GUIDE
Moving to Dubai: the complete relocation guide
Guides in this topic
- What should I bring, ship or buy after arriving?
- What should I check before shipping items to the UAE?
- Which documents might need attestation or translation?
- Can I ship furniture and personal belongings from overseas?
- What documents should I bring with me?
- How do I relocate to Dubai with my family?
- How do I relocate to Dubai with a pet?
- How can I meet people and find local community groups?
- Should I book temporary accommodation before renting a home?
- What unexpected expenses should I prepare for?
- Dubai public holidays: what stays open?
- How much money should I budget for relocating to Dubai?
- Monthly cost of living in Dubai: what should a single person, couple or family budget?
- What should I prioritise during my first week in Dubai?
- Which grocery delivery apps work in Dubai?
- Ramadan in Dubai: what changes for residents?
- What should I arrange before moving to Dubai?
- Sending money home from Dubai: what are the options?
- How do I find a vet and arrange ongoing care?
- What documents and approvals does my pet need?
Moving to Dubai, step by step
| Stage | What to do | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Before you go | Confirm who sponsors your visa, budget, gather and attest documents | Moving to Dubai checklist |
| 2. Arrival | Entry permit, medical test, Emirates ID biometrics | Entry permit vs residence visa vs Emirates ID |
| 3. Temporary stay | 2–6 weeks in a serviced apartment or hotel while you view homes | Temporary accommodation |
| 4. Find a home | Choose an area, view, check the agent and landlord, sign | Best areas to live in Dubai |
| 5. Move in | Ejari, DEWA, cooling, gas, internet, move-in permit | After signing |
| 6. Settle in | Health insurance, schools, transport, community | Your first week in Dubai |
How much does it cost to relocate to Dubai?
For one person renting their own apartment, AED 30,000 to 60,000 is a sensible starting budget for the first months. Families and villa moves need more. The biggest upfront items are usually:
- Rent: often paid in 1 to 4 cheques, so the first cheque can be a quarter to all of a year's rent.
- Security deposit and agency fee on the rental.
- Utility deposits: DEWA alone is AED 2,000 for an apartment or AED 4,000 for a villa, plus AED 155 in fees.
- Ejari, move-in permit, movers and furniture.
- Temporary accommodation while you search.
See the full breakdown in cost of relocating to Dubai and the hidden costs people forget.
Documents to bring
Bring your passport, digital and printed copies, degree and marriage or birth certificates (attested if your employer or school needs them), school records, medical and vaccination records, and your driving licence. Attestation can take weeks from abroad, so start early: document attestation and translation.
Moving with family or pets
Family sponsorship has its own salary rules and paperwork, and school places can decide which area you rent in. Read moving to Dubai with family and schools and family life. Pets need an import permit, microchip and vaccinations before travel: moving to Dubai with a pet.
Shipping your belongings
Compare shipping against buying locally, since many homes come with white goods and furniture is easy to buy on arrival. If you do ship, check UAE customs rules first: shipping furniture to Dubai.
Common mistakes
- Signing a lease before you know how your visa and Emirates ID timing works.
- Paying a deposit for a home you haven't verified. Read rental scams in Dubai.
- Forgetting the utility, Ejari and permit costs that come after the rent.
- Leaving document attestation until you've arrived.
Want it handled for you?
setl VIP gives you a dedicated account manager for your whole move-in, from Ejari and DEWA to movers and keys.
Signed your lease?
Your free move-in checklist puts Ejari, DEWA, cooling, gas, internet and your move-in permit in the right order for your building. Start with what to do after signing.
Common questions
How long does it take to relocate to Dubai?
Most people allow 4 to 8 weeks from arrival to moving into a rented home: around 1 to 3 weeks for the residence visa and Emirates ID steps, and a few weeks to find, sign and set up a home.
Can I rent in Dubai before I have an Emirates ID?
You can often agree and sign a lease, but standard Ejari registration needs your Emirates ID, and DEWA follows Ejari. See renting before your Emirates ID.
Do I need health insurance in Dubai?
Yes. Health insurance is mandatory for Dubai residents. Employers cover employees, and sponsors cover their dependants. See health insurance in Dubai.
Is setl free for people relocating?
Yes. The setl checklist, guides and WhatsApp support are free. setl VIP is an optional paid service if you want your move-in handled for you.