If you are considering moving to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), you’re probably already deep into your research, and for good reason. Relocating abroad is a big step, but with Bishop’s Move, your transition can be smooth, stress-free and highly organised.
With over 170+ years of international removals experience, we’ve successfully managed countless moves to Dubai, Abu Dhabi and beyond. Our team provides expert moving advice, professional packing and shipping, and exceptional service.
If you’ve chosen this exotic destination as a possible new home, there is much to research and plan. To help get you started, we’ve created this comprehensive guide to moving to the UAE from the UK, outlining everything you need to know before you go. And if you need personalised support, our international removals specialists are always ready to help.
Moving to the UAE?
Why Move to the UAE from the UK?
Expats account for approximately 90% of the UAE’s population, and it’s easy to see why. Moving to the United Arab Emirates opens the door to exceptional career progression opportunities, particularly for young professionals and ambitious entrepreneurs. The country is known for its tax-free salaries, meaning you can enjoy a higher disposable income and save more compared to the UK.
Home to world-famous cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the UAE offers an exciting blend of modern luxury and traditional culture. Think gleaming skyscrapers, designer shopping, and fine dining, all within reach of stunning sun-soaked beaches.
Whether you’re chasing career growth, a warmer climate or a more luxurious lifestyle, moving to the UAE from the UK offers endless opportunities to work, travel, and live your best life abroad.
Preparing for Your Move from the UK to the UAE
Starting your new life abroad might be closer than you think! Let’s take a look at some of the more practical elements of an international move before you get started.
Documents and Visa Requirements for the United Arab Emirates
Spending more than 30 days in the UAE as a British Citizen will require you to procure a visa before entering the country. There are various options for UK expats to consider when moving to the UAE. The main visa types are:
– Work visa – for those employed by a company based in the UAE.
– Remote work visa – for those who wish to work remotely in the UAE while working for an employer based in the UK or overseas.
– Green visa – for skilled workers, freelancers, and self-employed individuals who are able to prove qualifications and financial sufficiency without a sponsor.
– Golden visa – for investors, entrepreneurs, doctors and other foreign talents who are not required to have a sponsor.
It’s important to plan ahead if you will be working in any way upon arrival in the United Arab Emirates. Arrangements that are needed will depend on exactly where you land. For example, you can procure a probationary work permit for 3 months from the Ministry of Labour if you have entered Dubai as a visitor.
In most cases, finding a job in advance in the destination city is the best option, as your employer will often sponsor your visa or even sort the whole process on your behalf. You will need to do further research if you are hoping to relocate with your family.
There is no reciprocal healthcare agreement in place between the UK and the UAE, which means you’ll need to have medical insurance in place when moving to the UAE from the UK. If you’re employed in an emirate, your employer will likely provide you with insurance. As a general rule, any emergency treatment in UAE government hospitals won’t cost you, but you’ll need comprehensive insurance or a UAE medical card for private hospitals.
Expats looking to move to the UAE will be required to obtain a Medical Fitness Certificate in order to be granted a residence visa. It’s also important to note that some UK over-the-counter medicines, such as codeine, are considered controlled substances in the UAE and therefore will not be simple to get hold of. The UK government website is a great source of information about healthcare for UK expats living in the UAE.
Cost of Living in the UAE
It’s worth doing specific research for your circumstances, as life in the UAE can be expensive. London prices may not be too dissimilar, but it’s a good idea to check that you can afford to live your desired lifestyle abroad. It’s worth remembering that the UAE does not have income tax, so this may help with the price of rent in places like Dubai. To learn more, read our blog comparing the cost of living in the UAE vs the UK.
Where to Live in the UAE
Priorities will differ for everyone when moving abroad. And while Dubai is the most famous, there are 7 emirates and several cities to choose from, each offering a unique lifestyle and pace of life.
Where you choose to live is likely to depend on where you find work, which will often be in the larger emirates such as Dubai or Abu Dhabi. These major cities also tend to be less of a culture shock, offering modern amenities and a more international presence compared to smaller emirates.
Dubai
Dubai has a bustling expat community and is one of the most popular places to move to in the United Arab Emirates. This very modern metropolis has transformed over the past few decades and is a key hub for many industries. Moving to Dubai is a great option for UK expats who want to surround themselves with people while settling into a new culture. The healthcare, business opportunities, and climate are just a few of the reasons people want to move to Dubai!
Abu Dhabi
Moving to Abu Dhabi as an expat is also a great experience. Abu Dhabi, as an emirate, is an ideal base from which to explore the rest of the emirates, as it typically has competitive salaries and modern accommodation for the most part. You’ll need to learn the laws and customs surrounding the strict religion, as in any part of the UAE.
Sharjah
If you’re looking for a more affordable place to live with a family-oriented environment and a laid-back lifestyle, Sharjah could be a great choice. Many expat residents living here choose to commute to Dubai due to the benefit of a higher salary. This developing city, however, does enforce stricter cultural norms, such as the ban on alcohol, with no exceptions.
Moving to the UAE with Bishop’s Move
If you are settled on moving to the United Arab Emirates, it’s best practice for you to hire a UAE removals company that covers everything in the initial quote. Our free home removal surveys are designed to create a bespoke package for you, including everything from packing to insurance.
During the survey, one of our expert international moving consultants will visit your home and discuss every aspect of your move, from planning to shipping. Our representative will advise you on what you can and can’t take to the UAE, and demonstrate how our professionally-trained removals crew will pack and wrap your possessions.
The success of any international house move lies in the detail. Once you’re happy we’ve got all your individual requirements included, simply contact your consultant and we’ll arrange a suitable date for your move to the UAE.
Depending on the scale of your move, our highly-trained and friendly removal crew will arrive either on the day or the day before to expertly pack and export wrap the entire contents of your home, making sure any antiques and delicate items are safe for the journey. We’ll then have all of your effects securely transported to your new home in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or anywhere else in the UAE, and delivered straight to your door.
If you require storage, we can arrange that too. As proud members of the British Association of Removers, you can rest assured that your move to the UAE will be handled with the utmost care and precision to ensure that all your effects are transported to your new home safely.
Should you decide to move back to the UK, we can move you back again in exactly the same way.
FAQs About Moving to the UAE from the UK
Still have questions about your move? Here are some of the answers to the most common things our customers ask about moving to the UAE.
Can I ship furniture and personal belongings to the UAE?
Yes, most household goods and personal effects can be shipped to the UAE, but some items, such as religious materials and medications, may be restricted or prohibited under UAE customs laws. Most used goods are duty-free with a residence permit. In order for your items to clear customs, you must be present in the UAE.
Is healthcare free in the UAE for UK expats?
No, healthcare is not free in the UAE for UK expats. In fact, health insurance is a legal requirement in many emirates, including Dubai. As of January 2025, all private-sector employees in the UAE are required to provide healthcare coverage to all foreign employees.
Can I bring my pets when moving to the UAE?
Yes, the personal import of pets to the UAE is allowed, but there are limits and strict requirements you must follow. An import permit and health certificate will be required. Your pets must also be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies and treated for parasites.
What level of schooling can I expect in the UAE for my children?
There are a number of private international and English-speaking schools in the UAE for children from the UK. Popular choices include the Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS) and the Dubai British School, where the English National Curriculum is taught. Though English is taught in public schools in the UAE, Arabic is typically the language of instruction.
How safe is it to live in the UAE?
The UAE is considered one of the safest countries in the world with extremely low crime rates. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, is rare, but incidents do occur in crowded areas. There is extensive surveillance and an efficient law enforcement system that contributes to a sense of safety in the Emirates.
