Moving to Dubai from the UK: a complete checklist for expats

Offering a heady mix of year-round sunshine, tax-free income and modern living, Dubai has become a top destination for British expats. This thriving city is renowned for its luxurious lifestyle, cutting edge infrastructure and a bustling expat community that makes settling in easier. That said, if you’re thinking about moving to Dubai from the UK, you’ll need to do thorough to ensure that you make the move seamlessly.

This moving to Dubai from UK checklist provides a comprehensive guide to help you navigate every step of the moving process. From understanding cultural nuances to finding a new home and managing your finances, we cover everything you need to know about making the move smoothly and successfully.
 

What to know before moving to Dubai from the UK

Dubai is a cosmopolitan hub that embraces people from different cultural background and lifestyles, yet it remains rooted in the values of the UAE. While the city is highly welcoming to expats, it’s crucial that you understand and respect local customs and laws. Public behaviour, dress codes and social interactions are influenced by cultural norms that may differ significantly from those in the UK.

Your key considerations when moving from the UK to Dubai should include familiarising yourself with the local legal system (which may apply Sharia law in certain personal matters) and being mindful of cultural practices such as fasting hours during Ramadan. Knowledge of these aspects of life will help you integrate more comfortably and avoid potential misunderstandings.

What are the pros and cons of moving to Dubai from the UK?

While there certainly are pros to moving to Dubai from the UK, there also are cons and it’s good to be aware of them when deciding whether to relocate.

Pros

• Exciting expat community: You’ll find a thriving expat population, which makes it easier to connect with like-minded people.
• Modern infrastructure: From world-class transport to cutting-edge healthcare, Dubai’s infrastructure is second to none.
• Excellent weather: With sunshine almost every day of the year, Dubai has the perfect climate for people who enjoy warm weather and the outdoors.

Cons

• Strict rules: Regulations around public behaviour, alcohol consumption and public displays of affection are stricter in Dubai than in the UK.
• Extreme heat: Summer temperatures often climb to 45° Celsius and can be overwhelming for some individuals.
• High cost of living: While salaries are competitive, housing, schooling, healthcare and dining out can be expensive.
   

How to move to Dubai from the UK

Visa and residency requirements

You will need a residence visa to live in Dubai, of which there are three main types. The most common of these is the work visa sponsored by employers, although you may qualify for a self-sponsored work visa (freelance or contractor in certain industries). Other common residency visas include investor visas for people investing in property or starting a business and dependent visas for family members of someone with a valid visa.

To secure a residency visa, you’ll need to secure a job offer or meet requirements for the visa type you’re applying for, undergo a medical examination and provide biometrics and submit required documents including your passport, photographs and employment contract or proof of investment or relationship. Plan ahead to gather these documents before departure.

Finding accommodation in Dubai

Renting property in Dubai

Dubai offers a range of properties to rent, from high-rise apartments in Dubai Marina to family friendly villas in Arabian Ranches. Some of the most popular areas for British expats include Downtown Dubai, Jumeirah and Dubai Marina. Find out what you need to know about renting property after moving from UK to Dubai with our comprehensive Tenant’s Guide.

Buying property in Dubai

If you’re looking at moving to Dubai from UK for the long term, buying property can be a sound investment. Some of the potential benefits offered by Dubai’s best properties for sale include stability and potential returns from the thriving real estate market. Our Buyer’s Guide contains all the information you need to put you on the path to finding your dream home.

Healthcare and medical records

Dubai’s healthcare system offers both public and private options, with the latter being preferred by most expats due to their high standards and advanced facilities. Health insurance is mandatory for expats. If you’re moving from the UK to Dubai with your family, ensure your policy covers them as well. Most expats’ employers provide health insurance as part of their benefits packages. Make sure you transfer your medical records and vaccination history from the UK to Dubai to avoid any disruptions in treatment.

Banking and finances

It’s essential that you open a local bank account to receive your salary and manage your finances after moving to Dubai from the UK. To do this, choose a bank with services tailored to expats, such as Mashreq or Emirates NBD and submit certified copies of your passport, visa, Emirates ID and proof of residence. Managing your financial assets and obligations will be much easier if you keep your bank accounts in the UK open.  

Education options for expat families

Numerous schools in Dubai follow the British curriculum, so if you’re moving to the city with children, you are assured that they will receive the same quality of education they would in the UK. Two of the most popular of these institutions are Dubai College in Al Sufouh and Jumeirah English Speaking School in Arabian Ranches. Plan for tuition fees, which can be significant (almost AED 49,000.00 for one year’s tuition for one child) and start applications and enrolment early. Our area guides include neighbourhoods with reputable schools.

Preparing essential documents

Before moving from UK to Dubai, prepare your essential documents, including:

• Valid passports with at least six months remaining for all family members.
• Birth and marriage certificates.
• Academic records for children.
• Your academic and professional certificates.
• Medical records and insurance policies.
• Employment contracts and tenancy agreements.
   

Your moving to Dubai from the UK checklist

Before leaving the UK

• Apply for the appropriate visas.
• Finalise your housing, using our Buyer’s Guide or Tenant’s Guide for reference.
• Arrange health insurance and transfer medical records to Dubai.
• Notify the relevant UK authorities, including HMRC, of your move.

After arriving in Dubai

• Register for an Emirates ID on the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security website, as this is a critical piece of identification in Dubai.
• Open a local bank account.
• Connect utilities and internet at home.
• Familiarise yourself with your new neighbourhood and surrounding areas with our area guides.
   

Should I move to Dubai from the UK?

Dubai offers a unique lifestyle that combines professional growth, financial benefits and endless opportunities for leisure. While the cost of living and cultural adjustments can be challenging, the rewards of tax-free income, excellent weather and a dynamic community make moving to Dubai from the UK an attractive option. Find neighbourhoods that suit your lifestyle and budget with our area guides.