Relocating to Dubai with your family is a truly life-changing experience unlike any other. It comes with various opportunities for growth in personal and professional lives. Dubai is not only a popular tourist destination but one of the best cities in the world. It offers a variety of employment and business opportunities, tax benefits, safety and stability, and a high quality of life. It is also known for its vibrant expat culture and community.
Dubai boasts modern infrastructure and high-quality education and healthcare systems. So, there’s a lot to gain by relocating here. Not to mention the economic advantage in the form of tax concessions such as the absence of personal income tax.
That said, relocating your family to Dubai is a milestone and a considerable change. The process can feel exciting and challenging. From understanding the visa process to legal compliances and planning the move, multiple steps are involved. The best way to get through all this is through planning and preparation.
If you are considering or are moving to Dubai with your family, read on! This article will introduce you to simple tips for ensuring a stress-free relocation.
Tip 1: Obtain a Dubai Residency Visa
The first step of relocating to Dubai is obtaining a residency visa. It is a legal permit to enter, work, and stay in Dubai. To become a resident, you need a UAE residency visa. Different types of residency visas are available. The most common ones are a regular visa issued for two or five years and a golden visa with a ten-year validity.
Residency visas can be obtained by employers of a company registered in the UAE, those who are studying or have invested in the UAE, and freelancers and professionals. You can also apply for a family visa. The family visa cost varies depending on the duration, type, insurance, location, and service type. It usually costs around AED 4,500 to AED 6,000.
Tip 2: Understand sponsorship
If you have a UAE residency visa, you can act as a sponsor for your family members. The two conditions to do this are:
- You must have a valid UAE residency visa.
- Your monthly income should be at least AED 4,000 for sponsoring children or spouse.
A UAE-based employer usually starts the visa process for most employees and acts as their sponsor. Once you receive the UAE residency visa through this, you can act as a sponsor for your loved ones. The sponsorship visa will be valid for the duration of your residency visa and can be renewed.
Tip 3: Gather the required documents
To apply for a family visa, ensure the following documents are in order:
- A copy of the sponsor’s valid residency visa and passport
- Sponsor’s Emirates ID
- Copy of the family member’s valid passport
- Birth certificate, marriage certificate, or any other document as a proof of kinship
- Proof of sponsor’s income or employment record and housing details
Once your family members enter the UAE, they must undergo a medical fitness test from one of the authorised healthcare centres, apply for their residency visa, and apply for an Emirates ID.
Tip 4: Prepare your family before moving
An essential aspect of preparing to move your family is to discuss the finances. Whether it is the family visa cost, relocation, and accommodation cost, or anything else needed, discuss it. While considering family relocation, Dubai’s salary must be considered. Preparation is a great way to create a budget and become aware of the costs involved in moving. Apart from this, ensure you talk to them about the move, understand the culture of Dubai, and try visiting before moving to make it easier.
Tip 5: Grasp the cost of living in Dubai
The cost of living in Dubai with a family is comparatively lower than in any of the leading cities in the UK. Though this city is popular as a luxury destination, it offers an excellent quality of life within any budget.
The minimum salary to live in Dubai with a family is around ED 20,000 to AED 30,000 per month. This covers your housing, healthcare, education, and related living expenses. However, it can be lower or higher depending on your lifestyle.
Tip 6: Find ideal accommodation
Dubai is an expat and family-friendly city with world-class amenities, a high quality of life, incredible infrastructure, safe neighborhoods, and some of the best educational and healthcare facilities. Finding the ideal accommodation for yourself and your family will make it easier to move to Dubai. This city can cater to all your family’s requirements. Dubai has something to offer for everyone within their budgets. Choices are endless, from luxurious beachfront properties to apartments in the city’s heart.
Some popular areas to find accommodation are Dubai Harbour, Business Bay, Tilal al Ghaf, Mohammed Bin Rashid City, Deira, Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, and International City.
Apart from all the tips mentioned, hiring professional help is another tip. A quick Google search will give a list of top relocation companies in Dubai. Such companies usually have professionals on board who offer services such as tax and legal advice about finances, visa compliance, advice about relocating, housing options, and more. Simply put, relocation is made stress-free when you contact a professional.
Conclusion
If you are considering moving to Dubai with your family, taking it one step at a time is the most important thing. Relocating to Dubai involves multiple formalities and compliances in addition to preparation.
To ensure this process is hassle-free for yourself and your loved ones, get in touch with our experts at Emirates Business Setup (EBS). EBS is a leading business consultancy in Dubai, and our team of professionals and experts is here to simplify the process of relocating to Dubai. Whether you need a relocation consultant in Dubai or are wondering about the family visa cost or anything else, we are here to help!
