skyline of Dubai with expatriates

The ultimate guide to emigrating to Dubai

Immigrating to Dubai is a bold and exciting decision that requires careful planning and preparation. With a deep understanding of the legal and cultural requirements, as well as a strategic vision for your professional and personal goals, you can successfully establish yourself in this dynamic city. Dubai offers a wealth of opportunities and a safe environment that will enable you and your family to live a fulfilling life.

Key findings

  • Careful preparation is the key to successful emigration to Dubai.
  • Make sure all necessary documents are translated into Arabic or English.
  • Dubai offers a high quality of life and numerous economic opportunities.
  • A thorough understanding of legal and cultural requirements is essential.
  • Take advantage of available services such as express service for urgent matters.

Reasons for emigrating to Dubai

Quality of life and safety

Dubai offers a high quality of life and a safe environment, making it an attractive destination for expats. The city is known for its modern infrastructure, first-class healthcare services and a wide range of leisure activities. Safety is a major plus, especially for those moving to Dubai with their families .

Cultural diversity

Dubai's multicultural society allows expats to meet people from all over the world and experience different cultures. This promotes an open and tolerant environment where everyone feels welcome. The cultural diversity is also reflected in the gastronomy, festivals and numerous cultural events.

Economic opportunities

Dubai is a major economic center with numerous career opportunities. The city attracts skilled workers from various industries and offers a dynamic working environment. There are many business ideas and investment opportunities for entrepreneurs, supported by the business-friendly environment.

Dubai offers a wealth of opportunities and a safe environment that will enable you and your family to live a fulfilling life.

Requirements for emigrating to Dubai

Visa and Emirates ID

A visa and an Emirates ID are essential for emigrating to Dubai . The only requirement is to enter the UAE every six months, that's all . Extending the visa after the two years is completely unproblematic.

Important legal documents

When emigrating to UAE, you should make sure that you have prepared all the important legal documents. These include:

  • Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
  • Employment contract or sponsorship letter
  • Proof of financial resources
  • Proof of health insurance

Health insurance

Health insurance is a must for anyone planning to emigrate to Dubai. Without valid health insurance, it is not possible to obtain a visa. It is advisable to find out about the different options in advance and choose an insurance that suits your needs.

Don't forget to have all documents translated into Arabic or English before you leave. Are you running late? Then use our express service!

First steps in Dubai

newcomers exploring Dubai cityscape

Apartment Search

Finding an apartment in Dubai can be a challenge, especially if you are new to the city. It is advisable to find out about the different districts and their rental prices in advance. A cost calculator can be very helpful in order to be able to better estimate your monthly expenses. Popular residential areas include Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai and Jumeirah.

Opening a bank account

In order to be able to operate financially in Dubai, it is essential to open a bank account. For this you usually need the following documents:

  • passport
  • visa
  • Emirates ID
  • Proof of residence

Some banks offer special account models for expats that are tailored to their needs.

Registration with authorities

After you arrive in Dubai, you will need to register with various authorities. This includes registering with immigration and applying for the Emirates ID. The Emirates ID is a key document that is required for many everyday transactions.

If you decide to take the plunge and emigrate to Dubai, prepare thoroughly by understanding all legal and cultural requirements and familiarizing yourself with the local conditions.

For those who are planning to set up a company in Dubai, it is important to find out about the different options, such as setting up a free zone in Dubai or setting up a company in Dubai outside of the free zones.

Working in Dubai

Labour market and sectors

The job market in Dubai offers numerous opportunities, especially for professionals and academics. Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, engineers, IT specialists and managers have particularly good chances of finding employment. The city attracts professionals from all over the world, especially in the areas of finance, technology, healthcare and education. A typical working week in Dubai is at least 5 days or 48 hours.

Working culture and conditions

Dubai offers a dynamic and diverse work environment. There is a strong emphasis on networking events, which provide an excellent opportunity to network and explore career opportunities. Many companies in Dubai offer in-house training or sponsor external courses to improve the skills of their employees. It is important to note that Dubai is a very busy place to work.

Professional networks

Networking is very important in Dubai. There are numerous events and platforms specifically designed to bring professionals and entrepreneurs together. These networks can be crucial to finding a job in Dubai or advancing professionally. Many companies also support their employees in building and maintaining professional networks.

Dubai offers a dynamic and diverse working environment that provides numerous opportunities for both professionals and entrepreneurs.
  • School for children in Dubai : Many international schools offer quality education.
  • Insurance in Dubai : It is important to educate yourself about the different insurance options to ensure the best protection.

Living in Dubai

Dubai offers a unique blend of traditional Arabic culture and a modern, international lifestyle. The city is not only focused on business and commerce, but also places great emphasis on the quality of life of its residents. There are numerous leisure options, from luxury shopping malls and world-class restaurants to beautiful beaches and exciting desert safaris.

The education system in Dubai is diverse and offers numerous international schools that offer different curricula such as the British, American and IB systems. Parents have the opportunity to choose the best school for their children to ensure a quality education. The schools are well equipped and offer a variety of extracurricular activities.

Healthcare in Dubai is of a very high standard. There are numerous hospitals and clinics equipped with the latest technology and employing highly qualified staff. Expats and residents have access to first-class medical care, which is another advantage of living in the UAE .

A city known for its impressive skyline, luxurious lifestyle and advanced infrastructure, Dubai offers an exceptional living environment for residents and expats alike.

Tax aspects in Dubai

Income tax

In Dubai, there is no income tax on salaries, pensions, capital gains or dividends. This regulation makes Dubai particularly attractive for many expats and investors. Even though the United Arab Emirates has introduced taxes for companies since June 2023, the income tax for private individuals remains at 0%.

VAT

The Value Added Tax (VAT) in Dubai is 5%. This tax was introduced in 2018 and applies to most goods and services. Despite this introduction, Dubai remains a tax haven compared to many other countries.

Tax benefits

Dubai continues to offer numerous tax advantages, especially for companies and investors. These include:

  • Uncomplicated options for company formation
  • Openness of locals to investors
  • Large real estate market with increasing growth potential
Even though the 0% corporate tax rate no longer applies, Dubai still offers many tax benefits that make it an attractive destination for expats.

Tax aspects in Dubai are a crucial factor for entrepreneurs considering setting up a company. Dubai offers numerous tax advantages that make it an attractive location. Find out more about the tax advantages and how you can benefit from them on our website.

Conclusion

Immigrating to Dubai requires careful preparation and a deep understanding of the legal and cultural requirements. With proper planning and a strategic vision for your professional and personal goals, you can successfully establish yourself in this dynamic city. Dubai offers a wealth of opportunities and a safe environment that will enable you and your family to live a fulfilling life. Take advantage of all the resources and services available to make your transition as smooth as possible. Good luck on your new adventure in Dubai!

frequently asked Questions

How much money do you need to live in Dubai?

The cost of living in Dubai can vary, but for a comfortable lifestyle you should budget at least AED 3,000 to 5,000 per month.

Which visa do I need to emigrate to Dubai?

To emigrate to Dubai, you need a residence visa, which is usually sponsored by an employer or family member.

Can I emigrate to Dubai as a pensioner?

Yes, Dubai offers special visas for retirees who meet certain financial requirements.

How do I find an apartment in Dubai?

There are numerous online portals and real estate agencies that can help you find an apartment in Dubai. It is advisable to look around locally and compare different offers.

Is Dubai tax free?

There is no income tax in Dubai, but a value added tax (VAT) of 5% is levied on most goods and services.

What health insurance options are available in Dubai?

Health insurance is mandatory in Dubai. There are various local and international providers offering different insurance packages.

Back to blog