The Ultimate 10-Point Guide for UK Expats Moving to Dubai

Moving to Dubai from the UK is exciting. Sunshine, safety, and a tax-free salary all make it a top destination for British expats. But let’s be honest, the logistics can be overwhelming at first.

I recently made the move, and I can tell you, it was a mix of excitement, confusion, and a lot of learning along the way. From sorting out visas to picking where to live, it felt like a never-ending checklist. But now that I’ve settled in, I’ve compiled this guide to help make your move as smooth as possible, whether you're days away from boarding your flight or just considering the move.

This guide is based on my personal experience, with practical advice that will save you time, money, and some of the headaches I faced.

1. Visas: What You Need Before (and After) You Arrive

As a UK passport holder, I received a multiple-entry tourist visa on arrival, which is valid for six months. During this time, you can stay for up to 90 days, though not necessarily consecutively. Once I secured a job, my tourist visa paused, and the work visa process began. The work visa is usually sponsored by your employer, and it’s a straightforward process that takes about 1-2 weeks to complete.

You’ll need to complete a mandatory medical (chest X-ray and blood test), get your Emirates ID, and receive your residency visa. The Emirates ID is essential for everything; opening a bank account, getting a SIM card, renting a property, and more. It really is your golden key to life in Dubai. Click here for more information on Visas in the UAE.

2. Getting Set Up: The First Few Weeks

Start with Short-Term Accommodation
Before committing to a long-term lease, I stayed in an Airbnb for my first month. It gave me the flexibility to explore different areas before deciding where I wanted to live.

Popular Areas for UK Expats:

• Dubai Marina (my choice) – vibrant, walkable, close to the beach, great for networking.
• Downtown Dubai – perfect if you want to be close to the city’s business hubs and nightlife.
• Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) – affordable with a growing expat community.
• Dubai Hills Estate – ideal for families, with green spaces, schools, and shopping.

Property Finder and Bayut are to useful websites when searching for the perfect place to call home.

3. Renting a Property in Dubai

Renting in Dubai is a bit different from the UK. To rent a property, you’ll need your Emirates ID, residency visa, a local bank account, and Ejari registration (which is the official tenancy contract). One key thing to keep in mind is that rent here is paid upfront, typically in one, two, three, or four cheques. The fewer cheques you pay, the cheaper your rent could be, so it’s worth considering paying in one or two cheques if you can manage the upfront cost.

4. Opening a Bank Account

I opened my bank account with Emirates NBD right after getting my Emirates ID. Required documents include:

• Passport with residency visa
• Emirates ID
• Tenancy contract
• Employment contract

Popular banks include Emirates NBD and HSBC UAE. I found Emirates NBD’s online banking very user-friendly.

5. Getting a Mobile Phone Plan

You’ll want to get a local mobile number right away since it’s necessary for everything from signing up for utilities to booking appointments. When you first arrive, tourist SIMs are available at the airport, which works perfectly for the first few weeks. Once you have your Emirates ID, you can switch to a post-paid plan. I used Etisalat for my phone plan, but Du is also a great option, and both have decent coverage.

6. Getting Around: Transport & Commuting

The metro here is excellent; clean, reliable, and air-conditioned. It’s way better than the London Underground. I personally prefer the Gold Class carriage for that extra space during rush hour.

Taxis and ride apps like Careem and Uber are plentiful, but you can also drive with your UK license temporarily.

7. Healthcare & Insurance

Dubai’s healthcare system is top-notch. The catch? You can’t get your residency visa without health insurance. Some employers include it, but if not, you’ll need to set it up yourself.

8. Cost of Living in Dubai

People say Dubai is expensive, but it’s not that bad, especially compared to London. Here are some key costs:

• Rent – A big chunk of your budget, especially in areas like Marina or Downtown.
• Groceries – Local items are cheap, but imported UK brands can be pricey.
• Utilities – Fair, but expect higher AC bills in the summer.
• Dining Out – From £5 shawarmas to five-star brunches, Dubai has it all.

9. Don’t Forget Your UK Finances

Before you move, plan for your UK finances:

• Should you keep your UK bank accounts?
• What happens to your pension now that you’re an expat?
• Are you investing tax-efficiently?

At Skybound Wealth Management, we specialize in helping UK expats with these questions.

10. Salaries and Pensions

While salaries in Dubai are tax-free, they often come without the pension contributions or National Insurance benefits you’d get in the UK. You’ll need to take charge of your financial future.

I’ve already started setting up my own pension plan to ensure I’m not caught off guard later.

Final Thoughts
Moving to Dubai was a massive change, but now that I’m settled, I’m loving it. There’s a lot to juggle in the first few months, but this guide will help you feel more prepared for the adventure ahead.

If you're considering making the move, or have already taken the leap, Skybound Wealth Management can help you plan for a secure financial future as an expat. Let’s make your move work for your future.