The Complete Guide to Moving to Dubai from the UK

A Full Guide to Moving from the UK to Dubai

Do you want to start over in the beautiful city of Dubai? Going from the UK to Dubai is a big yet exciting step. Dubai is an ideal destination for British expats seeking to change their surroundings, offering a diverse range of options and boasting a renowned opulent lifestyle, tax-free income, and year-round sunshine.
But how do you go about making the move? What do you need to know about moving, such visas, fees, and how to do it? This complete guide will show you how to move from the UK to Dubai and get used to your new life there.

Why should you move to Dubai?

It’s not surprising that British expats want to live in Dubai. Here are some reasons why so many people from the UK want to move to this place, whether it’s for employment, family, or adventure:

• Job Opportunities: The city is a center for areas like banking, technology, healthcare, and hospitality. Salaries that are competitive and tax-free income are quite enticing.
• Benefits for your lifestyle— Dubai has something for everyone, from shopping malls and exquisite dining to beaches and desert experiences.
• Cultural Diversity: Dubai has a welcoming, multinational community because more than 85% of its residents are expats.

Step 1: Find out more

Planning is very important when moving to another country. Before you leave the UK and pack up your life, think about these key things:

Is it possible for me to move to Dubai? Are you from the UK?

Yes, British people can migrate to Dubai, but they require the correct visa to stay there for a long time. Dubai has a number of different types of visas, most of which are based on work, investment, or family sponsorship. (We’ll talk about this in more depth later.)

How much it costs to live in Dubai

It’s important to know how much it costs to live in Dubai before moving there from the UK.

• Rent: Depending on the region and amenities, the cost of renting an apartment in Dubai can be anywhere from AED 3,000 to AED 15,000 per month.
• Utilities: Plan on spending between AED 800 and 1,500 per month on power, water, and air conditioning.
• Food: Imported goods can be more expensive, so shopping locally will help you save money.

Tip: You may use websites like Numbeo to see how the cost of living in Dubai compares to the cost of living in your present city in the UK.

Step 2: Know What You Need for a Visa

Do British citizens need a visa to go to Dubai?

If you’re only staying for a short time, this is wonderful news. British nationals can go to Dubai without a visa for up to 30 days and get a free visa when they arrive. If you want to migrate permanently, though, you’ll require a certain form of visa.

British Citizens Can Get a Dubai Visa

UK expats most often get these types of visas:

• Visa for Work
  Your company will usually take care of getting you a resident visa and work permit if you get a job before you move. This is the simplest approach to make a home in Dubai.
• Visa for Investment
  Are you thinking about starting a business or investing in Dubai? If you meet certain financial conditions, you can get an investor visa.
• Visa for Family
  If you’re migrating with family, one individual (typically the main earner) can sponsor dependents as long as their wage is over the local minimum.
• The Golden Visa
  Dubai’s Golden Visa gives long-term residency benefits to highly trained professionals, entrepreneurs, or people who invest a lot of money in specified areas.

Make sure you understand the requirements for each visa before you apply, as they are all different.

Step 3: How to Get to Dubai from the UK

There are several phases to moving from the UK to Dubai. Here’s a full breakdown to help you stay on track.

Get a job or get your finances in order.

Most expats start their move to Dubai by looking for a job. A lot of specialists from the UK are hired since they know a lot about engineering, healthcare, and education. You can use LinkedIn or employment services that focus on Gulf countries to assist you get a job.
Or, make sure you have enough money before looking for ways to move abroad on your own.

Make a plan for your move Plan your budget

Costs of moving can add up rapidly. Be ready for costs like:

• Flights: Depending on the time of year, one-way flights from the UK to Dubai usually cost between £300 and £600.
• Shipping Furniture: The cost of services that move household items might vary, so think about if it’s cheaper to buy furniture locally.
• Initial Rent and Deposits: To get a property in Dubai, you can expect to pay security deposits or rent several months in advance.

Quick Tip: Ask potential employers about the benefits of their relocation packages, as they usually cover airfares for employees and their families.

Set up healthcare

Dubai has some of the best hospitals in the world, but everyone who lives there must have health insurance. This is part of the benefits package for a lot of employers. If not, look for private health insurance that meets your needs.

Make sure the kids can go to school (if you’re moving with them)

There are some great private schools in Dubai, but they can be expensive. Plan ahead and apply to schools early to get into the finest ones.

Getting Used to Your New Life

Getting a visa and moving to Dubai from the UK is not enough; you also have to become used to a new culture and way of life.

Getting used to Dubai’s way of life

It’s simple to get used to living in Dubai because it’s hospitable to expats, but you need learn about local norms, like:

• Dressing modestly in some public places.
• Not showing affection in public.
• Following the rules of the local religion during Ramadan.

Finding a Place to Stay

Dubai has districts for every type of person, from busy downtown regions to quiet enclaves outside the city center. Some popular areas are:

• Downtown Dubai, which is great for people who want to live near the activity.
• Jumeirah is great for families because it has villas and is close to the beach.
• Dubai Marina is a great place for people who like to party and see beautiful sights.

Getting about

Many expats drive, but Dubai also has a great public transportation system. You may move around easily and cheaply by taking the subway, buses, or cabs.

Questions and Answers About Moving to Dubai from the UK

Do People with British Passports Need a Visa to Live in the UK?

Yes, if you want to live and work in Dubai for a long time, you’ll need to change from a 30-day visa-on-arrival to a residency visa.

Is it easy to send money back to the UK?

Yes, for sure. Using services like Western Union, TransferWise, or local UAE banks with currency exchange facilities, expats can effortlessly send money back to the UK.

How about opening a bank account?

It’s easy to open a local bank account if you have a residency visa. Emirates NBD, ADCB, and Dubai Islamic Bank are some of the most well-known banks in Dubai.

Last Thoughts

Going to a new country is always a major deal, but going from the UK to Dubai is an adventure you should take. Dubai has a lot to offer UK citizens, including a high standard of living, job prospects, and a friendly climate.
You may make your move easy and stress-free by planning ahead, knowing what you need for your visa, and making a budget. Are you ready to make the city your home?