Navigating Your Move to Dubai: A Detailed Guide for UK Job Seekers

UK professionals considering a move to Dubai for a job need to navigate an entirely different relocation path than entrepreneurs. This guide is tailored for individuals relocating to the UAE on employment-based residence visas. We cover everything: legal procedures, costs, benefits, visa timelines, and what employers usually offer in terms of relocation support. From contract reviews and relocation packages to Emirates ID processing, accommodation search, and schooling — this is your one-stop guide. Whether you’re joining a DIFC-based bank, a Dubai-based international school, or a multinational tech firm, this article prepares you with a complete relocation checklist.

All UK employees moving to Dubai must have a valid residence visa sponsored by their employer. This visa is not just for travel — it's your legal status for living and working in the UAE. The process begins once your employment contract is signed. The company applies for an Entry Permit, which you’ll use to enter the UAE. Once you arrive, you must complete a medical fitness test (blood test and chest x-ray) and biometric fingerprinting for your Emirates ID. You cannot legally start work or open a bank account without these steps. Most visas are valid for 2 years (Free Zones) or 3 years (Mainland). Your employer holds legal responsibility for your immigration file, and your visa must be cancelled if you change jobs or leave. If you're being relocated with a job, your company should cover these costs.

Relocation packages vary significantly by sector, company size, and role seniority. A typical mid-level relocation package may include: one-way economy airfare, temporary accommodation (7–30 days in a hotel or serviced apartment), visa and Emirates ID costs, and private medical insurance. Higher-tier packages may also cover: housing allowance or paid rent, schooling for up to two children, annual flights home, furniture allowance, and family dependent visa fees. Some companies provide a relocation allowance (e.g., AED 10,000–25,000) to help with initial setup, while others contract relocation agencies to manage the process. It's crucial to clarify what's included in writing, especially housing and education support. We provide a comparison chart by industry.

After receiving your Entry Permit, you’ll enter the UAE and complete three critical steps: (1) Medical Fitness Test at a government-approved center (usually takes 2–3 days), (2) Emirates ID biometric capture (fingerprints and facial scan), and (3) Labour Card issuance. Your residence visa is then stamped in your passport. With this, you can legally sign rental contracts, register utilities, open a local bank account, and sponsor family members. Your visa status is tied to your job — termination or resignation triggers a 30-day grace period to either transfer your visa to another sponsor or exit the country. It’s vital to understand this dependency and have contingency plans. We outline timelines, grace periods, and cancellation processes in full.

Relocating with a spouse and children involves extra logistics. First, ensure your monthly salary exceeds the minimum threshold to sponsor dependents (typically AED 4,000–AED 10,000 depending on your profession and housing). You’ll need a Ejari tenancy contract in your name (minimum 1-bedroom unit) to begin the visa process for your family. Dependent visas must be processed after yours is complete. Education is not free — international school fees can range from AED 20,000–90,000 per child annually. Many expat packages cover part or all of this, but you’ll need to confirm. Health insurance is mandatory for each family member. This section breaks down step-by-step family visa costs, timelines, and required documents.

- Chris, Senior Banker (London → DIFC): Offered AED 45,000/month, housing allowance of AED 120,000/year, full schooling for 2 kids, private medical. His employer covered all visa and relocation costs. Initial transition took 6 weeks, and he secured a Palm Jumeirah rental with a 12-month lease. - Jenna, English Teacher (Leeds → Al Barsha): Joined a British curriculum school. AED 13,000/month, single-room housing included, health insurance provided, no dependent sponsorship. She used her first 30 days to secure long-term accommodation. - Imran, Software Engineer (Manchester → Dubai Internet City): Joined a tech firm with partial relocation support. Visa fees covered, but had to pay for own move and insurance for dependents. Sponsored his wife and newborn with his own savings. We walk through each timeline, contract detail, and personal reflection to offer you realistic expectations.