If you are interested in moving to Dubai, it is worth learning about all the stages of the process. You need to know what visa options are available, what the rental market looks like, what formalities need to be completed, and what the real costs of living in Dubai are. Dubai has been attracting people from all over the world for years. The city is associated with modernity, luxury, and enormous opportunities for professional development. This guide will show you how to prepare for a change of residence and avoid the most common mistakes.
How to obtain a visa and legalize your stay
The first step when considering how to live in Dubai is to choose the right visa path. There are several options, and they vary in terms of requirements and duration.
Work visa
The most common route is a work visa. Your employer becomes your sponsor and handles the entire process – from work permits and medical examinations to issuing an Emirates ID. This visa allows you to legally work and live in Dubai for a period of two to three years, with the option of renewal.
Investor visa
The second option is to start your own business. You can choose a free zone or operate on the local market. In both cases, a license is required, and its cost depends on the industry and location. This visa is attractive for entrepreneurs and freelancers.
Golden Visa
Another path is to invest in real estate. If you buy an apartment or house worth at least AED 2 million, you can apply for a Golden Visa. This is a ten-year residence permit that allows you to sponsor family members.
Remote worker visa
The remote worker visa is also gaining popularity. It requires a documented monthly income of at least $3,500, an active employment contract, and health insurance. This is a great solution if you want to work for a company outside the UAE while living in Dubai.
For people over 55, there is a retirement visa. The condition is sufficient income or savings that confirm financial stability.
As you can see, the answer to the question of how to obtain a visa depends on your professional situation and plans. It is important to carefully analyze the requirements and collect the documents before departure.
Find out what currency is used in Dubai!
Formalities upon arrival
When you land in Dubai, you must go through several mandatory procedures. The first step is a medical examination, which includes blood tests and a chest X-ray. Once you have received positive results, you will undergo biometric registration and apply for an Emirates ID. This document is required to open a bank account, rent an apartment, or sign a phone contract.
Once you have your Emirates ID, you can start organizing your daily life. If you are planning a longer stay, it will be crucial to find a place to live and register your contract in the Ejari system. Registration is mandatory and protects the interests of the tenant. It also allows you to activate electricity and water services with the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, or DEWA.
See also: How to obtain UAE citizenship?
Living in Dubai – renting and buying
The real estate market in Dubai is very diverse. If you are interested in living in Dubai, you can choose between luxury apartments in Dubai Marina, more family-friendly neighborhoods such as Mirdif, or modern developments in Jumeirah Village Circle.
When renting a property, you must pay a deposit of 5% of the annual rent for unfurnished apartments and 10% for furnished ones. It is standard practice to pay rent by check, usually on a quarterly basis. The contract must be registered with Ejari.
It is possible to purchase real estate in designated freehold zones, where foreigners can become owners. However, it is worth remembering about additional costs, such as the registration fee at the Dubai Land Department, which amounts to 4% of the property value.
Costs of living in Dubai and everyday life
One of the most frequently asked questions is: what are the real costs of living in Dubai? Rents vary depending on the district and standard. In cheaper areas, such as International City or Deira, you will pay less, while in Dubai Marina, Downtown or Palm Jumeirah, prices are several times higher.
Utilities, which are billed by DEWA, must be added to the rent. The amount of the bills depends on the size of the apartment and the use of air conditioning. You can only register for internet and mobile phone services with your Emirates ID, which also involves monthly costs.
Food expenses depend on your lifestyle. In supermarkets, you will find both local products at lower prices and imported goods that are more expensive than in Europe. Restaurants also offer a wide range of options, from cheap eateries to luxury restaurants with views of the Burj Khalifa.
The costs of education and healthcare should not be forgotten. Private schools have varying tuition fees – from several thousand to tens of thousands of AED per year. Every resident must have health insurance, which is an additional but mandatory expense.
Transport in Dubai
Transport in Dubai is another item in your budget. You can use the metro, buses, and trams, which are operated by the NOL card. Taxis are also popular and operate 24 hours a day. However, many people decide to buy their own car – fuel is cheap, but you have to add insurance and registration fees.
We know from experience that not everyone thinks about buying a car right after moving, and public transport can be a pain, especially when you’re commuting to work or picking up your kids from school. At the beginning of your adventure in Dubai, it is worth considering renting a car in Dubai – it is a convenient option, and recommended rental companies, such as Modena, offer models tailored to your budget and requirements.
See the list of cars for rent!
How to move to Dubai without stress
When considering how to move to Dubai, prepare a step-by-step plan. Start by choosing a visa path and securing your documents. Then set your budget – take into account apartment deposits, DEWA fees, Ejari registration costs, and health insurance. Remember to have a few months’ financial reserve to start with.
It is a good idea to rent a short-term apartment at the beginning. This will give you time to look around the market and choose the neighborhood that best suits your needs.
The most common mistakes made by new residents
The first mistake is a lack of knowledge about procedures. Failure to register your contract with Ejari or delay in activating DEWA can paralyze your daily life. The second is overly optimistic budget planning – it is worth remembering about additional costs, such as transportation and education. The third is rushing when choosing an apartment. It is better to spend a few weeks on thorough research than to sign an unfavorable contract.
Moving to Dubai is a huge change that requires preparation, but offers many opportunities. Knowledge of visa procedures, awareness of real costs, and knowledge of the real estate market will make the process much easier. When answering the question of how to live in Dubai, it can be said that the key is good planning and reliable information.
FAQ
How to move to Dubai?
First, choose the right visa, prepare your documents, and after arrival, undergo medical examinations, obtain an Emirates ID, and register your lease with Ejari.
Is it worth living in Dubai?
Yes, if you value professional development, safety, and modern infrastructure, although the cost of living is high.
Why is it worth living in Dubai?
The city offers high salaries, no income tax, a developed network of services, and an international environment.
How much does it cost to live in Dubai?
Expenses depend on your lifestyle – rents in cheaper neighborhoods are several times lower than in the center, and the monthly budget for a single person can range from a few thousand to several thousand AED.
How to obtain UAE citizenship?
Naturalization is difficult and only possible in exceptional cases – most foreigners live in Dubai on long-term visas.
How to move to Dubai?
You need to obtain a visa, find accommodation, complete the mandatory formalities, and prepare a budget to get started.
Are apartments in Dubai expensive?
Yes, but prices vary significantly depending on the district and standard – from affordable apartments in Deira to luxury apartments in Downtown Dubai.
