Emigrating to Dubai is a huge step to think of making and is not a decision to take on a whim. There are lots of things that you will need to look at. Remember it’s not going to be like a holiday. You’ll have to work and pay the bills just like you do at home. There will be different laws to get to know and a different language. Having said this, moving to Dubai could also be the first step to a fresh start and a great experience.

It could be a great experience

A lot of people are put off by horror stories about moving to another country and the paperwork that can be involved. The paperwork isn’t as hard as you think if you just follow instructions.  A visa for The United Arab Emirates would be required anyway so you will need to contact the embassy in the UK.  They will advise you fully about what might be required and of course whether or not you would be accepted.  As for the horror stories, like I said previously moving to another country is very different from taking a vacation, so make sure you do your research into Dubai if you’re planning on making a new life there.

So where do you start when you’re thinking of emigrating to Dubai? Firstly spend a couple of months out there as you would if you were living there. Learn about the culture and society you hope to integrate into. Get a feel for the people and ask yourself if you could imagine yourself living here. Don’t just pop out to restaurants for dinner every night. Try visiting the local supermarkets and using public transport. Look at the work available and the cost of living out there. It sounds like an obvious step to take, but a lot of people will actually get so caught up in the great weather and the fact that the only time they went there they had a great time, that they won’t take this very important step.  You may need a visa if you are just going for a short stay and a travel agent will advise you on this.

All that hustle and bustle under tonnes of Air Conditioning

Another step to take before actually making the move is to join forums about moving to Dubai. Talking to people who have already gone through the process and can offer advice on how to make it go smoother can make it seem a lot less daunting. They can also point you in the right direction on where to get the best advice and avoid people just trying to scam you out of your money by sending you illegal documents.

So how do you actually go about moving to Dubai? Well firstly you need to get a work permit and residency visa. Once you have a visa you can start settling into your new life.  How do I go about getting my visa, I hear you say. Getting your Dubai visa is actually relatively simple. One of the best ways to do it in my opinion is to have a job offer waiting for you when you arrive in Dubai. Having this will not only provide an income and some stability as soon as you get there but it’s the duty of the employer to get you your residency visa, work permit and pay for the costs. Double check before you move out there that your employer will also be able to sponsor your family, so they also have residency when moving out there. If that’s not possible, be sure that you, yourself, can act as a sponsor. Married men usually can but women may find it impossible unless they are in certain employment positions, such as being doctors. Unfair, yes, but as I said previously, remember you’re moving to a different country with a very different culture.

You will be going into a very different culture

If you’re planning on moving the whole family out there, you can request a family visa, which covers immediate family. With this option there is a minimum earning level of around £750.

With all visas you have to undergo a health test. If you have HIV or AIDS, then your health card can’t be approved and you can’t go any further with your application.  Your health card will need to be renewed every year. Residency visas in Dubai are valid for three years if you wish to stay in the country. Once in the country it’s best to keep documents on you at all times, as Dubai is trying to crack down on illegal immigrants and workers. You could be asked at any time to prove you have the right to work and live in the country.

If you have looked into getting a visa by buying property in Dubai, think again. A lot of property sellers will tell you that you will automatically gain a residency visa by purchasing property. There is no law that backs this up. Currently it is being discussed that investors will receive a special entry visa instead of a residency visa. This is something that you will need to confirm if you buy a property. Some property sellers will offer sponsorship as part of the deal when buying a property in Dubai. This doesn’t guarantee you a residency visa but it will help towards getting one.

Getting a property doesn’t mean that you’ve got a green card

You can be automatically eligible to receive a residency visa and work permit if you set up your own business in one of the free trade areas. You do have to be able to pay for the venture yourself or get funding by borrowing. If you plan to get your visa this way, you should do your research. While Dubai is supportive of new businesses that provide more jobs, you need to make sure that the service you’re offering is actually needed. It is better to seek professional advice from someone who understands the business laws and taxes in Dubai.