Your Dubai Relocation Checklist

I've broken down everything into manageable phases, so you know exactly what to do and when

From someone who's been through it

When we moved to Dubai, I wish I'd had a simple checklist to follow. Instead, I spent hours Googling, asking in Facebook groups, and figuring things out the hard way. So I created the guide I wish I'd had - broken down into four clear phases so you always know what to focus on next.

Phase 13-12 months before

Planning Phase

This is where the big decisions happen. Take your time researching - there's no rush to get it perfect.

Understand your visa options

Employment visa, investor visa, golden visa - know what's available and what you'll need

15 min read

Research neighbourhoods

Find areas that match your lifestyle, budget, and commute needs

5 min quiz

Start school research

Understand curricula, KHDA ratings, and which schools might suit your children

20 min read

Budget planning

Understand the true cost of living - rent, schools, lifestyle, and hidden costs

15 min read

Connect with Sara

If you want personalised guidance, I offer consultations for families at this stage

Optional

Sara's tip: Don't rush this phase. The decisions you make here - neighbourhood, school, budget - will shape your whole Dubai experience. It's worth getting them right.

Phase 21-3 months before

Getting Ready

Time to turn plans into action. This is when things get real - and exciting!

Secure your visa sponsor

Whether through employment or self-sponsorship, this is your entry ticket

Varies

Apply to schools

Submit applications to your shortlisted schools - popular ones have waiting lists

1-2 weeks

Find housing

You can do this remotely or wait until you arrive - both approaches work

2-4 weeks

Gather documents

Attested certificates, medical records, school reports - the admin is real!

2-3 weeks

Book accommodation

A serviced apartment for your first few weeks gives you breathing room to find permanent housing

1 day

Sara's tip: School applications are the biggest time pressure here. Apply early to your top choices - even if you're not 100% sure you're moving yet. You can always withdraw later.

Phase 3Days 1-7

First Week in Dubai

You've landed! This week is about the essentials - getting legally set up so everything else can follow.

Emirates ID application

Your most important document - you'll need it for everything

1-2 hours + wait

Open a bank account

ENBD, FAB, Mashreq - compare options and open your account early

1-2 hours

Get a UAE SIM card

Du or Etisalat - you'll need a local number for everything

30 mins

Explore your neighbourhood

Find the supermarket, pharmacy, coffee shop - the little things that make somewhere feel like home

Ongoing

Sara's tip: Everything takes longer than you expect in the first week. Build in buffer time and don't schedule too much. Jet lag is real, and so is paperwork fatigue!

Phase 4First month

Settling In

The essentials are done - now it's about building your life here. This is the fun part!

Convert your driving licence

If you're from the UK, it's a simple swap. Otherwise, there's a test process.

1-2 hours

Set up health insurance

If not provided by employer, you'll need to arrange this - it's mandatory

Research needed

Register with school

Complete enrolment, meet teachers, get uniforms sorted

Half day

Find your community

Join groups, meet other expats, explore what Dubai has to offer

Ongoing

Set up utilities & wifi

DEWA for electricity/water, then choose your internet provider

1-2 hours

Sara's tip: The first month can feel like a whirlwind. Be patient with yourself. It takes time to feel at home somewhere new - and that's completely normal.

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Feeling overwhelmed?

Checklists are great, but sometimes you just want someone in your corner. If you'd like personalised guidance for your specific situation, I offer one-to-one consultations where we can work through everything together.

90-minute personal consultation
30 days WhatsApp/email support
Personalised recommendations

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Have questions about your move? I'm here to help make your relocation as smooth as possible.

Helped 500+ families relocate to Dubai

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No pressure, just friendly advice from someone who's been there.