Things To know Before You Go...
Relocating to Dubai is a dream for many — sun-soaked days, tax-free income, luxury living, and endless opportunity. But the process of moving? It can be overwhelming. That’s where Dreams in Dubai comes in.
We’re your full-service relocation partner, here to make your transition smooth, stress-free, and tailored entirely to you.
What DO We Do ?
Visa & Legal Documentation
We take the paperwork off your plate:
•Employment, investor, or freelance visa processing
•Family sponsorship visas
•Emirates ID setup
•Document attestation (UK and UAE)
•Medical test coordination
Housing & Accommodation
From short-term stays to long-term leases, we’ll:
•Find you the perfect home based on your lifestyle and budget
•Handle contracts, negotiations, and tenancy paperwork
•Set up DEWA (utilities), internet, and maintenance
Schooling & Family Support
Moving with kids? We’ll help with:
•School selection and enrollment
•Curriculum guidance (British, IB, American, etc.)
•Nanny services, family healthcare setup, and more
Banking, Insurance & Essentials
You won’t need to Google a thing:
•Local bank account opening
•Health insurance setup
•SIM card, driving license conversion, car lease/purchase
•Orientation tours so you feel at home on day one
Business Setup & Freelance Support
Starting your own venture? We’ve got you:
•Free zone or mainland company formation
•Trade license registration
•PRO services and legal guidance
•Office space solutions
Why Choose Dreams in Dubai?
•Personalized Service – We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. Everything is built around your lifestyle, career, and goals.
•Local Expertise – Our team knows Dubai inside and out, so you always get insider knowledge and honest advice.
•End-to-End Support – From your UK departure to your first night in your new home — we’re with you every step.
•Trusted by Expats – Professionals, families, and entrepreneurs alike rely on us to turn uncertainty into excitement.
Make Your Move the Right Way
Whether you’re chasing career growth, a fresh start, or a taste of the high life, Dreams of Dubai is here to make your transition effortless.
Your dream life in Dubai starts here. Let’s build it together.
How to Move to Dubai: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Find a Job or Business Opportunity
You can’t legally live or work in Dubai without a visa, and the easiest way to get one is through employment or business setup.
•If you’re employed: Your employer sponsors your employment visa.
•If you’re self-employed or an investor: You can apply for a freelance visa, investor visa, or golden visa depending on eligibility.
•Remote workers: You can also apply for the UAE Remote Work Visa, which lets you live in Dubai while working for a company outside the UAE.
2. Get Your Visa and Residency Process Started
Once you have a job or business set up, here’s how the visa process goes:
A. Entry Permit
•Your employer or sponsor applies for your entry permit, allowing you to enter the UAE.
B. Medical Test
•Upon arrival, you’ll complete a medical test (blood test + chest X-ray) at a licensed health center.
C. Emirates ID Application
•You’ll apply for your Emirates ID (national ID) with biometric scanning (fingerprints, photo).
D. Visa Stamping
•Your residence visa will be stamped in your passport, usually valid for 2 or 3 years depending on your sponsor.
3. Prepare Your Documents (Before Leaving the UK)
Make sure these are ready:
•Valid passport (6+ months validity)
•Passport-sized photos (white background)
•Degree certificates (attested if required for your profession)
•Marriage/Birth certificates (attested if moving with family)
•Police clearance (sometimes requested by employers)
For attestation:
•UK documents must be certified by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
•Then attested by the UAE Embassy in London
4. Arrange Health Insurance
•Health insurance is mandatory.
•If you’re employed, your employer typically provides it.
•If not, you’ll need to purchase a private health plan to complete your visa application.
5. Find a Place to Live
•Book temporary housing for your arrival (Airbnb, hotel apartment)
•Once your Emirates ID is ready, you can sign a lease for a long-term rental
•Choose an area based on lifestyle:
•Downtown Dubai: luxury & central
•Dubai Marina: expat-heavy, beachy
•Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC): more affordable
•Business Bay: modern, close to Downtown
Most landlords want 1–4 cheques for annual rent. Monthly options exist but are less common.
6. Open a Bank Account
•You’ll need your Emirates ID and residence visa to open a local bank account.
•Popular banks: Emirates NBD, ADCB, Mashreq, and FAB.
7. Get a Local SIM Card
Once you arrive:
•Bring your passport and visa copy to get a SIM card from Etisalat, du, or Virgin Mobile.
•Some tourist SIMs are available at the airport for short-term use.
8. Exchange Your Driving License (Optional)
•UK driving license holders can exchange it for a UAE license without taking a test.
•Required: eye test + paperwork at RTA (Roads and Transport Authority)
9. Understand the Culture and Rules
Dubai is modern and welcoming, but it still has:
•Strict drug laws (zero tolerance)
•Modesty expectations in public areas
•Laws on alcohol consumption (only in licensed venues or at home with a permit)
•Respect for Islamic customs, especially during Ramadan
10. Consider Your Long-Term Plans
•If you’re investing, earning over a certain amount, or working in high-skill sectors, you might be eligible for:
•10-year Golden Visa
•5-year Green Visa
•Retirement Visa (for people over 55 with savings/investments)