Moving to Dubai? 2025 Checklist for When You Arrive

Moving to Dubai? 2025 Checklist for When You Arrive

Emirates ID Registration, Permanent Accommodation, Local SIM Card, UAE Bank Account, get Nol or Driving license and lots more checklist is well showcased before so that you make your stay comfortable and convenience, so if you are moving you Dubai, then this is for you: -

aIt is an exciting yet overwhelming task to move to Dubai. As it is layered with skyline beauty, tax-free lifestyle, and high living standards where it has been attracting professionals, families & entrepreneurs from all over the globe.

However, the question many wonder is, once you get to that city, what are some of the steps one should take to unpack seamlessly? Trace your path back. It is imperative to be able to reconnect from where we are coming, even if we find ourselves in a situation where eloping seems fit.

Your complete list of things to do after moving to Dubai —for all expatriates who are relocating for work, for business or even just for lifestyle and want to make your stay smooth by making it right the first time.

1. Important to accomplish your Emirates ID Registration

Why It’s Important:

The Emirates ID is a national identity card of the UAE. You need this for everything for example, rent a house, open a bank account, use your SIM card or even pay a visit to the hospital.

Where to Apply:

  • Online at the ICA website or the typist closest to you
  • Biometrics appointment required

TIME TAKEN: (The process takes: 5–7 working days)

And if you want to track everything to have an eye on it, then check ICA Website for online status of your application.

2. Find Your Permanent Accommodation

When you are in Dubai, you have a lot of options available for accommodation facilities, whether it is a high-rise apartment, luxury villas, or affordable townhouses. There's the one you like the best based on your budget, lifestyle and closeness to your work/schools.

Budget Recommended Communities
AED 1K–3K/month Al Nahda, Deira, Discovery Gardens,
AED 7K–15K/month JVC, Al Furjan & Dubai Hills. Damac Hills
AED 15K+ /month Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, Emirates Hills

 

What is the process?

When it comes to buying a home in Dubai, then the right assistance or call it a legal guidance is required to mitigate the false because buying a property required right planning and guidance, and with the help of Dubai Housing you can find your perfect and friendly home for investment, so simply visit the site and grab all the latest information about off plan & ready to move properties in Dubai that fits into your budgets and choice.

3. Get a Local SIM Card

Why You Need It: We need a UAE number for various purposes, including job applications, bank alerts, utility setup, and delivery.

Top Providers: Etisalat, Du or Virgin Mobile

 And for this you need to register it with your passport + Emirates ID

4. Open a UAE Bank Account

This is also a must thing to do asap because for you salary, utility and online transactions you need to have an account.

And for this, the required documents are- Emirates ID, Passport copy with visa, Employment letter or tenancy contract.

Now if you want to connect with the top banks, then expats can consider the following: - 

Bank Name Features
Emirates NBD Easy digital account setup
ADCB Great for salary accounts
Mashreq Neo 100% digital onboarding

5. Transport: Buy your Nol or Drive Your Car

Without travelling the survival is not possible in Dubai or any city because you have to travel for everything whether it is job, entertainment, meetings or more, so in this case metro and bus both are the economical and friendly for the commuters, and for this you need to purchase the Nol Card.

Public Transport:

  • RTA — Metro, bus, tram and water taxi
  • Purchase Nol card(Price: AED 25 balance) near to any metro station to nonstop travelling
Card Type Issuance Price Validity
Silver Nol Card AED 25 (includes AED 19 credit) Valid for 5 years
Red Ticket (Paper) AED 2 Valid for up to 10 journeys or ~5 daily passes
Gold Nol Card AED 25 (includes AED 19 credit) 5 years
Blue Nol Card (Concession) AED 70 (registered) 5 years

 

Now, what if you want to buy a car in Dubai?

Then the first step is to get these documents ready, here is the list for residents and non-residents: -

For Residents: For Tourists/Non-residents:
  • Emirates ID
  • UAE Driving License
  • Visa copy
  • Insurance (required before registration)
  • International Driving License
  • Passport copy
  • Valid Visit Visa
  • Temporary insurance

 

And after this, the process is to choose & inspect the car meticulously

  • Visit certified dealerships  or used car markets 
  • Get a pre-purchase inspection if buying used car
  • Ask for service history, chassis number & check RTA's online history checker.

6. Register for Utilities (DEWA)

If you rent your home, register with the Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA).

Ready your documents. 

  • Emirates ID
  • Ejari certificate
  • Tenancy contract (AED 2,000–4,000 refundable Security Deposit)

7. Secure Your Health Insurance

All residents in Dubai must have health insurance as per the law. Typically, it is conferred by most employers but can also be purchased directly.

