Before you arrive
- Sort your visa route: employment, company owner, freelance permit, golden visa or property investor visa.
- Attest your degree and marriage certificate at home; you will need them for work permits and family visas.
- Bring six months of bank statements and a no-objection letter from your current bank.
The first 90 days
- Entry permit → medical test → Emirates ID biometrics → residence visa stamped.
- Open a bank account (needs the Emirates ID or at least the application).
- Rent a home: one to four cheques a year is still common; Ejari registration is required for everything else.
- DEWA (electricity and water), internet, and a driving licence conversion if your country is on the exchange list.
Choosing a neighbourhood
Families: Dubai Hills, Arabian Ranches, Mirdif. Singles and couples: Marina, JLT, Downtown, Business Bay. Budget: JVC, Al Barsha, Deira.
Cost of living
Rent is the biggest item: expect AED 60,000–120,000 a year for a one-bedroom in a central area. Schools run from AED 20,000 to over AED 100,000 a year. There is no income tax.