Curious about moving to Dubai? Here we give you all the resources on the process and if moving to Dubai is right for you. Let’s first start with the basics about Dubai:
- Emirates vs Etihad; which airline is best for you? [2023]
- Tourist rules in Dubai; 22 Important Dos & Don’ts
- Life in Dubai: 29 things to know before you move
- What plug do electrical outlets in Dubai use? Best adapter?
- Dubai for women; 6 things you need to know
- Doha v Dubai; important differences between Dubai and Qatar
- Which country is Dubai in? Where on earth is Dubai?
- Is Dubai super expensive to live? My cost of living & monthly expenses
- What is the UAE? What is it famous for? Your most wanted answers
- The ONLY Dubai dress code for tourists you’ll ever need!
- Where is Dubai? Fun facts and information about Dubai!
Moving to Dubai basics
Everything you need to know about finding a job, a place to rent or buy and how to get set up as a resident. I’ve also included some extra categories such as family life, visa information and if you’re wanting to start a business in Dubai.
- Guide to pet relocation Dubai costs and flying with your pets
- The best mall in Dubai; Our top 11 for a shopping spree
- Currency in Dubai; Money, exchange rates, banks & more [2023]
- Fresh Produce to Gourmet: 10 Supermarkets in Dubai [2023]
- Emirates Mall; Ultimate guide to Mall of the Emirates
- The Ultimate Dubai visa run guide; Car, bus or plane? [2023]
- What plug do electrical outlets in Dubai use? Best adapter?
- Can you drink tap water in Dubai?
- How to convert to Islam in Dubai; a detailed guide
- Everything to know about getting a sim card for Dubai
- 12 awesome female owned businesses in Dubai to support for International women’s day
- Is Dubai super expensive to live? My cost of living & monthly expenses
- The best Black Friday deals if you live in Saudi or UAE
- The best mall in Dubai; Our top 11 for a shopping spree
- Emirates Mall; Ultimate guide to Mall of the Emirates
- Guide to all 4 water parks in Dubai from a local [2023]
- 5 reasons to visit Butterfly Garden in Dubai
- 17 Epic kid friendly restaurants in Dubai for the family
- 20 super cool things to keep the kids entertained at Expo 2020 Dubai
- Is Dubai super expensive to live? My cost of living & monthly expenses
- The famous Shatafa; Middle Eastern Bidet & why you need it!
- Friday Khutbahs in English in Dubai and online from UAE
Commonly asked questions about moving to Dubai
I answer some of the most commonly asked questions about moving to Dubai, most have more in-depth articles to go with them. So feel free to read more on each of the topics
Can I just move to Dubai?
Another common question is, can I move to Dubai without a job? Both are related to each other so I’ll give a shorter explanation on this rather large topic as Dubai has many different visa options.
The short answer is no unless you have a large amount of money, in order to live in Dubai you will need a visa legally. The easiest way to get this is to find a job in Dubai or if you work remotely then you can apply for a remote working visa. Ideally you want to secure a job before you come, however if you work in an in-demand field then it may be easier to move without a job. Find out more about securing a job.
If you have a large enough amount of money, you can buy a property and get a property investor visa. The minimum purchase amount is 2 million AED. Though I have heard mixed reports about people being given these after a property purchase with many saying they weren’t able to get a visa after buying a property.
Another option is the investor visa if you wish to invest in a business and requires a larger investment of 5 million AED however if you have the funds to start your own company this would be cheaper and you would apply for a visa as the company owner.
Is moving to Dubai worth it?
This really depends on your own personal situation however if you are a high net worth individual and your current country of residency has high taxation, then making the move to Dubai can save on a huge amount of income and capital gains tax. This is due to Dubai’s very expatriate friendly taxation laws.
Similarly the same can be said for someone working too as you won’t pay any tax on the income you earn from Dubai but you’ll first need to work out if your salary would be the same or higher in Dubai. So I highly recommend to do some research on your particular field of work, whether there is demand for it in Dubai and what you can expect to earn.
This article on monthly living costs could be helpful on working things out versus your home country or current residency.
What salary do I need to live in Dubai?
