Moving to the UAE: the full checklist

Everything that has to happen between accepting the offer and your first normal Monday morning — in the order it actually happens, with the costs people forget.

1. Step 1 · Before accepting

   Pressure-test the package

   Model the household rather than judging the headline salary in isolation.

   • Confirm whether allowances are cash, reimbursement or capped benefits
   • Compare housing, school, commute and normal monthly living costs
   • Calculate the one-off cash needed before the first salary payment

2. Step 2 · 8-12 weeks before

   Confirm sponsorship and documents

   Ask the employer or relevant authority for the exact route and document list for every family member.

   • Check passport validity and name consistency across documents
   • Ask which certificates require attestation or translation
   • Keep secure digital and paper copies of the full application pack

3. Step 3 · 8-12 weeks before

   Start the school conversation

   Availability and admissions conditions matter more than a directory rating alone.

   • Confirm the correct year group and curriculum transition
   • Request the current fee sheet and all mandatory extras
   • Do not pay a place deposit until a formal offer and terms are clear

4. Step 4 · 6-10 weeks before

   Build the arrival cash runway

   Rent is annual even when paid in instalments, so the first transfer can be much larger than one month's budget.

   • Choose a realistic rent-cheque schedule
   • Reserve for tenancy and utility deposits, agency and registration
   • Keep school deposits and shipping outside the recurring budget

5. Step 5 · 4-8 weeks before

   Plan temporary accommodation

   Give the household enough time to inspect the exact home and commute before signing a long tenancy.

   • Choose a base near the likely work and school corridor
   • Budget for overlap between temporary and permanent accommodation
   • Avoid transferring a property deposit before identity and ownership checks

6. Step 6 · 2-6 weeks before

   Arrange healthcare and medication continuity

   Understand when employer cover starts and what the policy excludes.

   • Request the policy schedule and provider network
   • Carry prescriptions and supporting medical letters where appropriate
   • Confirm cover for dependants and any waiting periods

7. Step 7 · Arrival week

   Complete the identity sequence

   Visa, medical and Emirates ID steps are connected; follow the sponsor's current instructions.

   • Keep appointment confirmations and application references together
   • Check every issued record for spelling and date errors
   • Do not rely on a generic online timeline for your specific application

8. Step 8 · First 2 weeks

   Open banking and transfer money carefully

   Compare total exchange cost, transfer time and account requirements before moving a large balance.

   • Prepare proof of address, employment and income
   • Use a small test transfer before the main payment
   • Keep enough accessible money outside any account still being opened

9. Step 9 · First 2-4 weeks

   Inspect and contract the home

   Validate the exact property rather than relying on a community average or marketing image.

   • Confirm ownership, agent authority and the complete payment schedule
   • Record condition, included appliances and maintenance responsibilities
   • Read break clauses, notice periods and deposit-return wording

10. Step 10 · After signing

    Register the tenancy and utilities

    Use the official channel for the emirate and keep the certificates and receipts.

    • Complete tenancy registration through the official route
    • Activate electricity, water, cooling and connectivity as applicable
    • Save account numbers, deposits and move-in inspection evidence

11. Step 11 · First 30 days

    Settle the daily routine

    Test the real school run, work commute and weekly errands before making further commitments.

    • Travel at the actual weekday times
    • Decide whether a car, school bus or mixed transport works best
    • Update the household budget with the first real bills

12. Step 12 · First 90 days

    Review what the move really costs

    Replace planning assumptions with actuals and prepare early for the next large payment.

    • Track the next rent and school instalment dates
    • Keep a renewal file with contract, receipts and property evidence
    • Review insurance, emergency cash and year-two rent exposure