Moving to a new place can often be an intimidating experience filled with moments of doubt, confusion and even fear. Dubai receives a large influx of expats every year thanks to its innumerable opportunities and elevated living experience. There is a sizeable population of Pakistani expats in Dubai. If you’re planning to move from Pakistan to Dubai, let’s take a look at visa requirements, accommodation and other things you should know.
VISA REQUIREMENTS
In order for you to move to Dubai, it is important to explore the different types of visas available for Pakistani expats. At the moment there is no visa-on-arrival for Pakistani nationals entering the UAE, so if you wish to scout Dubai before making the decision to move, here you will have to look at a tourist visa or Dubai visit visa issued by a sponsor.
There are short-term transit visas for as short a stay as 48 hours (free of charge) and 96 hours (AED 50). Longer visit visa which allows you to stay up to 90 days in the UAE. However, if you are moving to Dubai from Pakistan for the long term, here are some of the visas that allow you to stay and work in the UAE.
- Employment Visa: This Dubai visa for Pakistani nationals allows you to work in the emirate, the processing of which is handled by the employer. Make sure to do proper checks to ensure the employer is legitimate, as there are quite a few employment visa-related scams that newly arrived expats should be careful to avoid.
- Freelance Visa: If you don’t wish to be tied to a particular company and instead want to explore freelance work in the UAE, there are freelance visas offered by Dubai free zones that allow you to live and work in the UAE. Some popular free zones in Dubai offering the freelance permit include International Media Production Zone, Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone, Dubai Media City and Knowledge Village. The process and fee can vary based on the free zone, so be sure to check with the official authorities for the most up to date information on freelance visas in Dubai.
- Dependent Visa: This UAE sponsorship visa is for those of you whose spouse, parents or children already hold a residence visa in Dubai. Your spouse will need to prove that they are earning a minimum salary of AED 4,000 per month (or AED 3,000 per month plus accommodation) to be able to sponsor you. For children who are looking to sponsor retired parents, the minimum salary required is AED 20,000 per month. Parents can sponsor children under the age of 18 or in the case of girls until they are married.
- Student Visa: This visa is granted to students enrolled in the universities and academic institutions in Dubai. There have been some recent announcements about special student visas of longer duration for those displaying a high level of academic excellence.
- Investor Visa: This visa is for those individuals running and operating their own business in Dubai.
- Property Owner Visa: This visa is for property owners in Dubai. The conditions attached to this type of visa varies depending on the price of the property. So make sure to consult a trusted property agent in Dubai to find out if your investment is going to make you eligible for a Dubai property visa.
In most cases, you will first have the entry permit to allow you entry into Dubai, after which you will have to undergo medical before the visa is stamped on your passport.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO MOVE TO DUBAI FROM PAKISTAN
Although in most cases it is the company that takes care of organising your visas, you do have to make sure that you have all the requisite paperwork to move to Dubai.
- Once you have the offer letter from the company, you will need to apply for the National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP). If you choose the fast track route this will be processed in 7 days. Otherwise, it could take up to one month.
- A Pakistani national travelling abroad for work needs a Protector’s stamp on their passport. You will need to go to the Protectorate’s office with two copies of your passport, visa or entry permit, NICOP (or a slip verifying you have paid for the NICOP), passport-sized photographs, an offer letter and your guardian’s CNIC. Remember to carry the fees for the processing fee which will also cover the mandatory life insurance you need to take out. For more information, you can check out the website of the Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment, Pakistan.
- It’s also important to get your degree certificate attested. First, you will need to get this attested by the Higher Education Council (HEC) in Pakistan, following which you need to get the attestation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Corporation (MOFA/MOFAIC) and the UAE Embassy in Pakistan. Once you reach Dubai, you will also need to get it attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in the UAE. There are agencies that do this as well, but we recommend that you get it done yourself to make sure all the attestations have been completed.
- Once your company or sponsor sends you the details of the ticket, make sure whoever has organised the ticket relays the OK to Board message to the airline. If you are booking the tickets yourself, make sure that this is done as you may not be allowed to travel without it.
- Carry lots of passport-sized photographs and passport copies; you will need them for the documentation when you get to Dubai. A minimum of 16 is recommended.
ACCOMMODATION IN DUBAI
It’s important to find out the housing options available before moving to a new country. For most people travelling on employment visas, the company will provide accommodation in a hotel apartment or guest house for the first few days. You will, however, have to find accommodation shortly thereafter. Let’s take a look at some of the things to keep in mind while choosing where to live after moving to Dubai from Pakistan.
