Moving to Dubai

Start by defining your priorities

Someone moving with a job offer will have different needs from someone setting up a business, working independently or relocating with their family.

Before starting the process, clarify a few key points:

• Your work: how you will work and where your income will come from.
• Your family: who will be moving with you and what they will need.
• Your budget: how much you can allocate to the move and ongoing expenses.
• Your home: where you would like to live and whether you prefer to rent or buy.
• Your timeline: when you want to move and what you need to arrange before leaving your country.

These decisions provide the starting point for a relocation plan tailored to your circumstances.

Choose the right residency route for you

There are several routes to residency in the Emirates, including employment, business ownership, investment and family sponsorship. Specific options are also available for certain professional profiles and people working remotely for organisations outside the UAE.

Each route has its own requirements and conditions. Your choice should reflect your work and your plans, both on arrival and over the coming years.

We help you assess the options and prepare your application, including the residency and Emirates ID procedures relevant to your circumstances.

If you are starting a business, plan its structure

If your move includes setting up a company, its structure should suit your business activity, clients and operational needs.

Choosing between a free zone and the mainland involves assessing the available licences, where and how you will operate, the visas you need and your ongoing obligations. Alongside the initial outlay, it is important to understand renewal and operating costs.

At Liberta, we advise you on company formation and the support your business will need once it is operating.

Plan your relocation costs and budget

When estimating the cost of moving to Dubai, separate your initial expenses from your ongoing commitments.

Payment schedules matter too. Residential rent may be paid in one instalment or through a series of cheques, as agreed in the tenancy contract. Before signing, review the annual rent, payment dates and the funds you will need upfront.

Allow a contingency for unexpected expenses and the costs of settling in.

Prepare your documents in advance

The documents you need will depend on your residency route, your work and whether you are moving alone or with your family.

Check the following early in the process:

• Passport validity.
• Documents confirming your employment, business activity or income.
• Marriage or birth certificates, where required.
• Any academic or professional qualifications that may be requested.
• The attestation and translation requirements for each procedure.

Preparing your documents in good time can help avoid delays and additional administration once you are in Dubai.

Choose a home that suits your needs

Where you live will affect your commute, budget and day-to-day comfort. Before deciding, consider your workplace, schools if you have children, transport links and local amenities.

Where possible, visit the areas you are considering at the times you would normally travel. Distance alone does not give a reliable picture of a journey.

If you are new to the city, temporary accommodation can give you time to explore different options before making a long-term commitment.

If you are renting, review the tenancy agreement, payment schedule, deposit, maintenance responsibilities and applicable Ejari registration. Allow for utility connections too.

If you are considering buying, assess the total acquisition cost, ongoing property expenses and how you intend to use the property. Our team helps you find and acquire a home or investment that matches your objectives.

Prepare to open your bank account

Choose an account based on how you will use it: receiving income, making payments, transferring funds from abroad or managing your business.

Requirements vary by bank and account type. The bank may request documents confirming your identity, residency, activity and source of funds, as well as further information during its review.

We help you prepare the documentation and assess the available options. Account opening remains subject to the bank’s assessment and approval.

Moving with your family

Plan family residency, housing, healthcare cover and schooling from the outset.

If you have children, check school places, admissions dates, the curriculum and the full cost of each school. The school’s location may also influence where you choose to live.

The official KHDA directory lists schools in Dubai and provides information to help you compare your options.

Review your tax position before you move

Obtaining a UAE residence permit does not, on its own, determine your tax residency or end your obligations in another country.

Your personal and financial circumstances, presence in each jurisdiction and any applicable tax treaties need to be reviewed. If you are moving from Spain, Spanish tax residency rules must also be considered.

Reviewing your position before moving will help you understand which obligations remain and what changes you need to make.

How Liberta supports your move

We start with your objectives, professional activity and family circumstances to help you plan your relocation. Together, we identify what to prepare before travelling and which steps to take once you are in the Emirates.

We support you in the areas you need: residency, company formation, banking advisory and property acquisition. Our team coordinates these services and keeps you informed about progress and the next steps.

If your business needs ongoing support, we can also handle licence renewals and its accounting and administrative obligations, within the scope of the services agreed.