Things to consider before moving to Dubai with family
Dubai is an expat-friendly emirate with excellent employment and business opportunities. It also features truly amazing attractions you won’t find anywhere else. Recent law amendments have also brought about some exciting changes for expats. If you’re considering moving to Dubai with family, we’ve compiled a list of things to consider before making that potentially life-altering decision.
Things to Consider when Moving to Dubai with Family
Dubai and other emirates in the UAE offer a comfortable and convenient lifestyle with excellent accommodation options. This is one of the reasons why the city has the world’s highest percentage of expatriates. If you are also making up your mind to call this beautiful city your home, here are some of the things you should know about it:
- Although Arabic is the official language, English is widely spoken and understood in the country.
- Undoubtedly one of the biggest benefits of living in Dubai is no income tax. You receive 100% of the money you earn. You earned it, you keep it…that’s how it works.
- The infrastructure of Dubai is on par with other major cities in the developed world, with sufficient public transport options.
- It is also a global retail hub, a fulcrum of entertainment options and is especially known for its unparalleled nightlife.
SORT OUT YOUR PAPERWORK AND VISA
Before you decide to move to Dubai with your family, it’s essential to sort out the paperwork first. A better initial approach is to apply for a work permit in Dubai. When moving to Dubai, here are some of the visas that you might need:
- Employment visa/work permit/residency: A visa arranged by your employer allows you entry to the country, after which a work permit is issued.
- Dependent visa: A visa for those whose spouses or parents are already residents of Dubai.
- Student visa: A visa for students who wish to study in Dubai universities.
- Investor visa: A visa for expats investing in companies in the UAE.
- Remote Work Residence visa: A visa for someone who already has a job in their home country or elsewhere, and the flexibility to work remotely.
Generally, the employer (sponsor) takes care of the work permit requirements and the application process for the work permit. Nevertheless, you will need a medical certificate, attested educational certificates, recent photographs and copies of your passport (which should have at least six months of validity).
Now moving on to eligibility – male expatriates with a minimum salary of AED 3,000 with residence or AED 4,000, who have valid residency permits, can also sponsor their families. The minimum salary requirement for female expats is AED 8,000 with accommodation or AED 10,000.
The UAE family visa allows expatriates to sponsor their spouse, children or parents as long as they meet the mandatory requirements. Our guide also outlines the UAE family sponsorship process.
WHAT ABOUT THE COST OF LIVING IN DUBAI?
When planning to move to Dubai with family, consider the cost of living in the city. The cost of living in Dubai depends on several factors, such as housing, utilities, public transport, healthcare, schooling and other such expenses. It’s probably better to pick a reasonably-priced apartment should you move to Dubai with your family.
HOUSING IN DUBAI
If you have a family with kids, you’ll probably look for one or two-bedroom apartments in Dubai. According to the Bayut’s 2023 Dubai Rental Market Report, the top areas to rent apartments in Dubai are:
- Al Nahda
- Deira
- International City
- JVC
- Bur Dubai
- Dubai Silicon Oasis
- Dubai Marina
- Business Bay
- Downtown Dubai
All the aforementioned areas are popular among tenants but vary in rental costs. Dubai Marina is one of the most expensive among the above-listed areas. However, the modern urban lifestyle it provides and the plethora of local amenities make it one of the most sought-after areas for family-friendly apartments in Dubai.
Dubai Marina boasts many gyms, schools, kids’ play areas, restaurants and entertainment options. Also, for shopaholics, Dubai Marina Mall is a dream come true!
Downtown Dubai and Business Bay are other viable options for family-friendly apartments in Dubai. But, if you’re looking for more reasonably-priced options, the older districts like Al Nahda, Deira and Bur Dubai have many affordable apartments for rent.
HEALTHCARE IN DUBAI
Considering potential healthcare costs is super important before moving to Dubai with family. Medical insurance in Dubai is mandatory. Many employers provide healthcare insurance, but some don’t.
Contact any of the top health insurance companies in Dubai to identify the right policy for you and your family.
An important note here, though – expats in Dubai are also eligible for a health card. Let’s check out the process of how to get one.
HOW TO GET A HEALTH CARD IN DUBAI?
Eligible expats need health cards in Dubai to receive treatment at government hospitals and healthcare centres. Wondering about how to get a health card in Dubai? Here are the charges for health cards for expatriates and UAE nationals.
