Dubai is an expat-friendly emirate with excellent business and job prospects. It also has absolutely unique attractions that you won’t find anyplace else. Recent legislative reforms have also resulted in some interesting improvements for expats. If you’re thinking of relocating to Dubai with your family, here’s a checklist of things to think about before making that possibly life-changing choice.
THINGS TO CONSIDER ABOUT IF YOU’RE MOVING TO DUBAI WITH YOUR FAMILY
Dubai and other UAE emirates provide a comfortable and easy lifestyle with superb lodging alternatives. This is one of the reasons why the city has the largest percentage of expatriates in the world. If you are considering making this gorgeous city your home, here are some things you should know about it:
- Despite the fact that Arabic is the official language, English is widely spoken and understood across the country.
- One of the most significant advantages of living in Dubai is the absence of income tax. You receive 100% of your earnings. That’s how it works: you earn it, you keep it.
- Dubai’s infrastructure is comparable to that of other large cities in the industrialized world, with adequate public transportation choices.
- It is also a worldwide shopping centre, a hub of entertainment possibilities, and is particularly well-known for its legendary nightlife.
ORGANIZE YOUR PAPERWORK AND VISA
Before you decide to relocate your family to Dubai, you must first complete the necessary papers. A better first step is to apply for a work visa in Dubai. While moving to Dubai, you may require the following visas:
- Employment visa/work permit/residency: An employer-arranged visa permits you to enter the country, after which a work permit is provided.
- Dependent visa: A visa granted to those whose spouses or parents are already residents of Dubai.
- Student visa: A visa for students who want to study at universities in Dubai.
- Investor visa: A visa for expats who want to make investments in companies in the UAE.
In most cases, the employer (sponsor) manages the work permit requirements and the application procedure. You will, however, be required to provide a medical certificate, certified educational credentials, updated pictures, and copies of your passport (which should have at least six months of validity).
Moving on, expatriates with a minimum salary of AED 3,000 with residence or AED 4,000 without residence who have valid residency permits can also sponsor their family.
The revised UAE family visa allows expatriates to sponsor their spouse, children, or parents as long as they match the required criteria. For more information, see our UAE family visa sponsorship guide.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO LIVE IN DUBAI?
When considering relocating to Dubai with family, consider the city’s cost of living. The cost of living in Dubai is determined by a variety of variables, including housing, utilities, public transportation, healthcare, education, and other similar expenditures. If you are moving to Dubai with your family, it is definitely best to choose a moderately priced flat.
HOUSING IN DUBAI
If you have a family, you will most likely opt for one or two-bedroom apartments in Dubai.
- JVC
- Al Nahda
- Bur Dubai
- Deira
- Dubai Silicon Oasis
- Dubai Marina
- Downtown Dubai
- Dubai Hills Estate
- Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR)
All of the aforementioned places are popular with tenants, however the rental fees differ. Dubai Marina is one of the most costly of the places mentioned above. Nonetheless, the sophisticated urban lifestyle it offers, as well as the availability of local facilities, make it one of the most sought-after places in Dubai for family-friendly flats.
Dubai Marina has a plethora of gyms, schools, children’s play spaces, restaurants, and entertainment opportunities. In addition, Dubai Marina Mall is a shopaholic’s dream!
Some feasible possibilities for family-friendly residences in Dubai include Downtown Dubai and Palm Jumeirah. Yet, if you’re seeking for more cheap choices, older areas like as Al Nahda, Deira, and Bur Dubai have numerous modest flats for rent.
DUBAI HEALTHCARE
When moving to Dubai with family, it is essential to consider prospective healthcare expenditures. Medical insurance is required in Dubai. Many jobs offer health insurance, while some do not.
Call one of Dubai’s leading health insurance firms to find the best coverage for you and your family.
Nonetheless, it is worth noting that foreigners in Dubai are also eligible for a health card. Let’s take a look at how to obtain one.
HOW DO I GET A HEALTH CARD IN DUBAI?
To get treatment at government hospitals and healthcare centers in Dubai, eligible foreigners must have a health card. Do you want to know how to acquire a health card in Dubai? The following are the fees for health cards for expats and UAE nationals.
- UAE nationals: AED 20
- GCC Resident: AED 20 AED
- GCC Visitor: AED 50 (1-year validity)
- Resident: AED 100 (1-year validity)
- Visitors: AED 50 (valid for 3 months)
- Smart Application Fees: AED 15
You may apply for a health card online or in person at primary care facilities such as Rashid Hospital, Latifa Hospital, and Hatta Hospital. Please contact 800-342 if you require any other information (DHA).
In terms of general healthcare infrastructure, Dubai government hospitals provide cutting-edge medical services.
Similarly, private hospitals in Dubai offer highly skilled healthcare personnel and cutting-edge medical technology to provide comprehensive medical treatment.
Individuals considering relocating should be aware that prescription medications are subject to stringent restrictions and regulations in Dubai and other regions of the UAE.
SCHOOLS IN DUBAI
Are you thinking of moving to Dubai with your children? One of the most significant factors to consider is education. Fortunately, there are outstanding schools all around Dubai, many of which are adjacent to major residential districts. These are some of the most economical schools in Dubai for people on a tight budget:
- The Dubai English Language School in Oud Mehta
- Central School in Al Nahda
- The Elite English School in Deira
- Crescent English High School
- H.H Shaikh Rashid Al Maktoum Pakistan School Dubai in Al Qusais
You can also opt for one of these top schools in Dubai:
- Repton School
- Dubai British School
- Dubai English Speaking School
- Sunmarke School
- Dubai College
The fees in the schools above range from AED 36k to AED 100k annually.
DUBAI FUEL COSTS
Prior to taking the significant step of relocating to Dubai with your family, it’s crucial to take gasoline expenses into account. In addition to the many alternatives for public transportation in Dubai, owning a car for commuting and other uses is a wise decision. By obtaining a car loan in Dubai, you may either lease a car or choose the longer-term option of buying your vehicle outright.
Dubai’s fuel prices unquestionably fall under the heading of being fair. The most recent fuel prices in the UAE are available here.
HOW IS THE JOB MARKET IN DUBAI?
The work market is the next section of our guide on relocating to Dubai with family. Dubai is one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, with a steady demand for qualified labor.
Because Dubai is a commercial and trade hub, many start-ups want to invest here due to the business-friendly economy. Business and government jobs for expats in the UAE are feasible choices. Some of the most in-demand job categories in Dubai are:
- Accounting and Finance
- HR and Recruitment
- Legal Sector jobs
- Engineers
- Medical Professionals
- Artificial Intelligence and Digitisation jobs
- Digital Marketing Experts
- Hospitality and Food
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
IS IT SAFE TO LIVE IN DUBAI WITH FAMILY?
Dubai is secure, comfortable, and great for families with children. The city has everything a family needs, from inexpensive housing to schools, hospitals, and plenty of entertainment.
WHAT IS A GOOD SALARY IN DUBAI FOR A FAMILY OF FOUR?
The needed wage is determined by the cost of living and the location of residence. A family with two children would require a minimum salary of AED 15,000 to AED 20,000 to live comfortably, according to a preliminary estimate.
IS LIVING IN DUBAI EXPENSIVE?
Rent, fuel charges, monthly food, energy bills, and other variables all contribute to household expenditures in Dubai.
That brings us to the end of our guide on moving to Dubai with family. We hope it will assist you in making the important decision.
Work is a major consideration when relocating to a new country, thus we recommend searching the best UAE job sites for fantastic prospects.
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