Relocating to the Dubai is a big and exciting step - but it comes with up front costs that can quickly add up. Here we identify what should be considered when planning and budgeting.  

Document Attestation:

Various official certificates, e.g. degree certificates, birth and marriage certificates are required for the visa application process. These will need to be attested for use in the UAE in the country of issue.  This should be done prior to arrival as it can be a long process.  The costs may vary depending on the type of document and whether an agent is used to carry out the process.

 Flights and Visas:

 If moving with a job secured, relocation flight and visa for the employee should be provided by the employer.  These may also be covered for dependent family members depending on contractual benefits.

The person who is employed will obtain a work visa via their employer, only then can they sponsor their dependent family members. If dependent family costs are not covered,  the following should be considered:

• One-way flights
• Tourist visas (if not visa-exempt)
• Residency visas if not covered by sponsor’s employer
• Health Insurance if not provided by sponsor’s employer – the cost will vary depending on any pre-existing conditions

Shipping and Storage:

The cost of shipping belongings will be variable based on method and volume of shipment, location itis coming from and route taken.

Temporary Accommodation:

It can take 2 – 4 weeks to get all documentation in place to be able to rent a property so temporary accommodation will likely be required.  This may be provided by the employer, however, if not, there are many Airbnb options available along with serviced hotel apartments.

Setting Up Long-Term Housing:

Rent in the UAE is paid up front, often in one cheque for the full year. It is possible to negotiate payment in multiple cheques, however, it is at the landlord’s discretion and may also increase the rental price.  Property prices vary greatly depending on size, type of property and location. Sites like www.propertyfinder.ae and www.bayut.com can be used to search for listings.  Additional costs to consider are:

• Security deposit of 5% of the rental value for unfurnished and 10% for furnished payable to the landlord - this will be refunded on move out subject to condition of the property
• Real Estate Agent’s fee of 5% of rental value
• Ejari- registration of the tenancy contract with the land department - AED 220
• DEWA(electricity and water) deposit of AED 2,000 for apartments or AED 4,000 for villas plus activation fee of AED 13
• Internet & TV – the provider options will be dependent on the area chosen to live in and prices will vary depending on package requirements
• Purchase of white goods/furniture
• Hire of temporary furniture if waiting for a shipment
• Depending on the property, there may be additional utilities like AC or gas which will require deposits upfront

Transportation:

Driving licenses from certain countries can be transferred to a UAE license without the need for lessons or testing.  This costs AED 1055 including the eye test.  For home country licenses that cannot be converted, lessons and a driving test will need to be undertaken.

If purchasing a car on finance, a down payment will likely be required followed by monthly payments for the chosen number of years.  Provision of3 - 6 months of bank statements may be required as proof of income.  Cars can also be leased on a monthly basis and prices will be dependent on the vehicle requirements.

Education:

Education in Dubai is governed by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and details of all schools and curriculums can be found on their website https://web.khda.gov.ae/en/

There are many schools in Dubai offering a range of school curriculum options for both nursery, primary and secondary schooling.  The prices can vary considerably and obtaining spaces at certain nurseries/schools can be tricky.  It is worth shortlisting and touring multiple options and applying as early as possible.  

Following application to a school, the child will be invited to attend an assessment.  Following successful assessment a place will be offered.  A deposit will need to be paid prior to the offer deadline to secure the place.  The assessment is applicable for school age children, not nursery.

Costs to consider when applying for nursery/schooling:

• School application fees are approximately AED 500 per school – non refundable
• Seat deposit to confirm school place – non refundable, however, it will be deducted from the school fees invoice
• Annual school fees – payment can either be made upfront in full or prior to the start of each term
• Additional costs like uniform, books, ipad/laptop will be school and year group dependant

Monthly Living Costs:

The below gives a rough estimate for a family of four but may go up or down depending on spending habits and choices:

• Rent and school fees – it is useful to put aside the monthly amount ready to pay the next rent cheque or term invoice
• Utilities
• Home Internet and TV
• Car payment /lease
• Fuel
• Taxis/Metro expenses
• Groceries
• Mobile phones
• Entertainment
• Children’s extra curricular activities
• Optional services e.g nanny, cleaner, gardener or car washer if required

As you can see, there is a lot to consider when it comes to moving countries, along with many variables, but we hope this provides some insight and help for anyone considering making the move.

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