the contract.
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4. Business Setup Preparation (for Entrepreneurs
and Investors)

• Business License and Structure If youre moving
  to Dubai as an entrepreneur or investor, research
  the type of business license you need and whether
  youll set up in the mainland or a free zone.
  Each comes with its own advantages.
• Open a Business Bank Account Its important to
  have a local bank account for managing business
  transactions. Many banks offer accounts tailored
  for business owners and investors.
• Investment Documents Gather all necessary
  documentation related to your investment or
  company setup, such as business plans, financial
  statements, and proof of capital.
• Legal Assistance Consider hiring a business
  consultant or legal experts like Shuraa to help
  navigate Dubais business regulations and ensure
  youre fully compliant.

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5. Health Insurance
Health insurance is mandatory in Dubai. Your
employer may provide coverage, but if not, youll
need to purchase a policy that meets UAE
regulations. Make sure the insurance policy
covers both medical emergencies and routine
healthcare, and check which hospitals and clinics
are included in the network.
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Cost of Living in Dubai Financial Consideration
Now, you must be wondering how much it costs to
move to Dubai. Well, Dubais cost of living can
vary significantly depending on your lifestyle
choices and the area you choose to live in. Here
are some key expenses
1. Housing Costs
Rental prices differ by location. In prime areas
like Downtown Dubai, expect to pay AED 70,000 to
100,000 for a one-bedroom apartment annually.
More affordable neighbourhoods like Jumeirah
Village Circle have lower rents.
2. Utilities
Monthly utility bills can range from AED 500 to
AED 1,000. Internet and mobile services typically
cost around AED 300 to AED 500.
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3. Groceries
4. Lifestyle Expenses
A monthly grocery bill for a couple is around AED
1,500 to AED 2,500, depending on your shopping
habits.
Dining out at mid-range restaurants may cost
around AED 100 per person. School fees for
international schools can range from AED 30,000
to AED 100,000 per year.
Transferring Money Internationally
Most international banks allow transfers to
Dubai, but they can come with high fees and may
take several days. Services like Western Union,
Wise, and PayPal are popular options for fast and
relatively low-cost transfers. These platforms
often offer competitive exchange rates and lower
fees.
Al Ansari Exchange and UAE Exchange offer
remittance services with competitive rates and
fees for sending money internationally or
receiving money in Dubai.
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Transportation and Driving in Dubai
Dubai offers a well-developed public
transportation system, making it easy to get
around without owning a car. The Dubai Metro is a
highly efficient and modern rail system that
connects major areas of the city. Dubais bus
network provides extensive coverage, reaching
various neighbourhoods and attractions.
Taxis are also readily available throughout the
city and are a convenient option for short
distances or late-night travel. For those who
prefer to have their own transportation, car
rental services are widely available.
International driving licenses are often
accepted, but its advisable to check specific
requirements.
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Start Your Exciting New Chapter in Dubai with
Shuraa
Dubai has so much to offer which makes it a great
place to call home. The city truly has something
for everyone, whether youre an entrepreneur or
looking for a fresh start. As you get ready for
your move, remember that planning is essential
for a smooth transition. From getting the right
visa to finding a place to live and learning
about local customs, each step is important to
help you settle in easily.
The good news is you dont have to do it all by
yourself! With Shuraa by your side, you have a
trusted partner to help you through the process.
Were a leading business setup consultancy in the
UAE, and we specialize in helping individuals and
businesses relocate to Dubai. Our team can take
care of everything, from visa and residency
support to finding the perfect office space.
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Thank You!
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info_at_shuraa.com
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