UAE Relocation
What Documents Do I Need to Move to the UAE?
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The basic documents
What you will typically need
Most people relocating to the United Arab Emirates on an employment visa work through the same core set of documents, in roughly this order.
Valid passport
Minimum six months remaining validity at the point of travel and application.
Employment contract or job offer
Issued by a UAE-licensed employer, where you are moving on an employment visa.
Entry permit, then residence visa
You enter on an entry permit and the residence visa application follows within 60 days of arrival.
Medical fitness test
Completed inside the UAE. It screens for infectious diseases and is required before the residence visa is issued.
Emirates ID application
Biometrics, fingerprints and photograph, required within 15 days of arrival.
Marriage and birth certificates
Attested copies are needed if you intend to sponsor a spouse or children.
Document attestation
Birth and marriage certificates and educational degrees attested via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UAE Embassy where relevant.
Visa and immigration requirements can change and vary by employer, emirate and visa category. This is a general guide, not immigration advice, please confirm current requirements with your employer or a licensed immigration adviser.
Getting your paperwork right is step one. Getting your finances right before you go is what actually protects you.
The paperwork gets you into the country. These are the ten things that decide how much tax you pay, what happens to your pensions, and how much of the move you can undo later.
Moving UK → UAE
Moving from the UK to the UAE: 10 Financial Priorities
- 1Establish your tax residence position before departure from the UK.
- 2Review pensions and retirement strategy before becoming non-UK resident.
- 3Consider the timing of investment sales to minimise UK tax.
- 4Review ISAs, offshore bonds and investment portfolios for expatriate suitability.
- 5Understand UK inheritance tax exposure once living overseas.
- 6Open appropriate UAE banking and international accounts.
- 7Arrange suitable health, life and income protection insurance.
- 8Prepare UAE-compliant wills and review UK wills where appropriate.
- 9Develop a long-term repatriation plan before leaving the UK.
- 10Create an ongoing cross-border financial strategy to coordinate UK and UAE assets, taxes and pensions.
Moving the other way? Moving from the UAE to the UK: 10 Financial Priorities
A well-planned relocation can save significant tax, avoid costly mistakes and make your financial transition much smoother. Speak to us for a complimentary initial consultation to discuss your personal circumstances.
Next step
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