Smooth and stress-free: Your guide to moving to Dubai from Australia

• Types of Visa
• Documentation
• Accommodation
• Living in Dubai
• Getting Around
• Lifestyle and Entertainment
• Other Useful Tips
• FAQs

Are you planning to move to Dubai from Australia? From visa applications to finding suitable accommodation, there are many things to take care of while moving from one country to another. To simplify this process, here’s a checklist of things to do and consider when moving to Dubai from Australia.

Types of Visas for Australians Moving to Dubai

If you want to move to Dubai, you should know that different visa types are available for Australian expats. To explore Dubai as a tourist, you can obtain a visa on arrival, valid for 30 days. However, if you plan to stay in Dubai long-term, different visas will allow you to stay and work in the UAE.

• Employment visa:
  • If you have signed an employment contract with a company registered in Dubai, you will be issued a work/employment visa.

• Dependent visa:
  • This is another type of visa issued to those whose spouse, parents or children already hold a residence visa in Dubai.
  • Male sponsors who wish to bring their wives to Dubai must have a minimum monthly salary of AED 4k or AED 3k with accommodation.
  • Residents who want to sponsor their parents must be earning AED 20k or have a monthly salary of AED 19k plus a two-bedroom accommodation.
  • Women who hold a UAE residence visa can also sponsor their families, provided they have a monthly salary of more than AED 10k and special permission from the Department of Naturalisation and Residency Dubai (DNRD).

• Freelance Visa:
  • If you want to work as an independent contractor, you can apply for a freelance visa in Dubai. Popular free zone areas, including Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City and Dubai Knowledge Park, offer freelance visas at varying rates.

• Student Visa:
  • This visa is exclusively for students who wish to study at universities in Dubai.
  • Outstanding students with a minimum percentile of 95% in the school-leaving exams or university students with a GPA of 3.75 are eligible to apply for a five-year residence visa in Dubai.

• Investor visa:
  • You can get an investor visa if you invest in a company or establish a business in Dubai.
  • The terms of this visa depend on your capital investment.
  • Investors with financial assets of up to AED 10M are eligible for a 10-year residence visa in the UAE.

• Property Owner Visa:
  • This visa is exclusively for property owners in Dubai.
  • The conditions to apply for this type of visa vary based on the property’s price.
  • It’s advisable to contact a trusted property agent in Dubai to find out if your property investment makes you eligible for this type of visa.
  • According to the new system implemented by the UAE government in 2019, buyers must invest in a property worth not less than AED 5M to get a 5-year residence visa.

Documents required for moving to Dubai from Australia

While your sponsor is responsible for taking care of your visa, you must provide the essential documents they need to initiate the visa process.

• Submit a copy of your passport, photographs and educational certificates attested by the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Australia and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation (MOFAIC) to apply for a residency visa.
• Send your attested marriage certificate if you’re being sponsored by your spouse in Dubai.
• Provide a passport, photos and a letter of acceptance from the relevant UAE educational institution to apply for a student visa in Dubai.
• Submit a resume/CV, recent photograph, passport and visa copy (valid for at least eight months), bank reference letter and NOC from your UAE sponsor to apply for a freelance permit in Dubai.

Remember that you will have to undergo a security check and medical test for tuberculosis, HIV, Hepatitis B or C before entering Dubai.

Accommodation in Dubai

Dubai has a wide variety of accommodations to choose from. The options are never-ending, from the affordable apartments in JVC and Barsha Heights to the upscale homes in Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Hills Estate.

When choosing an accommodation, the availability of lifestyle amenities nearby can help you settle in comfortably in Dubai.

Buying a property in Dubai

• If you are looking for places that offer easy access to public transport, you can consider apartments in Jumeirah Lake Towers or Barsha Heights, as these are some of the top areas near metro stations in Dubai.

• Suppose you want to experience the glitz and glamour of Dubai. In that case, you can also consider investing in Palm Jumeirah or the swanky locales of Dubai Marina and Downtown Dubai.

• To purchase real estate in Dubai, you need to sign an agreement with the seller, apply for the NOC and reach out to the Dubai Land Department (DLD) to get the rights of property transferred to your name.

Housing cost is one of the key things to consider before moving to Dubai from Australia. To know more about where you can buy apartments or villas, check out the list of freehold areas in Dubai.

Renting a property in Dubai

• Those on a student visa can rent apartments in Dubai International Academic City (DIAC), as most colleges and universities are located there.

• Those looking for cheap accommodation in Dubai can consider studios in Discovery Gardens or Al Furjan.

• Those looking for edgy and contemporary vibes that remind them of Melbourne can consider renting upscale flats in City Walk, a cool, artistic area famous for its excellent dining options, beautifully crafted outdoor spaces, recreational spaces and more.

• If you want to save on your bills, rent chiller-free apartments in Dubai. While living in these apartments, you only need to pay for your electricity usage, and the landlord will take care of the air conditioning. Popular areas to rent such flats in Dubai include Dubai Marina, Bur Dubai, Jumeirah Village (JVC) and Al Nahda, to name a few.

• If you’re looking to rent villas, the houses in Mirdif offer excellent value for money. Similarly, other famous villa communities in Dubai, like Arabian Ranches and Dubai Hills Estate, also make good options for family-friendly living.

• Remember that rents in Dubai are generally paid as yearly, quarterly or bi-annual cheques. At the same time, you must make monthly payments for water, electricity, and internet connections when renting a property in Dubai.

• While renting a property, read about laws for tenants in Dubai to build a healthy relationship with your landlord easily.

