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:
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.