The moving-to-Dubai checklist

Most of Dubai's setup steps depend on the one before — you can't get DEWA without Ejari, can't get Ejari without a tenancy, and can't sponsor family without your own residency. This checklist sequences it so you're never blocked.

Before you arrive

• Confirm your employment offer, visa type and what your employer handles vs what you do.
• Shortlist areas against your office, schools and budget — start with the free area match.
• Get documents attested (degree, marriage and birth certificates) — needed for visas and school enrolment.
• Sort a temporary stay (hotel/serviced apartment) for 2–4 weeks while you find a home.
• Notify your bank, arrange international transfers, and research UAE banks.

Days 1–30: get legal and get a home

1. 1
   Entry & medical

   Enter on your employment entry permit; complete the medical fitness test (blood test + chest X-ray).

2. 2
   Emirates ID & visa stamping

   Apply for your Emirates ID and complete residency — your employer's PRO usually drives this.

3. 3
   Open a bank account

   With residency under way you can open a current account and get a chequebook (you'll need cheques for rent).

4. 4
   Find and secure a home

   View shortlisted areas, run the viewing checklist, negotiate cheques and deposit, then sign.

5. 5
   Register Ejari

   Register your tenancy — see Ejari explained. You need it for DEWA and visas.

6. 6
   Connect DEWA

   Activate electricity and water — see DEWA setup. Sort cooling/chiller too.

Days 30–60: settle the essentials

• Set up internet (du or Etisalat/e&) — book early, installation can take a few days.
• Get a UAE SIM and convert to a postpaid plan once you have Emirates ID.
• Sponsor your family's residency visas (needs your residency + attested certificates + sufficient salary).
• Confirm school places and complete enrolment — see Dubai school fees by area.
• Convert your driving licence (many nationalities can swap without a test) and arrange a car or set up Careem/Uber and Metro Nol card.
• Get health insurance confirmed (employer-provided for you; you must cover dependants).

Days 60–90: optimise and protect

• Review your true running costs against budget — see Dubai first-year cost.
• Register with a local clinic/hospital and a vet if you have pets — see Dubai with dogs.
• Consider a DIFC will to direct your UAE assets.
• Reassess the area — if the commute or schools aren't working, learn the lesson cheaply before renewal.
• Build your social base — community groups, sports, and neighbourhood life.