Living in Dubai

Living in Dubai is not just about finding suitable accommodation. It also involves other things that cater to your everyday needs and help you enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in the city.

Schools and Universities

• Dubai has many schools offering well-rounded education based on different curricula. You can count on the top schools in Dubai to ensure your little ones receive a high-quality education.

• Arabic is a compulsory subject in most schools; however, students get the required help in learning the language. Do your research while selecting a school for your child. Visit the websites of different schools, download their brochures, read reviews about them on different forums and then pick the one you think is most suited for your child.

• For toddlers, many pre-schools and nurseries in Dubai nurture young minds. Take a look at some of the best nurseries in Dubai where your children can establish a firm foundation in early years education.

• Undergrads on a student visa in Dubai are in luck as there are several Australian universities in Dubai to cater to their learning needs. 

Food and Goods

• There is no shortage of Australian cafes and restaurants in Dubai where you can indulge in the flavours you relished back home. The most popular ones include Jones the Grocer, Coffee Club, Arrows & Sparrow Café, Myocum and Boston Lane, which offers some of Dubai’s best milkshakes.

• Hankering for flavourful Australian beef? You can buy Australian meat cuts from top stores and supermarkets in Dubai, such as Spinneys, Carrefour, 21 Gourmet Street, Chez Carles, Cloithrams, Prime Gourmet and more.

Healthcare Centres

• Make sure you get health insurance with your UAE residence visa. Your company generally provides health insurance if you are on an employment visa.

• It is important to note that sponsors need to offer health insurance, so if you’re sponsoring someone, you must cater to their insurance yourself.

• To avail of health insurance, you must present your insurance card at the hospital. You can easily find international-standard health facilities and hospitals in Dubai, including Aster, Medeor, Mediclinic and Saudi German Hospital branches.

• No matter which area of Dubai you live in, you will find clinics and pharmacies in and around the area. So, whether you need to go for a regular check-up or want to buy off-the-counter medicines, you will be taken care of.

• Avoid bringing clinical substances and medicines banned in the UAE.

It is important to note that the cost of living in Dubai varies depending upon your monthly rent (for tenants), utilities, transportation, healthcare, schooling and recreational preferences. It’s best to create a monthly budget when you move from Australia to Dubai to keep your finances in order.

Getting Around Dubai

Dubai has a well-established local transit system. You can hop aboard the rapid transit line Dubai Metro, buses and taxis or opt for ride-hailing services such as Uber and Careem to get around the city. 

• Each form of public transport in Dubai has its pre-decided fares and routes. Take the time to familiarise yourself with them.

• To get a driving license, you must attend classes at driving schools in Dubai and pass the test. There are exemptions for those who already have a driving license from Australia. However, you should still contact these schools to know whether you need to take a test or convert your existing license into a Dubai one. Once you obtain the license, you must register the car you buy and get motor insurance.

Lifestyle and Entertainment

• Dubai is a city of many delights. So, you can expect various activities, from crowded urban streets to laid-back beaches and glitzy malls in Dubai.

• Featuring native Australian birds and animals, Green Planet is a place where you can experience the warmth of your native land.

• Several restaurants and bars in Dubai offer food and drink packages on Australia Day, so you can also expect to indulge in National Day celebrations in your new home!

• Offering a similar ambience and the opportunity to discover a blend of arts and culture like the Sydney Opera House, Dubai Opera is a popular destination for Aussies in Dubai.

Tips on how to settle in Dubai from Australia

Since you’re moving to Dubai from Australia, you need to know about the cultural and religious ethos of the UAE to adapt well to the new city.

• The UAE is a Muslim country so you must dress modestly. It’s good to get familiar with the appropriate dress code in Dubai

• With many expats living in Dubai, communication is never a problem. If you can’t speak Arabic, you can communicate in English or learn the language from the institutes offering Arabic classes in Dubai.

• Remember to keep all your important documents with you.

• The temperature in Dubai is high from May to September/October, so keep yourself prepared for the hot weather.

• Don’t click pictures without seeking permission. Acquaint yourselves with the proper laws on taking photographs in the UAE.

FAQS ABOUT MOVING TO DUBAI FROM AUSTRALIA

WHICH ARE THE MOST POPULAR AUSTRALIAN RESTAURANTS IN DUBAI?

Love Australian food? Here’s a list of the top Australian restaurants in Dubai. If you are moving to Dubai from Australia, these restaurants will provide some comforting food when you miss home. Among the things to consider before moving to Dubai from Australia is the availability of familiar food, which shouldn’t worry you.

ARE THERE ANY AUSTRALIAN UNIVERSITIES IN DUBAI?

Australian universities are known for their quality of education and for providing you with the skills to succeed in the corporate world. Here are some of the top Australian universities in Dubai.

WHAT IS THE TRAVEL TIME FROM AUSTRALIA TO DUBAI ON A FLIGHT?

Travel time from Australia to Dubai is around 14 hours. This is the shortest distance from Australia to Dubai from Sydney. Naturally, flights to Dubai from Australia are not generally cheap, given the distance. When assessing the cost of moving to Dubai from Australia, you must consider this factor.

And that’s all we have for you in our guide on moving from Australia to Dubai. In addition to Australians, people from other countries also come to the city, making it a melting pot of different cultures and nationalities!

Here’s a handy list of things to consider while moving from the US to Dubai. Indian expats make up the largest group in Dubai. If you plan to move to the City of Gold from India, read our guide on moving to Dubai from India.

Hope you have a good time settling in Dubai!