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Before you commit to the move
- Decide on your visa path (employment, freelance, Golden, spousal, business)
- If job-seeking, research tourist-visa entry rules and on-the-ground hunting
- Join expat groups on Facebook, LinkedIn and Meetup to start networking early
- Locate original degree certificates (attestation can come later)
- Research areas to live based on lifestyle, commute and budget
- Estimate cost of living (rent, schools, utilities, transport)
- Update your CV (Gulf style) and LinkedIn profile
- Secure job offer or plan how to set up your own business
- Research Free Zones and business setup if starting a company
- If relocating with family: research schools and nurseries
- Budget for relocation costs (shipping, deposits, flights, insurance)
- Consider healthcare needs (pre-existing conditions, insurance)
- Visit Dubai for a scouting trip
- Discuss timeline with partner / family
Prepare important documents
- Passport copies (valid for at least 6 months)
- Passport-sized photos (you'll need plenty)
- Marriage and birth certificates (attested & translated if not in English)
- Degree certificates (attested & translated if not in English)
- Employment contract / offer letter (if employed)
- Updated CV (for job seekers)
- Business setup documents / research (if self-employed)
- Medical and vaccination records (some employers, nurseries and schools ask)
- Apostilled UK criminal record check
- Scan and store digital copies in cloud storage
Moving belongings & pets
- Decide what to ship, store or sell
- Get quotes from shipping companies experienced with UAE customs
- Microchip, vaccinate and get health certificates for your pet (ISO 11784)
- Apply for UAE pet import permit and book a specialist relocator
- Schedule shipments after Emirates ID is issued — required for customs
- Plan essential items in luggage (shipments can take weeks)
- Arrange storage in home country if needed
Housing & accommodation
- Book short-term accommodation (unless employer handles it)
- Pick 2–3 candidate areas
- Understand the rental process and costs (deposits, agent fees) or buying process
- Understand the rent-cheque system (1–4 post-dated cheques for 12 months)
- Budget for security deposit (5% of annual rent) + agency fees (5%)
- Prepare documents for Ejari registration (needed for ID, utilities, etc.)
Schooling & childcare
- Shortlist schools / nurseries (KHDA site)
- Understand application processes, fees and deadlines
- Schedule school tours (virtual or in person)
- Complete admissions forms and pay deposit
- Enquire about nannies from agencies or trusted recommendations
Finances
- Estimate initial expenses: visa fees, rent deposit, school fees, moving services
- Plan for at least 3–6 months of living expenses
- Notify UK bank of move and set up multi-currency account
- Plan currency transfers (Wise, Revolut, etc.)
- Research expat banking options
- Open a UAE bank account (needs your Emirates ID to finalise)
- Set up UK private pension options before you leave
Healthcare
- Confirm what your employer's insurance covers (dependents, outpatient care)
- Arrange private health insurance if moving without a job or with dependents
- Transfer medical records and pack enough medication for the transition
Final preparations
- Book flights (compare family vs individual fares)
- Check eligibility for UAE driving licence conversion
- Arrange airport transfers for arrival
- Get travel insurance for the move
- Join online expat communities on Reddit, Facebook and Threads
- Notify HMRC / home country of relocation (taxes)
- Cancel UK utilities, council tax, gym and set up mail forwarding
- Unlock mobile phone and plan for a tourist SIM on arrival
- Download key apps: Careem, Uber, RTA, Waze, Smiles, Entertainer, Google Maps
After arrival (bonus)
Bonus- Activate eSIM / get UAE number
- Apply for Emirates ID biometrics
- Open UAE bank account
- Convert to UAE driving license
- Register with Dubai Health Authority