Country Guides November 16, 2020

Moving to Dubai – All You Need to Know

Anastasia Hill

Apart from being the next fashion icon, Anastasia is also a freelance writer and expert on moving (and packing clothes).

If moving to Dubai is your dream come true, we will help you find out everything that you need to know for the great life in your new destination. This city has become one of the top destinations globally and one of the UAE’s best locations. When you think about this city, you immediately see beautiful architecture, sandy beaches, and excellent potential for a happy life.

We will guide you through this relocation process step by step and help you make the best decision in your life.

What do You Need to Prepare for Moving to Dubai

After you decide what to pack when moving abroad, you must organize the documents needed to travel to another country, and we are here to help you with that.

Bring a Valid Passport

A passport is a thing you cannot forget when moving to another country. You must check if your passport is valid for at least another six months. Also, have as many passport pictures as you can because you will have to use them for all kinds of paperwork. Bring all of your medical records, as well as driver’s license and marriage certificate if you are married.

Moving to Another Country? FREE ESTIMATE

Educational Documents for Finding a Job

All of your diplomas and certificates are necessary for finding a job. You will have to certify and attest everything so that you can use it. Also, bring copies of your CV and recommendation letters.

passport
Passport is essential when moving to another country, so check the expiration date before going on a trip

Getting Visa is Essential for Moving to Dubai from the USA

There are a few types of visas that can get you in UAE:

  • Work Visa – this is the most common type that is issued in the UAE. The company you work for is sponsoring your stay and taking care of everything regarding this type of visa, including residency permits.
  • Student Visa – This is valid for the period you’re studying in the UAE.
  • Dependent Visa – If you have a spouse or parent working in the UAE, they can sponsor you to live there, but their income has to be at least $1,080 a month for them to support you.
  • Investor Visa – if you plan to invest or start your own business, you can get this type of visa, which is usually valid for three years.
  • Property Owner Visa – If you have bought a home, you can apply for this kind of access and get renewable residence.
visa
Resolving your issues about visa is essential when planning your relocation

How Much Does It Cost to Live in Dubai?

When relocating to your new home, you have to know how much money you will need to make your life more comfortable. We will make a guide with some essential information to help you organize your budget so you don’t have additional expenses that you’re not prepared for. Official currency in Dubai is the Emirati Dirham (AED) and for 100 USD you can get around 367 AED.

Accommodation is the First Thing to Think About When Going to Another Country

There are three types of property that you can buy as an American expat:

  • Freehold properties – you have a right to buy, sell, rent, and pass them down as an inheritance. They have to be approved by the UAE Government.
  • Commonhold properties – usually apartments that include fees such as maintenance and repair fees. You can also sell, rent, buy, and pass them on as an inheritance.
  • Usufruct properties – long-term leases between 10 and 100 years, depending on whether it’s residential or commercial property. You can do everything with the property except, of course, destroying it.

When it comes to renting a place, American expats can’t rent their apartment unless they are already a resident and have a bank account. If your resident permit isn’t issued, ask your employer to give you proof that your permit is being processed. Documents you will need for renting your place:

  • Copy of passport
  • Copy of residency permit
  • Statement from the employer about your income
  • Formal tenancy application
  • Security deposit (don’t be surprised if they ask you for six months’ rent in advance.)

If you are looking for something temporary, you can always rent a room in a sharing apartment that can cost you from $136 to $410.

Public Transportation – Find Your Way Around the City Without a Car

If you don’t have a car, you can use the metro and buses to get around the city. The cost of public transportation is around $95 per month.

You can use a taxi for places that are not connected with public transportation and add $55 to your costs.

Food – Cooking and Going Out Will Give You Time to Relax and Enjoy Delicious Food

In the beginning, you can choose less fancy restaurants that can save you some money. The average cost for something like that is around $272 a month.

Because of the multicultural environment and all the different cuisines that you can have here, you can find various handpicked fresh and delicious ingredients if you want to save even more money and cook by yourself.

To conclude, as an American expat living with your family, $4,083 is enough money to live nicely. If you’re living alone, $1,905 is what you’ll need for a good life.

organizing-your-budget
Organizing your budget will make your life in Dubai much easier

Best Areas in Dubai to Live in – Choose Your Area and Enjoy Amazing Things This Place Offers

Dubai is a fantastic city with lots of areas to explore. But how to know which one is best for you? There are a few categories like where is the best for families, or where is the best to go out when deciding where to live, so here are some of our suggestions:

  • Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) is the area for you if you want to be in the best place for families, with excellent restaurants and cafes, beaches, and many outdoor activities such as Legoland and Aquaventure Waterpark that you and your children are going to enjoy
  • If you want to be in a shopping area and be in the safest area of this breathtaking city, Downtown Dubai is the place for you. With some of the biggest malls, your shopping trips will be exciting. Although the city of Dubai is safe, the downtown area is spacious and organized well so that you can feel safe all the time.
  • The area with an excellent transportation system is This area is well connected to all parts of this beautiful city, so you don’t have to worry about public transportation when living here. It has that old, rustic, cultural charm with a lot of markets where you can buy almost everything.
  • And if you want to live in an area with an active nightlife, Dubai Marina is the perfect place for you. With fabulous places with a modern atmosphere, you will enjoy every time you go out.
perfect-area
Find the perfect area and start your life the way you want

Everyday Life and the Basic Knowledge of the place

Moving to Dubai from the USA can be the best step you make in your life. There are plenty of reasons to enjoy it, from breathtaking views from Burj Khalifa to the biggest shopping mall that you will certainly like, and there are plenty of things to enjoy your time here.

In Dubai, you can expect to find many friendly people from all around the world that can help you adjust to a new country. Still, here are some things you should know beforehand:

  • Arabic is the national language, but everyone speaks English, so you shouldn’t have a problem breaking the language barrier.
  • You can drink alcohol if you are 21 years old, either in bars with a license or if you buy liquor in specialized stores. But don’t take advantage of this and try to lie about your age or even sell alcohol without a license because the fines are enormous, and you can go to jail.
  • Workdays here are different, so you have to adjust. The workweek starts from Sunday and ends on Thursday, but some private companies have their specific working schedule, so pay attention when finding a job.
  • Always follow the rules about cross walking because you can get a large fee if you don’t.
  • It is recommended that you dress modestly, but you can wear beachwear on beaches, pools, and waterparks. Even though it’s located in the desert, the weather can change. The hottest period is from May to September, and in December it can get a little breezy at night, so pack carefully.
take-time-to-explore
After relocation, it is crucial to take time to explore and enjoy this city

How to Move to Dubai? It’s Best with the Pros

Now that you have decided to move let’s start with organizing. First of all, it’s essential to choose the best international moving company to reduce your stress with their moving services. You should hire professionals who can help you get moving supplies that you use for your belongings, packing, or storing your stuff until you are ready to go. Even if you need your overseas vehicle shipping or just moving in general, they are your biggest confidants at that moment.

So let the professionals do all the heavy lifting, and you sit back and enjoy the beginning of your new adventure in Dubai..

What are you moving?

    Call: 844-789-8118