How to Move to Dubai Without Losing Your Mind: Visas, Housing, and Adulting Abroad

Thinking of moving to Dubai? Here’s your brutally honest, slightly funny, and totally useful guide to visas, finding accommodation, and setting up bills, without losing your sanity.

So You’re Moving to Dubai? Buckle Up.

Whether it’s the year-round sunshine, the tax-free salary, or the siren call of rooftop pools and shawarma at 3 a.m. — Dubai has a way of pulling people in. I made the move a year ago, and while I love it, getting set up was… let’s say “a character-building experience.”

If you’re planning your own relocation to the glittering desert metropolis, here’s the real deal on how to move to Dubai, figure out your visa, find a place to live, and get all your bills sorted — without crying into your hummus.

1. Getting a Visa in Dubai (AKA: Let the Paperwork Games Begin)

Dubai doesn’t do casual when it comes to bureaucracy. You need a visa to stay longer than a tourist flutter, and there are a few ways to snag one:

Common Visa Types:

Work Visa — The most common route. Your employer becomes your sponsor, and hopefully also your personal admin angel.
Investor or Partner Visa — You’re starting a business? Bold of you. Dubai loves that. Paperwork will love you too.
Freelancer Visa — For creatives, consultants, and remote folks — this one’s your golden ticket.
Remote Work Visa — A newer option if your company lets you work from anywhere (and trusts you to actually work).
Golden Visa — If you’re super rich or wildly accomplished, Dubai wants to keep you for 10 years. You can alos obtain a golden visa if you purchase a property over 2mill AED.

The Basic Steps:

Entry Permit — First you get a short-term visa to enter.
Medical Check — Blood test + chest X-ray. Not terrifying, just awkward.
Emirates ID Application — Biometric scans and your new identity card.
Visa Stamping — Finally, your residency visa gets stamped into your passport.

Pro Tip: If paperwork makes you break out in hives, find a local PRO (Public Relations Officer) or visa consultant. Worth. Every. Dirham.

2. Finding a Place to Live in Dubai (Without Accidentally Renting a Shoebox)

Once you’ve got your visa process started, it’s time to hunt for a place to live and Dubai does not skimp on options. There’s everything from shiny high-rises to cozy suburban villas.

Popular Neighbourhoods:

Dubai Marina and JBR — Like Miami, but with better shawarma. Great for expats and the young ‘uns. The tram system can help get around and link you directly to the metro.
Downtown Dubai — Near the Burj Khalifa, bougie and beautiful. Home to the largest mall in the world.
JVC (Jumeirah Village Circle) — More affordable, lots of new developments. Traffic is a little insane though!
Deira or Bur Dubai — Older, more budget-friendly, loads of character.
One of the many Communities — Theres a few to choose from in varying budgets. Arabian Ranches, JGE, Dubai Hills etc.
The Palm — High-end hotels and beach clubs to decadent dining, there’s plenty for Dubai’s sun-seekers to enjoy on this magnificent island. Traffic on and off the Palm can be crazy but there is a monorail.
Al Barsha/ Barsha Heights— a well-rounded, family-friendly community with excellent amenities, convenient transportation, and a vibrant lifestyle. Again traffic can be an issue but on the plus side you’ve got a ski slop in the Mall.
Dubai Creek Harbour — Great for families and those who need to be close to Business bay or DIFC for work but want greenery, a park and a harbour! The BEST area to live and no, I’m not biased!

The key is to find an area that is close to school, or work or even better, both because the traffic can mean a 20 minute drive can turn in to 2 hours at the drop of a hat.

The Rental Process (Hold Onto Your Wallet):

Pick a Property — Use Property Finder or Bayut. Or just message everyone on Facebook Marketplace.
Sign a Lease — Usually for one year. Landlords often want post-dated cheques (yes, cheques! In 2025!).
Register with Ejari — This is Dubai’s official rental registration system. Without it, nothing else gets done. Often your letting agent will help with this, for a price, of course!
Pay Up — You’ll usually pay 1–6 cheques, a deposit (5% of rent, 10% if its furnished), and agent fees (5%). This is the bit that can throw some people. Its expensive when you first arrive because of this.

If your landlord offers a monthly payment plan, cling to them forever. They’re rare and magical creatures.

3. Setting Up Bills and Not Getting Lost in the DEWA Portal

So you’ve got a roof over your head. Now you need water, electricity, Wi-Fi, and maybe a tiny bit of sanity.

DEWA (Dubai Electricity & Water Authority):

Register online or in person.
Bring your Emirates ID, passport, and Ejari certificate.
Expect a deposit: around AED 2,000–4,000.
Your DEWA bill includes Electricty, Water, Sewage and Housing (think of this like a mini Council Tax)

Internet & Mobile:

Choose between du or Etisalat. Theres now also Virgin 5G internet to consider.
Both will test your patience equally.
Plans can be expensive — bundle when you can.
You’ll need your Emirates ID to sign up.
All of the above offer home internet and mobiles
We really liked the Virgin Yearly Plan for our mobiles. You can get 50% off by paying upfront for the year. You can choose your number and they will deliver to your door in 60 minutes. That’s Dubai baby!

Gas:

Some apartments will only allow gas ovens. The main gas companies are Lootah BCGas , South Energy and Al Fanar.
You usually get told which company you will need to use.

Air Conditioning / Chiller Fees:

Surprise! In some buildings, AC is billed separately through a third-party provider. Always ask your landlord. Emaar are usually chiller free but landlords have started to pass on the costs to tenants.

Bonus Bill Surprises:

Service Charges — Included in rent sometimes, but not always.
Parking Fees — Depends on the building.
TV — Honestly, just stream everything. Dubai UK channels are not going to cut it!

4. The Rest of Adulting in Dubai (You’re Almost There)

Banking:

Open an account with Emirates NBD, Mashreq, or ADCB.
You’ll need your residency visa and Emirates ID.
Don’t expect it to be fast. Just… bring snacks.
Wio is a great online alternative. You can upload all your documents and have an account open in a few minutes.

Health Insurance:

Mandatory. If you’re employed, your company should cover it.
If not, you’ll need to buy your own plan to complete your visa process. It can be expen sive so shop around.

Transport:

Get an Nol card for the metro, buses, and trams. Go GOLD unless you want to give up any autinomy to personal space.
Uber and Careem are everywhere. With apps to book directly too. Read about my taxi experience HERE
If you drive, converting your license might be easy or a nightmare, depends on your passport. Involves an eye test and paying someone else another chunk of cash.

Final Thoughts (and Mild Emotional Recovery)

Moving to Dubai is kind of like assembling IKEA furniture without instructions: a bit confusing, a little painful, but totally worth it when it’s done. Yes, the paperwork is intense. Yes, you’ll swear at your internet provider. But once you’re settled, it’s hard not to fall in love with the skyline, the energy, and the fact that your winter wardrobe will live in a suitcase forever.

And hey, if I figured it out, you can too. Welcome to the desert.

If you found anything helpful leave me a comment and let me know.