Top Insurance Providers check out the list:

  • Dama
  • Bupa
  • AXA
  • MetLife

Basic Health Insurance in Dubai Cover? (2025 Guide) – What Is Covered?

Category Coverage Details
Outpatient Services GP consultations, specialist consultations, diagnostics (X-ray, blood tests, etc.)
Inpatient Services Hospital stays, surgeries, medications during hospitalisation
Emergency Services Ambulance services, ER visits, life-saving treatments
Maternity Care Antenatal checkups, delivery (normal/C-section), postnatal care
Medication Coverage Prescription drugs (partially or fully covered)
Lab & Diagnostics Blood tests, MRIs, CT scans
Vaccinations Basic vaccines for children & adults (flu, COVID-19, etc.)
Rehabilitation Services Physiotherapy, recovery therapy post-surgery
Mental Health Covered under some mid-to-premium policies
Dental & Optical Optional or part of premium policies

 

BUT WHAT IS NOT COVERED? BE ALERT

  • Cosmetic surgeries
  • Infertility treatments (usually excluded in basic plans)
  • Alternative therapies (e.g. acupuncture, unless specified)
  • Pre-existing conditions (covered after a waiting period)
  • Chronic condition management in EBP plans (limited

8. The obligation to Educate Children (optional if you have kids)

There are pool of different schools in Dubai with International options to get quality education where curricula include British, American, IB and Indian.

YOU NEED TO CHECK THIS

  • Apply early to get the seat
  • Visit schools personally
  • Check KHDA rating to enroll your kids in higher school

Don’t go anywhere; just get the list of outstanding schools in Dubai with pricing and location to make the right selection: -

School Name Curriculum KHDA Rating Annual Fees (AED) Location
GEMS Dubai American Academy American Outstanding 63,000 – 91,000 Al Barsha South
GEMS Wellington International British / IB Outstanding 45,000 – 98,000 Al Sufouh
Dubai British School, Emirates Hills British Outstanding 63,000 Emirates Hills
Nord Anglia International School Dubai British / IB Outstanding 79,700 Al Barsha South
Repton School Dubai British / IB Outstanding 55,800 – 100,000 Nad Al Sheba
JESS (Arabian Ranches) IB / British Outstanding 67,800 Arabian Ranches
Dubai College British Outstanding 89,000 – ~101,000 Al Sufouh
Kings’ School Al Barsha British Outstanding 56,000 – ~102,000 Al Barsha
Dubai English Speaking College British Outstanding 40,000 – 84,600 Academic City
GEMS Modern Academy Indian / IB Outstanding 40,500 Nad Al Sheba
Dubai International Academy IB Outstanding 56,800 Emirates Hills

9. Job Search or Start a Business

After getting yourself comfortable in Dubai, it is time to think about your employment because without this you won’t be able to survive, so for this either you will get the job or start a business, check this: - 

  • Sign up on Bayt.Naukrigulf LinkedIn
  • Physically for this different companies, and visit local job fairs and expos

For entrepreneurs:

  • Select your business: Commercial (trading),  Professional (services), Industrial (manufacturing), Freelance (creative, tech, consultancy) 
Jurisdiction Key Advantage Ideal For
Mainland Trade across UAE + abroad Retail, logistics, service firms
Free Zone 100% foreign ownership, tax perks Tech startups, e-commerce, consultancies
Offshore International operations Holding companies, asset protection Holding companies, asset protection

 

  • After this, you can register the trade name so that there is no issue in the future and from DED website you can check out the trade names
  • Now you need to put the documents ready passport copy, business plan (for certain sectors) and trade name certificate
  • And then pick up the location (this is optional)
  • Now for the license you need to put documents in Department of Economic Development (DED) for mainland businesses and Free Zone Authority for FZ setups
  • After this, apply for visa and car for which you need to apply for UAE residence visa (for self and employees), open immigration file (Establishment Card) and undergo medical test and Emirates ID registration
  • Finally you need to open a business Bank Account  from Emirates NBD, Mashreq, RAKBank, ADCB

So you have almost covered all the pointers which are important for the right time movers in Dubai to get everything done at an early stage because this way the living in Dubai is way easier and sorted.

Final Thoughts

Although there is no denying that Dubai has a lot of good things to offer, you cannot start working in Dubai on your own as soon as you land there. For 2025 this checklist includes the most crucial things that you should do after you move to Dubai and some if not all of what is written would help in order to prevent any delays, fines or miscommunications.

And in case you want a smart home for your personal use or family, then Dubai Housing gives full assistance and finds out a perfect home for you so that you get a smart property with low risk because investment requires great planning and they know how to serve it.

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