Moving to Dubai from UK – Everything You Need to Know

Moving to Dubai from UK is a challenging yet exciting opportunity. If you are British and want to move to Dubai, it is the best time. 

Dubai is the place to be. You can live and work here as much as you want to. The tax system and licensing procedures are straightforward. 

You can live here with your family by sponsoring them. Your children can get an education in British schools in Dubai. You can benefit from the amazing healthcare system in Dubai.

It would help if you considered a few things before you plan to move to Dubai from UK. In this blog, you will get all the basic information that will help you relocate to Dubai from the UK.

Things to Consider 

Here are some common facts and things you need to know about Dubai if you’re thinking about moving there:

• The currency is in AED (Emirati Dirham). 
• Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken.
• The UAE population is around 9.44 million.
• You can enjoy tax-free income with 0% income tax.
• In UAE, most people are between 25 to 54 years old.
• The largest age bracket in the UAE’s population falls between 25 to 54 years making up 7.03 million people.
• You can invest in property to gain a golden visa.
• You can enjoy 365 sunny days in the UAE.
• A UAE residency visa is usually valid for 2 years.
• If you are British and already have a driving license, then you may need to convert it in the UAE.

License Options

You can choose from different license options in the United Arab Emirates. Here are the main options:

Business Licenses

A business license is a legal authorization issued by the government of UAE. It allows a business to operate within a certain jurisdiction. 

Here are four types of business licenses in the UAE:

Commercial License 

• It is for businesses engaged in trading activities.
• Allows the import, export, sale, and distribution of goods.

Industrial License

• An industrial license is for businesses involved in manufacturing or industrial activities.
• It is issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED) and requires approval from other relevant authorities.

Professional License

• The professional license is for service-oriented businesses such as consultancy, legal services, and other professional services.
• Issued by the DED and may require additional approvals depending on the profession.

Tourism License

• Businesses operating in the tourism sector require a tourism license. It includes travel agencies, tour operators, and hotels.
• It is issued by the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) in Dubai or relevant authorities in other Emirates.

Options to get a UAE residency visa

Dubai is one of the best countries to live in. It offers various visa options for expats including UK citizens. You can get countless benefits when moving from Uk to Dubai. It is to accommodate different purposes such as tourism, work, investment, and living in the UAE. You can also open your bank account in Dubai after getting a residence visa. 

The options for a UAE residence visa when you move from the UK are: 

Tourist visas

British citizens visiting Dubai can obtain a visa on arrival for a stay of up to 30 days, which can be extended for an additional 30 days.

Alternatively, they can opt for a 90-day multiple-entry visa, valid for six months from the date of issue, allowing a total stay of 90 days in the UAE.

Employment visa

An employment visa for Dubai allows expats to live and work in the UAE, sponsored by their employer.

This residence visa is typically valid for 2 years and you will get an Emirates ID for 2 years. The visa can be renewed upon expiration.

Freelance visa

A freelancer visa allows individuals to work as freelancers in certain sectors like media, technology, and education. It is issued by specific free zones like Dubai Media City and others. 

Residency visas

Investor Visa

Investor visa Is for individuals who buy property in Dubai or start a business in Dubai.

• Property investment of AED 1 million or more can qualify for a 2-year residency visa.
• Business investment can qualify for a longer residency visa depending on the amount invested.

Golden visa

Golden visa is a long-term residency visa for investors, entrepreneurs, specialized talents, researchers, and outstanding students.

• Golden visa is valid for 5 or 10 years, and renewable.
• Dubai offers 100% foreign ownership to businesses within mainland UAE.

Student visa

A student visa is for international students enrolled in UAE educational institutions.

It is sponsored by the university or educational institution. It is valid for the duration of the study program.

Family visa

The family visa allows residents and citizens to sponsor their immediate family members (spouse, children, parents). The sponsor must meet specific income requirements. The validity typically matches the sponsor’s visa.

Living costs in Dubai as a British

The cost of living as a UK expat in Dubai can vary according to your lifestyle. Meanwhile, we can break down some of the major expenses:

Housing Expenses

• Leasing or renting an apartment. This is often the largest expense. Prices vary on the area and type of accommodation. For example:
• – Studio apartment: AED 40,000 (8609.60 GBP) – 70,000 (15,066.80 GBP) per year 
• – One-bedroom apartment: AED 60,000 (12,914.40 GBP)- 100,000 (215239.93 GBP) per year
• – Two-bedroom apartment: AED 90,000 (19371.59 GBP)- 150,000 (32285.99 GBP) per year
• Utilities bills including electricity, and water can cost between AED 500 (107.62 GBP) – 1,500 (322.86 GBP) per month.

Transportation

A private car is very much beneficial for you in Dubai. However, it comes with related costs for fuel, insurance, maintenance, and registration. 

• Fuel is relatively cheap as one liter costs 3.14 AED (0.68 GBP).
• Insurance and other costs can add up to around 1,500 Dirhams (322.86 GBP) – 2,500 (538.10 GBP) per month.
• The metro, buses, and trams are affordable and well-connected. Monthly public transport passes range from AED 300 (64.57 GBP)- 500 (107.62 GBP).

Food

• Monthly grocery bills can range from 1,500 Dirhams (322.86 GBP) – to 3,000 Dirhams (645.72 GBP) for a small family, depending on dietary preferences and shopping habits.
• Eating out can be affordable or expensive, depending on the choice of restaurants. A meal at a mid-range restaurant might cost around AED 100 (21.52 GBP) – AED 200 (43.05 GBP) per person.

Healthcare

• Health insurance is mandatory, and costs can vary widely.
• Employer-provided insurance may cover most expenses.
• Private insurance premiums range from AED 5,000 (1076.20 GBP) per year per person.

Miscellaneous

• Monthly costs for internet and mobile will be approximately around AED 300 (64.57 GBP).
• Hiring a full-time sponsored maid can cost around AED 2,000 (430 GBP)- AED 3,500 (753.34 GBP) per month, including visa and other costs.

British Schools in Dubai

There are several top-notch schools in Dubai that offer British and/or US curriculum options. It provides UK expats with a variety of choices in Dubai for their children. 

Some of the most popular schools to choose in Dubai from the UK curriculum are:

1. Dubai British School (DBS)
2. Jumeirah College
3. The British School Al Khubairat
4. Repton School Dubai
5. Kings’ School Dubai
6. GEMS School

Conclusion

In conclusion, people moving from the UK to Dubai experience a unique lifestyle. You can enjoy the comforts of Western society with the cultural richness of the Middle East. You can also access to high-quality amenities, excellent healthcare, and luxurious living spaces.

Overall, the experience of UK expats in Dubai is a mix of excitement, adventure, and opportunity, making it a popular destination for those seeking an international experience. 

If you are here reading this blog and interested to know more about work in Dubai or life in Dubai. Contact us and start your process of moving to Dubai from UK. Emirates Business Setup helps you move to Dubai!