Moving to Dubai & UAE: Expat Guide (2025)

Why Dubai?

Dubai and the broader UAE have become one of the world’s top destinations for expats, particularly professionals attracted by the combination of zero personal income tax, modern infrastructure, high salaries, and a strategic location between Europe, Asia, and Africa.

The UAE is home to over 200 nationalities, making it one of the most diverse countries on the planet. Dubai in particular offers a cosmopolitan lifestyle with world-class dining, shopping, and entertainment. Abu Dhabi, the capital, provides a slightly more relaxed alternative with strong cultural offerings. The country is also known for its safety, with very low crime rates.

Visa Types

The UAE offers several visa categories for foreign residents. In most cases, you cannot simply move to the UAE — you need a visa sponsored by an employer, a business, or through specific investment or freelance programmes.

Employment Visa

The most common route for expats. Your employer sponsors your residence visa, which is tied to your employment. The process typically involves:

• A job offer from a UAE-registered company
• Medical fitness test upon arrival
• Emirates ID registration
• Visa stamping in your passport

Employment visas are typically valid for two to three years and are renewable.

Freelance Permit

Several UAE free zones offer freelance permits that allow individuals to work independently. Popular options include Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City, and the Fujairah Creative City free zone. These permits function as both a trade licence and a residence visa sponsor.

Golden Visa

The UAE Golden Visa offers long-term residency (five or ten years) without the need for a national sponsor. Categories include:

• Investors: Real estate investors meeting minimum property value thresholds
• Skilled professionals: Workers in specialised fields meeting salary or qualification criteria
• Entrepreneurs: Business owners meeting specific revenue or investment criteria
• Outstanding students and graduates: Top-performing graduates from UAE and international universities

The Golden Visa has been expanded in recent years, making it accessible to a broader range of professionals.

Green Visa

The Green Visa allows self-sponsored residency for skilled workers, freelancers, and investors without requiring a UAE employer as sponsor. It is valid for five years.

Use our Work Permit Checker to explore which UAE visa options may be available based on your nationality and profile.

Cost of Living

Dubai is not a budget destination. However, the absence of income tax means your gross salary equals your net salary, which can offset the higher living costs.

Approximate monthly costs for a single person in Dubai (as of 2025):

• Rent (1-bedroom, city area): Approximately AED 5,000–10,000 (USD 1,360–2,720). Rent is the single largest expense and is typically paid in advance via post-dated cheques (often one to four cheques per year).
• Utilities (including cooling): AED 500–1,200/month. Air conditioning is a significant cost during the hot months.
• Groceries: AED 1,000–2,000/month
• Dining out: AED 40–100 for a mid-range restaurant meal
• Transport: AED 500–1,500/month (public transport is affordable; owning a car adds fuel, insurance, and parking costs)
• Health insurance: Typically provided by employers; mandatory in Dubai

Abu Dhabi generally offers slightly lower rents than Dubai, while Sharjah and other northern emirates are more affordable still (though many residents commute to Dubai for work).

Compare the UAE with your home country using our Cost of Living Comparator.

Tax-Free Salary

The UAE does not levy personal income tax. There is no tax on salary, freelance income, rental income, or capital gains for individuals. This is one of the primary reasons the country attracts so many international professionals.

However, the UAE introduced a 9% corporate tax in 2023 on business profits exceeding AED 375,000, and a 5% VAT applies to most goods and services. These do not directly affect your salary but are worth understanding if you run a business.

Use our Salary Calculator to see the impact of the UAE’s 0% income tax rate compared with your home country.

It is important to note that while you pay no tax in the UAE, you may still have tax obligations in your home country depending on your citizenship and residency status. US citizens, for example, are taxed on worldwide income regardless of where they live.

Banking and Money Transfers

Opening a bank account in the UAE requires your Emirates ID and residence visa. Major banks include Emirates NBD, ADCB, Mashreq, FAB, and HSBC UAE. Most banks offer accounts in AED and USD.

For international transfers — whether sending money home or receiving income from abroad — many expats use Wise to avoid the unfavourable exchange rates and high fees that UAE banks typically charge on cross-border transfers.

Disclosure: The Wise link above is an affiliate link. See our disclaimer for details.

Internet and Connectivity

The UAE has fast and reliable internet infrastructure, but it is worth noting that VoIP services (such as standard WhatsApp and FaceTime calls) are restricted. Many expats use a VPN like NordVPN to access unrestricted communication tools and geo-blocked content from their home countries.

Note that using a VPN for illegal activities is prohibited under UAE law, but using one for legitimate purposes like privacy and accessing licensed content is common practice among residents.

Insurance and Healthcare

Health insurance is mandatory for all residents in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. In most employment situations, your employer is required to provide health insurance. Freelancers and self-sponsored visa holders need to arrange their own coverage.

The UAE has excellent private healthcare facilities, with hospitals like Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Mediclinic, and American Hospital Dubai offering world-class care. Public healthcare is available but primarily serves Emirati nationals.

For coverage during travel and the initial transition period, World Nomads offers flexible travel insurance options.

Practical Tips

1. Understand the rental market — leases in the UAE work differently from many countries. Expect to pay rent in advance with post-dated cheques, and budget for a security deposit (typically 5% of annual rent).
2. Get your Emirates ID quickly — it is required for virtually everything, from opening a bank account to signing up for a phone plan.
3. Respect local customs — while Dubai is cosmopolitan, the UAE is a Muslim country. Dress modestly in government buildings and malls, and be aware of Ramadan etiquette.
4. Plan for summer heat — temperatures regularly exceed 45C (113F) from June to September. Outdoor activities shift to the cooler months.
5. Negotiate your package — many employers offer benefits beyond salary, including housing allowances, flights home, and school fees. These are often negotiable.

Explore the UAE on RoamHub

Visit our United Arab Emirates country page for detailed visa information, cost of living data, and more.

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This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. UAE visa and residency rules are updated regularly — always verify the latest requirements with the relevant UAE authorities or a qualified immigration consultant.