- UAE nationals: AED 20
- GCC nationals: AED 20 AED
- GCC Visitor: AED 50 (1-year validity)
- Resident: AED 100 (1-year validity)
- Visitors: AED 50 (valid for 3 months)
- Smart Application Fees: AED 15
You can apply for a health card online or visit primary healthcare centres such as Rashid Hospital, Latifa Hospital and Hatta Hospital. For more information, please get in touch with 800-342 (DHA).
As far as the general healthcare infrastructure is concerned government hospitals in Dubai offer state-of-the-art medical treatments.
Similarly, private hospitals in Dubai have highly qualified healthcare professionals and cutting-edge medical equipment that can cater to a full range of medical care.
Those planning to move here should also know that Dubai and other parts of the UAE have strict rules and regulations regarding prescription drugs. Read our guide on living in Dubai as an expat to learn more.
SCHOOLS IN DUBAI
Planning to move to Dubai with kids? One of the most important things to consider is schooling. Luckily, there are excellent schools all across Dubai, many of which are close to significant residential areas. For those on a limited budget, the fee for affordable schools in Dubai ranges from AED 3,000 to AED 12,000 per month on average. Some of these schools include:
- The Dubai English Language School in Oud Mehta
- Central School in Al Nahda
- The Elite English School in Deira
- Crescent English High School
- H.H Shaikh Rashid Al Maktoum Pakistan School Dubai in Al Qusais
You can also opt for one of these top schools in Dubai:
- Repton School
- Dubai British School
- Dubai English Speaking School
- Sunmarke School
- Dubai College
The fees in the schools above range from AED 36k to AED 100k annually.
FUEL COSTS IN DUBAI
Before you make the big leap of moving to Dubai with family, it’s also essential to consider the fuel costs. Besides the extensive options for public transport in Dubai, having your own car for commuting and other purposes is a good choice. You can lease a car or go for the more permanent option of owning your vehicle by getting a car loan in Dubai.
The fuel charges in Dubai certainly fall into the reasonable category. You can check the latest fuel prices in the UAE here.
WHAT’S THE DUBAI JOB MARKET LIKE?
The next category in our guide to moving to Dubai with family is the job market. Dubai is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, with a constant demand for skilled labour.
As Dubai is a commercial and trading hub, many start-ups prefer to invest here due to the business-friendly economy. Private and government jobs for expats in the UAE are viable options. Some of the most high demand jobs in Dubai are:
- Accounting and Finance
- HR and Recruitment
- Legal Sector jobs
- Engineers
- Medical Professionals
- Artificial Intelligence and Digitisation jobs
- Digital Marketing Experts
- Hospitality and Food
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
IS DUBAI A GOOD PLACE TO LIVE WITH FAMILY?
Dubai is safe, accommodating and ideal for families and kids. From affordable residential options to schools, hospitals and plenty of entertainment, the city provides everything a family needs. If you are planning living in Dubai with kids, there are plenty of family friendly areas.
WHAT’S A GOOD SALARY FOR A FAMILY OF FOUR IN DUBAI?
The salary required depends on the cost of living expenses, and the area lived in. As per a rough estimate, a family with two children would need an income ranging from AED 25,000 to AED 30,000 minimum to live comfortably.
Employment is a huge factor in moving to a new country, so we recommend checking out the top UAE job sites to find excellent opportunities.
IS IT EXPENSIVE TO LIVE IN DUBAI?
The expenses in Dubai with a family usually depend on several factors, including rent, fuel charges, monthly groceries, utility bills, etc. Besides a minimum expense, it all depends on your lifestyle.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT MOVING TO DUBAI?
Go through our list of moving to Dubai FAQs to find all you need to know.
WHAT ARE THE CONSIDERATION FOR SOMEONE MOVING FROM INDIA TO DUBAI?
Here is our checklist for people planning a move from India to Dubai.
That concludes our guide to moving to Dubai with family. We hope it will help you answer the question, should I move my family to Dubai.
For further information, you can read our blog on things to consider before moving to Dubai. You can also read about Dubai visa guide to learn about the process of moving to the emirate.
On the other hand, for folks who plan to leave the city soon, we’ve prepared a checklist for leaving Dubai that ensures you experience a safe and smooth transition.
If you are considering a move from the cultural capital, read our guide on moving from Sharjah to Dubai.
