All about moving to Dubai from South Africa
Making a life-changing decision and moving to another country can be overwhelming. There are so many things to consider and plan – getting a visa is just the beginning! MyBayut is here to help, though. Are you moving to Dubai from South Africa? We’ve compiled the complete checklist of things to do and consider before moving to your new city.
MOVING TO DUBAI FROM THE SOUTH AFRICA CHECKLIST
TYPES OF VISAS FOR SOUTH AFRICANS MOVING TO DUBAI
There are different types of Dubai visas available for anyone who wants to travel to the city. For migration from South Africa to Dubai, you need a visa that allows you to stay/work in the UAE for longer.
- Employment Visa: You are issued a work/employment visa when you sign an employment contract with a Dubai-registered company.
- Dependent Visa: A person with a residence visa for Dubai can sponsor a family in the UAE. So, if you have a spouse, parent or child living in Dubai, they can apply to bring you to the UAE on a dependent visa. The sponsorship criteria vary for spouses and parents. Resident women in the UAE can sponsor their families, too, given they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Freelance Visa: If you work independently, you can apply for a freelance visa in Dubai. This visa category is offered by free zone areas in Dubai, including Media City, Internet City and Dubai Knowledge Park. The rates for a freelance permit vary for different free zones.
- Student Visa: This visa is exclusively for foreign students who wish to study in Dubai. Students with at least 95% percentile in school-leaving exams can apply for a five-year residence visa in Dubai. University students with a minimum 3.5 GPA are also eligible. Foreign students can also sponsor families in the UAE.
- Investor Visa: When you start a business in Dubai or invest in a Dubai-based company, you can get an investor visa. The visa terms are contingent on your capital investment. For instance, investors with financial assets of up to AED 10M are eligible for a 10-year residence visa in the UAE.
- Property Owner Visa: The real estate investor visa in Dubai is exclusively for property owners. The conditions to apply for this type of visa vary based on the property’s price. To be eligible for the visa, buyers must invest in a property with a minimum value of AED 750k to get a 2-year residence visa in the UAE.
REQUIREMENTS FOR MOVING TO DUBAI FROM SOUTH AFRICA
Once you know what type of visa suits you best for moving to Dubai from South Africa, you can get down to the application process. Generally, it is your sponsor who is responsible for securing the visa for you. However, you do need to submit the required documents to begin the process.
- For the work permit/residency you need to submit a passport-sized photograph, a copy of your passport and educational certificate(s) duly attested by the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in South Africa and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation (MOFAIC).
- If you’re being sponsored by your spouse in Dubai, you need to submit your attested marriage certificate.
- Students applying for a visa in Dubai, need to provide a copy of their passport, a passport-sized photograph and a letter of acceptance from the relevant UAE university/college.
- For the freelance permit in Dubai, the documents required include your updated resume/CV, a recent photograph, copies of the passport and visa (valid for at least 8 months), a NOC from your UAE sponsor and a bank reference letter.
Remember that you will also have to do a standard security check and take medical tests for tuberculosis and HIV, Hepatitis B and C before entering Dubai.
LIVING AS A SOUTH AFRICAN EXPAT IN DUBAI
Moving to Dubai and living here requires a lot more than finding the right house. You need to know where to send your kids to school, where the hospitals are located, what restaurants serve the best South African food, where to shop for groceries and other everyday things like that.
For your impending relocation to Dubai, here are all the things that will efficiently cater to your daily needs for a comfortable lifestyle in the city.
ACCOMMODATION IN DUBAI
Finding the right accommodation is imperative to ensure you settle in properly. Dubai has a plethora of residential options for residents to choose from, with some areas being more popular among South African expats than others. Ultimately, however, it boils down to individual preferences, budgets and lifestyles.
BUYING A PROPERTY IN DUBAI
Those of you who wish to buy property in Dubai can consider the upscale apartments in Downtown Dubai or Dubai Marina.
Prefer waterfront living that gives you a sense of home similar to Cape Town or Durban? Consider the apartments for sale in Palm Jumeirah. Moreover, Jumeirah Lake Towers offers more reasonably priced options.
It is important to note that there are specific laws regarding how to buy a house in Dubai. Also, if you plan to invest in properties, look for options for villas and apartments in the freehold areas of Dubai. These are the only districts where expats can buy property in the emirate.
RENTING A PROPERTY IN DUBAI
Most people moving to Dubai from South Africa with family prefer renting apartments in Dubai instead of buying them. If you’re tight on the budget, rental apartments in Discovery Gardens, Dubai Silicon Oasis and Deira fall in the affordable category.
Students can opt to rent apartments in Dubai International Academic City (DIAC). The area is conveniently located close to most of the colleges and universities in Dubai. Flats for rent in JBR or City Walk are a great option for those who like an upbeat lifestyle. Think vibrant streets, plenty of dining, colourful graffiti and wholesome recreation.
If you’re looking for bigger homes, villas for rent in The Springs offer great value for money. Houses in Mirdif, Arabian Ranches and Dubai Hills Estate are also great for family-friendly living.
Remember that rent payment in Dubai is generally made through yearly, quarterly or bi-annual cheques. Unless you rent a hotel apartment in Dubai, the water, electricity and internet bill is not included in the rent.