Firstly, are you single or you have a family? If you have a family, do you plan to move them over with you? Having a family will vastly make Dubai more expensive for you as schooling is private and expensive. If you’ve moving as a single person, I would recommend a minimum salary of 10,000 AED per month in order to have a comfortable lifestyle and as a family a minimum of 25,000 AED per month.
Can any nationality move to Dubai?
There are no restrictions on what nationality can move to Dubai and you’ll find lots of different nationalities who reside here. There are some countries which for political or security reasons may be more difficult to get a visa approved however such as Iran.
How much should I save before I move to Dubai?
Firstly work out how much you will need to spend per month in Dubai. At the very minimum I would recommend to bring at least 3 months living costs with you but ideally 6 months, especially if you haven’t secured a job yet. If you have a secured a job than 3 months should give enough to pay for a housing deposit and other costs unless you’re taking a commission only sales role. In that case I’d recommend ideally 6 months.
After you’ve moved
- 11 of the absolute best Mandi restaurants in Dubai
- 27 Best Cafes in Dubai for ‘Bellissimo’ coffee by a local
- All 9 Burj Al Arab restaurants for lunch or dinner [2023]
- Traditional food of UAE; 11 Emirati dishes to try in Dubai!
- The 9 absolute best spots for Kunafa in Dubai
- 11 best Kerala restaurants in Dubai with prices [2023]
- Restaurants inside Burj Khalifa; All 10 for dining [2023]
- 9 of the tastiest buffet in Dubai restaurants!
- 17 Epic kid friendly restaurants in Dubai for the family
- 15 absolute best restaurants with a Burj Khalifa view [2023]
- 21 impeccable restaurants with the best Dubai views in 2023
- 9 incredibly tasty Arabic desserts you must try in the Middle East!
- 8 of the best Iftars and Iftar buffets in Dubai, including family and budget friendly
- 11 healthy restaurants in Dubai for yummy food [2023]
- 11 best bars in Dubai to get the best cocktails & mocktails
- 13 Best Dubai Scuba Diving sites; indoor and marine sites
- The best mall in Dubai; Our top 11 for a shopping spree
- Emirates Mall; Ultimate guide to Mall of the Emirates
- Hop On, Hop Off: Guide to Bus Tours in Dubai from a Local
- Guide to all 4 water parks in Dubai from a local [2023]
- Is Oman Safe? What You Need to Know Before Visiting
- The Wonders of Dubai: 11 things you can find only in Dubai
- The ultimate guide to camel racing in Dubai
- 48 hours in Dubai itinerary; how to maximize your time
- 5 reasons to visit Butterfly Garden in Dubai
- 10 unique things to do in Dubai; THE Ultimate Bucket list for 2022
- Maximise ALL the fun at Kite Beach in Dubai with our guide
- Everything you need to know about buying Gold in Dubai
- 24 hours in Dubai; two options for a fabulous classic Dubai experience
- BEST shopping guide for Meena Bazaar Dubai’s ‘Little India’
- Ultimate list of breathtaking lakes Dubai & how to get there
- Visiting the Burj Khalifa; ticket cost & At The Top alternatives
- How to spend all your money in Dubai; 3 day luxury itinerary
- Beginners guide to visiting a mosque for the first time
- How to spend the best 48 hours in Abu Dhabi
- Emirates vs Etihad; which airline is best for you? [2023]
- 15 amazing short trips from Dubai to make the best memories
- The Ultimate Dubai visa run guide; Car, bus or plane? [2023]
- Is Oman Safe? What You Need to Know Before Visiting
- Luxury without the cost: The 10 best 4 star hotels in Dubai to relax in
- The best ways on how to save money when traveling from Dubai
- Everything you need to know about flying to Saudi Arabia
- 16 amazing hidden gems in the Middle East you never knew existed!
- How to spend the best 48 hours in Abu Dhabi
- What is the best way from Dubai to Abu Dhabi? Or Abu Dhabi to Dubai?
- Bus from Dubai to Muscat; the cheapest way to Oman
I hope all the above information makes your move to Dubai as smooth as possible, if you have any questions feel free to reach out to my Instagram and I’ll be happy to help!