Moving to Dubai: Costs
An average 3-bed house removal to Dubai from London can cost between £5,900 – £6,850.
Estimated costs of moving from London to Dubai:
| Household Size | Sea Freight | Air Freight |
| 1-bed flat | £3,700 – £4,400 | £7,500 – £8,350 |
| 3-bed house | £5,900 – £6,850 | N/A |
| 5-bed house | £8,800 – £10,200 | N/A |
Disclaimer: These prices are only estimates. The actual cost of moving will differ.
Related article
Learn how to save money on your move with our guide.
Moving to Dubai from the UK With Kids
If you’re relocating with your spouse and children, the following might help you:
- Visa Requirements: Family members can be included under the primary applicant’s visa, but you must meet some conditions found on the official UAE page on Residence visa for family members.
- Choosing a school: Dubai offers a huge variety of international educational centres adapted to British curricula
- Support social connections: Make sure to enroll your kids in extracurricular activities such as sports to foster relationships.
- Healthcare coverage: Obtain private health insurance for your family if this is not provided by your employer.
International Removal Companies from the UK to Dubai
Find the best international removals that offer overseas services to Dubai:
Sirelo Top Mover
8.0
88
Amersham
6 ratings as Good Communication
6 ratings as "Good Communication"
7.4
207
London
14 ratings as Good Price
14 ratings as "Good Price"
Sirelo Top Mover
7.9
226
Croydon
14 ratings as Professional
14 ratings as "Professional"
9.2
101
Liverpool
2 ratings as Efficient
2 ratings as "Efficient"
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Dubai Visa for UK Citizens
Do you need a Visa for Dubai from the UK? Yes, you must apply for a visa to live and work in Dubai. As a UK citizen, you will need to apply for a residency visa – typically arranged by your employer.
What you need for moving to Dubai and applying for a visa:
- Passport
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Medical documentation
- University degree(s) and qualifications
- Financial statements
- Employment contract
To live or work in Dubai, you will apply for a long-term visa. Depending on your situation, you may be eligible for the following ones.
Work Visa for Dubai
Visit the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship for more information. Below are necessary documents:
- A Labour Card, confirming your employment status with a UAE company
- Residence Visa, allowing you to live legally there
- Emirates ID, the official identification in the country.
Freelancer Visa for Dubai
To work as a freelancer in Dubai, you can apply for a freelancer visa, which enables you to operate independently. After that, you will need to apply for a residence visa by submitting the necessary documentation to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
Living in Dubai: Costs and Information
Dubai is known for its high living standards, luxury, and modern architecture. It offers a cosmopolitan lifestyle and a vibrant atmosphere. The living costs will depend on your daily life, but it’s important to know they can significantly increase.
Cost of Living in Dubai vs. UK
The cost of living in Dubai is 28% cheaper than in London. To live in Dubai, a person would need around £4,900 to maintain the same lifestyle you would in the British capital.
The cost of living in Dubai is 28% cheaper than in London. To live in Dubai, a person would need around £4,900 to maintain the same lifestyle you would in the British capital.
| Item | Cost in Dubai | Cost in London |
| Restaurant Meal | £30 | £260 |
| Eggs (12) | £2.50 | £3.30 |
| Milk (1L) | £1.40 | £1.30 |
| Public Transport Ticket | £1.25 | £2.9 |
| Monthly Utilities | £155 | £250 |
| Rent (1-bedroom) | £1,720 | £2,160 |
Source: Numbeo
Is expensive to live in Dubai? It can be expensive. Daily expenses, groceries, and public transportation can be more affordable than in the UK, but it will all depend on your lifestyle and location.
What Are the Rules in Dubai?
The UAE has a lot of rules and regulations so it would be important to read up on them. Some examples are:
- Eating and Drinking are forbidden on all forms of public transport (including pedestrian crossings)
- Swearing in public is punishable by up to a year in prison or 10,000 dirhams (£2,157) fine
- Taking a photo of someone without consent is subject to a year in prison and a 10,000 dirham fine as well as the risk of deportation
- Poppy seeds are an illegal substance in the UAE as they can be used to create opium.
How safe is it in Dubai? The city is extremely safe. With strict laws and low crime rates, it ensures a protected environment for all citizens.
Living in Dubai as a Woman
There are some rules for women in Dubai to consider. Before moving, it’s key to understand that:
- The dress code needs to be modest and respect local customs
- Inappropriate behaviour in public, such as displays of affection can have legal repercussions
- In some professional sectors, particularly with pronounced gender dynamics, women can find it difficult to access some roles
- Relationship laws impose restrictions on unmarried couples, particularly regarding cohabitation and premarital intimacy.
Best Areas to Live in Dubai as an Expat
- Downtown Dubai: The perfect area for urbanities seeking for a dynamic atmosphere.
- Dubai Marina: Ideal for those with an active life.
- Jumeirah Beach Residence: A family-friendly residential area located beachfront.
- Palm Jumeirah: High-end accommodations can be found here
- Mirdif: Offers affordable housing, good schools, and plenty of amenities for families.
Pros and Cons of Living in Dubai
Pros
No personal income tax
High living standards
One of the lowest crime rates in the world
Business hub with plenty of opportunities
Cons
Cultural restrictions
Expensive luxurious lifestyle
Extremely hot weather
Reliance on work visas for residency
British Working in Dubai
Dubai is renowned for offering tax-free salaries and fantastic professional opportunities in many sectors like IT, healthcare, real estate, and hospitality.
Salaries in Dubai
- Mid-level professionals typically earn around AED 25,000 (£5,500)
- Senior-level roles can reach AED 40,000 (£8,500) or more
For a single person, a decent salary is around AED 18,000, while AED 30,000 is generally sufficient for a family to live comfortably.
Checklist for Moving to Dubai
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Moving from the UK to Dubai isn’t as hard as it looks, especially when you’ve got a great guide. The following checklist will help you set everything up:
- Apply for a visa and work permits – Your Employer will be of assistance in visa applications.
- Choosing a Removal Company – Investigate some of the top international removal companies.
- Packing – If you need help with packing, we recommend our expert packing guide.
- Healthcare – public healthcare in Dubai provides a very high standard and great coverage to all residents.
- Notify relevant institutions – you must inform HMRC that you’ll no longer be in the UK.
- Moving with pets – ensure your pet is microchipped, and has a valid rabies vaccination certificate, and a general health certificate. For more information, you can visit the Ministry of the Environment’s page on importing pets.
Ready for Moving to Dubai?
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