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Moving to the UAE

Your Guide for Moving to the Emirates

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Are you moving to the United Arab Emirates? The UAE is an attractive destination for expats due to the country’s warm weather, strong economy, and global links. No wonder you want to move there! Here at Sirelo, we have plenty of great information to make removals to the UAE a pleasant experience. Keep reading for our expert knowledge on moving costs, a great checklist and even free removal quotes. We’ll have you moving to the UAE with a smile. 😊

How Much Does It Cost of Moving to the UAE?

First stop, the cost of removals to the UAE! It should come as no surprise that we’ll address the costs before anything else money is such a driving factor. Thus, an average 3-bed house removal to the UAE from the UK can cost between £5,900 – £6,850.

Naturally, the price you will pay when moving to the UAE from London will be influenced by several different factors. If you’re curious to learn more about these factors and how you can save money, read our international moving costs page!

Of course, if an average 3-bedroom house doesn’t apply to you, just look at the table below for estimated costs of removals to the UAE from the UK for different size households.

Household SizeSea FreightAir Freight
1-bed flat£3,500 – £4,500£7,350 – £8,650
3-bed house£5,500 – £7,000N/A
5-bed house£8,400 – £10,700N/A

Disclaimer: These prices are only estimates. The actual cost of removals to the UAE from the UK will differ.

From the table, your curiosity regarding the different methods of shipping may have peaked at the mention. In that case, head over to our container shipping page to read more!

International Removal Companies to UAE

We’ve handpicked the most 5 reliable and specialized companies for UK to UAE removals. Let them handle the logistics while you can get ready for a new journey!

1. PSS International Removals

2. Mercia Movers & Storers

3. Eagle Relocations

4. Doree Bonner International

5. John Mason International Movers

Request International Removal Quotes to the UAE

Finding removal companies for your move to the UAE will be time-consuming, having to call dozens of companies and ask if they offer removals to the UAE!

Fortunately, Sirelo is here to make things easy! Just click below and we’ll find up to 5 removal companies for your UK to the UAE move within the day. This saves you time and money as you’ll have some great options to compare. 😉

Need Help with Removals to the UAE?
Request up to five free moving quotes to do so!

Checklist for Moving to the UAE

If you are attached to your hair and would like to avoid undue stress, then our moving to the UAE checklist is for you! Below, we highlight the key information that you need for smooth removals to the UAE. So, keep reading to have a great move.

✔️ Visas and Work Permits

When it comes to securing a visa and most bureaucratic endeavours, your sponsor or employer will play a big role in being able to move to the Emirates. This may come as a big relief as it won’t be you who must navigate the tricky world of bureaucracy!

Thus, all you need to do is provide the required documents for your visa and your sponsor will do the rest. They will begin the process on your behalf and help you get the required residency permit and a healthcare card. Your employer will apply for your e-card and e-contract within 60 days following your move to the UAE.

For further information, you can visit the the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship.

✔️ Important Documents

When moving to the UAE, you’ll need to have certain documents at the ready so consider preparing the following before you go:

  • Passport
  • Birth Certificate
  • Marriage certificate (if applicable)
  • Medical Documentation (including dental and immunizations)
  • University Degree(s) and qualifications (consider getting them accredited)
  • Financial Statements
  • UK Criminal Record Check (for certain jobs)
  • Health Insurance Policy
  • Employment Contract

✔️ Choosing a Removal Company

With an international removal from the UK to the UAE before you, it should consider hiring one of the top international removal companies. With the right removal company for your UK to UAE move, you’ll be moving with peace of mind!

✔️ Packing

Our advice for removals to the UAE is to start packing early. It’d be a shame to leave your most beloved furniture behind! If you need help with packing, we recommend our expert packing guide, it’s worth it for a less stressful move!

✔️ Healthcare

The UAE has a great public healthcare option which provides a very high standard and great coverage to all residents. The UAE Health Authority (DHA) was first created in 2007 to oversee private and public healthcare facilities.

In the UAE, employers are required to provide health insurance coverage for their employees, however, if you are moving there for retirement then your best option is to apply for a health card from the UAE’s Ministry of Health (MOH); with this, you will be able to receive care at a public facility.

However, it’s very common for expats to see care through the private healthcare system as it can be more convenient. Thus, it is important to consider availing of private health insurance.

✔️ Tax

To start with some great news, there’s no income tax and most products are free from sales tax! That’s pretty great, right? However, there is a catch, certain things are heavily taxed. For example, a hotel visit will have a 10% tax charge added to your bill. Alcohol is also taxed heavily. You are required to pay 50% to bring it into the city and 30% if you want to buy it to drink at home

Don’t forget that with an international removal to the UAE, it’s imperative that you inform HMRC that you’ll no longer be in the UK.

✔️ Banking

To make your life more seamless, you should consider opening an account with a local bank. Just note that you will need the following:

  • Your passport
  • A letter of no-objection from either your sponsor or employer
  • Residency care

Some banks to consider opening a local bank account with are:

✔️ Planning on Bringing a Pet?

If you want to move to the UAE with a dog, cat, or other pet, it’s not too hard! All your pet needs is:

  • Microchipped
  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • General certificate of health

For more information, you can visit the Ministry of the Environment’s page on importing pets.

That was pretty comprehensive, if we may say so. However, if you love checklists as much as we do, you should read our moving abroad checklist!

Skyline of Dubai, one of the biggest cities in the UAE. A great choice when moving to the UAE

Life in the UAE

For British expats, moving to the UAE is becoming an ever more desirable choice. This is due to the UAE boasting a rapidly growing economy as well as an exciting lifestyle with plenty of opportunities for expats, all under their sunny blue sky.

With 85% of the UAE’s population made up of expats, you can meet people from all over the world. Additionally, English is widely spoken in the UAE so there’s no pressure to be fluent in Arabic however a few phrases wouldn’t hurt! But it is important, like with any move, to prepare for the changes you will experience – That’s where we can help 😊

The Job Market in the UAE

With its booming economic hub and attractiveness to expats and multinationals, the UAE is a fantastic place for professional opportunities which is only enhanced by tax-free salaries. Since the easiest way to make the move to the UAE is with a job, use the links below to start your search and get the ball rolling!

Work Culture

When you first arrive to work in the UAE, it would be best to not be a fish out of water. Thus, we’ll give you some quick insights in to work culture in the Emirates.

  • Communication is always key. Due to some conservative attitudes, be sure to always be polite, shake hands, and engage in small talk it also creates a nice friendly atmosphere!
  • Impressions are important, and you should also dress in more formal and modest attire. Remember to not assault people’s noses with your preferred scent.
  • It’s always nice to receive a gift. Furthermore, it can be a great gesture of gratitude and appreciation when meeting clients for the first time or closing a deal. Furthermore, it’s a great way to celebrate events, festivities, and religious festivals.
  • While the working day might be 9 am to 5 pm, Friday won’t be the last day of the week. Most companies in the UAE work from Sunday to Thursday!

Ready to Move to the UAE?

So, congratulations! Removals to the UAE from the UK don’t seem so daunting now do they? With all this knowledge you’re ready to take on a move to the Emirates Just remember, it can get really hot in the UAE, so pack some sun cream and be sure there’s AC.
One last thing, why not explore Sirelo further to answer any further moving related queries. We have even linked some useful articles below, just click on one! And good luck with your move!