Also, familiarise yourself with RERA tenancy laws in Dubai to know tenants’ legal rights and responsibilities.
SCHOOLS AND UNIVERSITIES
Schools in Dubai offer a variety of curriculums, ensuring quality education for all. You can choose to enrol your kids in one of the best schools in Dubai that suit your preferences in budget and teaching methods.
Make sure you do your research properly. Most schools have comprehensive websites that provide all the relevant information about their curriculum, teaching techniques, timings and fee structures.
If you have toddlers, there is an abundance of nurseries and pre-schools in Dubai. You might want to look at the best nurseries in Dubai to keep your options open.
Options for higher studies include graduate and undergraduate programmes at top-notch American, Australian and UK universities. Some educational facilities like Middlesex University Dubai also host separate admission days for South African students.
FOOD AND GOODS
South African expats in Dubai can easily find restaurants and cafés that serve the flavours and taste of home for them in Dubai. The most popular ones include Tribes, Galito’s and KIZA.
Dubai also has a branch of Hyperama that brings you your favourite meats, sauces, spices and drinks. Hyperama is located in Al Quoz Industrial Area.
HEALTHCARE CENTRES
You need to have health insurance to live in the UAE. People on employment visas are provided health insurance by their respective companies. In case you’re sponsoring your spouse, parents or kids, the responsibility of providing their health insurance in Dubai lies on you.
Dubai has numerous international-standard healthcare facilities, including Mediclinic, Aster and Saudi German Hospital. To use your health insurance at hospitals in Dubai, you must present your insurance card at the facility.
Finding clinics and pharmacies in Dubai is never a problem, regardless of where you live in the city. Do not bring any medicines or clinical substances banned in the UAE when travelling to the country.
Your cost of living in Dubai depends on your housing, leisure, schooling, healthcare, transportation and other preferences. It is, therefore, best to budget your finances after relocating to Dubai from South Africa.
GETTING AROUND DUBAI
The public transport network in Dubai has been designed to cater to the needs of citizens. South African expats in Dubai can commute via Dubai Metro, buses and taxis or opt for ride-hailing services like Uber and Careem.
Metro and buses in Dubai have their own set of pre-decided routes and the fares for all public transport, including trams, water taxis and regular taxis are fixed by the Road and Transport Authority. Familiarise yourself with them or use one of the RTA apps in Dubai for routes, directions and more.
If you drive, you can get a driving licence in Dubai. South African expats in Dubai who already have a driving licence from their country can swap it for one in Dubai. Just take the eye test, submit your documents and pay the fees to obtain the Dubai driving licence. Once you obtain the licence, you need to register the car you buy and get motor insurance.
LIFESTYLE AND ENTERTAINMENT
Dubai is a wonderful place to live, no matter where in the world you come from. The city offers a variety of activities and places to explore. There’s everything you could ever need from laid-back beaches and urban streets to massive malls and thrills.
The South African expat community in Dubai is continuously growing. You can become a part of various groups on Facebook that cater to different activity preferences. Many South African expats love the desert. You can indulge in quad biking, off-roading and even desert camping in the UAE.
The community sticks together, celebrating braai days and weekend brunches every chance they get. Many South Africans enjoy outdoor pursuits like hiking, cycling and kitesurfing in Dubai.
TIPS ON HOW TO SETTLE IN DUBAI FROM SOUTH AFRICA
It’s important for you to know about the cultural and religious ethos of the UAE to adapt well to your new city.
- The UAE is a Muslim country, so you should dress modestly. There is a particular dress code in Dubai that outlines how to dress appropriately in the emirate. Read our guide on laws for expats in Dubai to ensure you stay on the right of the law and local customs.
- You may find the cost of living in Dubai vs South Africa to be higher, so budgeting is extremely important.
- Communication is not a problem, as English is commonly spoken throughout Dubai. However, you can always enrol in any of the many Arabic classes in Dubai to learn the language if necessary.
- Remember to keep all your important documents with you.
- The temperature in Dubai is usually high from May to October, so be prepared for very hot weather.
- Don’t take photos without seeking permission. Acquaint yourselves with the proper laws on taking photographs in the UAE.
FAQS ABOUT MOVING TO DUBAI FROM SOUTH AFRICA
CAN SOUTH AFRICANS VISIT DUBAI WITHOUT A VISA?
No, South Africans need to apply for a visa to visit Dubai. They can do so online.
WHERE CAN I FIND TRADITIONAL AFRICAN FOOD IN DUBAI?
Here’s our list of places that offer traditional African cuisine in Dubai.
WHICH ARE THE TOP RECRUITERS IN DUBAI?
Looking for a job in Dubai? Checkout the top recruiters in Dubai who can help you land your dream job.
CAN YOU RETIRE IN DUBAI?
Yes, you can. The General Director of Residency and Foreign Affairs has introduced the Dubai retirement visa, which grants expats 5-year residency.
And that’s all we have for you in our guide on relocating to Dubai from South Africa. This unique city embraces all nationalities and cultures with an open heart.
You can read our guide on how to settle in Dubai with family to find out the key considerations. There are certain things to consider, especially if this is your first time. These include the job market, cost of living, paperwork requirements etc.
Disclaimer: Visa rules are subject to change and can vary. You need to check out the official government website for up-to-date information on visa procedures.
