Your life in The United Arab Emirates starts here
Make your move to The United Arab Emirates
No personal income tax, a warm climate and a huge international community define the UAE, with affordable property and modern infrastructure. A dedicated long-term route offers welcome residency.
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Photo: Mo Eid / Pexels
At a glance
The United Arab Emirates, in brief.
How The United Arab Emirates compares with the 80+ destinations we cover. The United Arab Emirates ranks among the best for tax friendliness (5th of 81) and size of expat community (5th of 81) and safety (20th of 78).
Compare destinations- Cost of living
- Moderate
- Property
- Affordable
- Healthcare
- Moderate
- Safety
- Safe
- Climate
- Warm (~28°C)
- English
- Widely spoken
- Expat community
- Very large
Golden Visa; no citizenship path
No personal income tax
Life in The United Arab Emirates
Grammy-winning saxophonist David Tv Barnes is swapping New York for Dubai, turning his expat move into a bold creative venture built around luxury hospitality, live performance, and commercial partnerships.
Health insurance in The United Arab Emirates
Covered from day one.
The dream is the easy part. Compare tailored expat health insurance quotes from trusted international insurers, in minutes and with no obligation.
Get health insurance quotes In partnership with Moving your belongings too? Get up to five free quotes from international moversSending money abroad? Use a currency specialist
Your move plan
The United Arab Emirates, one step at a time.
Thirteen steps, in the order most people tackle them. Each one links to the guide that walks you through it.
- 01Check which visa fits your moveRead the guide : Check which visa fits your move
- 02Work out your monthly budgetRead the guide : Work out your monthly budget
- 03Arrange health cover for your moveRead the guide : Arrange health cover for your move
- 04Understand how the health system worksRead the guide : Understand how the health system works
- 05Bring your pet, if you have oneRead the guide : Bring your pet, if you have one
- 06Find somewhere to rentRead the guide : Find somewhere to rent
- 07Open a local bank accountRead the guide : Open a local bank account
- 08Know your residency steps after you arriveRead the guide : Know your residency steps after you arrive
- 09Find a doctorRead the guide : Find a doctor
- 10Understand your tax positionRead the guide : Understand your tax position
- 11Sort out your driving licenceRead the guide : Sort out your driving licence
- 12Set up a phone and internetRead the guide : Set up a phone and internet
- 13Plan schools, if you're moving with childrenRead the guide : Plan schools, if you're moving with children
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Plan your move
Answers for your move.
Free tools that turn big questions about The United Arab Emirates into clear answers.
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- Compare cost of livingWhat your money is worth in The United Arab Emirates.01
- Check retirement affordabilityWhere your pension clears the requirement.02
- Find visa optionsEvery route you could qualify for.03
- Get moving quotesUp to five free quotes from international movers.04
- Move money abroadTransfers with a currency specialist.05
The complete picture
The The United Arab Emirates moving guide.
54 guides, from your visa to finding a vet. Start with the three most people need first.
Moving guide sponsored by- Start here · 01
Visas
Which visa fits your move, and how to apply.
- Start here · 02
Residency
Your residence permit, from first stay to long term.
- Start here · 03
Banking
Opening an account and moving money.
Visas, residency and work
6
Healthcare
7
Buying property
5
Health and wellbeing
8
Travel and transport
5
Driving and cars
5
You won't be the first
Real people who made the move.
People who built a life in The United Arab Emirates share what surprised them, what helped and what they'd do again. All The United Arab Emirates stories
- Dubai
Corry MacDonald
I am Corry MacDonald, Spiritual and Creative Law of Attraction Guide for expat women.Where, when and why did you move abroad?I moved…
- Dubai
Lady Anne
My name is Lady Anne. I am a Filipino working in Dubai. I am a Medical Laboratory Technologist and a Travel Blogger.Where,…
- Abu Dhabi
Lindsey Parry
My name is Lindsey Parry, I’m a British freelance writer and mother to one, living in Abu Dhabi.Where, when and why did…
Fresh from The United Arab Emirates
Latest articles.
UK Tax Non-Residence When Moving To Dubai
Ensure you achieve UK tax non-residence and get expert advice on dealing with HMRC from Oliver Heslop of Global Expat Tax Services.
Securing a Visa for Your Family: The UAE’s Sponsorship System Explained
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been a beacon for professionals from across the globe, offering lucrative employment opportunities and a high standard of…
Abu Dhabi Introduces New Programme To Coincide With The UAE’s New Long-Term Golden Visas
Abu Dhabi, in conjunction with wider initiatives in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is launching a new programme called 'Thrive in Abu Dhabi', aimed…
Hear it first hand
The podcast on The United Arab Emirates.
Conversations with people who've made the move, and the experts who help them. All The United Arab Emirates episodes
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