Renting in Dubai
- Most expats choose to rent apartments in Dubai for the first few years, before thinking of making a long-term commitment. Since there is such a wide variety of options when it comes to rental properties in Dubai, it can often get quite overwhelming for first-time renters in the city.
- Before you become dazzled by the stunning apartments for rent in Dubai Marina and Downtown Dubai, we would recommend that you take stock of your budget and choose a property based on what you can part with from your salary. The general rule of thumb is that you set aside a maximum of 35% of your salary for the rent.
- Although the city is known for its luxury properties, there are quite a few affordable areas to rent apartments in Dubai.
- You should also keep in mind that rent here is paid through cheques, on a quarterly or yearly basis. Very few properties offer monthly rentals, but these tend to be more expensive in the long run. Some companies pay a housing allowance as part of your salary, which can be drawn up to a year in advance to allow you to pay rent early, although this is not as common as it used to be.
- Apart from the rent, you will need to think of DEWA utility bills (electricity and water costs), internet and telephone connections, security deposits, agency fees and Ejari costs. Make sure to negotiate your salary with your employer after taking stock of these expenses and if possible try to work out a relocation package to help cover the cost of your move.
AREAS FOR PAKISTANI EXPATS TO RENT IN DUBAI
There is no shortage of areas for Pakistani expats in Dubai. Some areas, however, are more popular than others with the Pakistani community in Dubai.
- The apartments for rent in Al Barsha, International City and Deira are quite popular with bachelors moving to Dubai from Pakistan, in part because of the easy access to the many Pakistani food joints in these areas and also because they are more affordable.
- Those looking for the familiarity of upscale houses in Bahria Town in Islamabad will like the beautifully manicured gardens and intricate pathways of the Emirates Living communities including Emirates Hills, The Springs and The Meadows.
- For the more family-friendly vibe of Askarii 11 in Lahore, the villas for rent in Mirdif or Arabian Ranches would be good places to look at.
- If you are looking for something a little more edgy and contemporary with the vibe of Clifton in Karachi, the bustling areas of Downtown Dubai and Business Bay will be most appealing.
LIVING IN DUBAI
Dubai is home to a significant population of Pakistani expats, and as a result, many of the popular products and brands from Pakistan can be found here. Right from the popular Shan spice blends and Mitchell’s chutneys to exclusive Pakistani fashion designs, expats have access to many of their creature comforts from back home while living in Dubai.
SCHOOLS IN DUBAI
- When it comes to education, there are many schools in Dubai near residential areas for you to choose from. There are schools with different international curriculums operating in the emirate. Apart from the popular choices of the IB, GCSE and American schools, there are Pakistani educational institutions for those favouring a more familiar environment.
- Arabic is mandatory in some institutes, but your children typically won’t struggle as assistance is provided in most cases. Do your research about admission procedures and make sure you apply in time since most schools open up admissions either after summer or earlier in the year. School fees can be drastically different based on the management, so do your research and enrol your children in the right institute.
- For younger children, there are nurseries spread across most residential areas.
RESTAURANTS AND FOOD
- Pakistani food is quite common in Dubai and it is enjoyed by other expats too. The Daily Restaurant, Spinzer, Karachi Darbar and a slew of other Pakistani restaurants in Dubai make it easy for expats to have a taste of home right here in the city.
- Even when it comes to finding the right ingredients to cook up some of your favourite Desi treats, there are a few Pakistani supermarkets in Dubai that stock everything from familiar masalas to Pakistani fruits.
HOSPITALS AND HEALTH
- It is mandatory to have health insurance for those with a UAE residence visa. For those of you on an employment visa, health insurance will be provided by the company.
- If you are being sponsored by your spouse or are on any of the other types of visas listed here, you will need to sort out the insurance yourself, although some companies do provide coverage to spouses and children as part of their policies. Be sure to check all the terms and conditions to be aware of what is included and what is not as part of the insurance to avoid being surprised by a hefty bill.
- You will usually be given a health insurance card, which you will have to produce at the hospitals when you go in for a consultation. Some prominent hospitals in Dubai include Aster, Mediclinic, Medeor and Saudi German.
- There are pharmacies dotted across the residential areas, so stepping out to get Aspirin for a headache will not pose a challenge.
- Be mindful of the banned substances list issued by the UAE government if you are bringing medication from outside the UAE. Some drugs available on prescription elsewhere are not allowed in the UAE.
GETTING AROUND DUBAI
- Those moving to Dubai from Pakistan will not find it hard to get around the city. Dubai Metro connects many of the popular spots in the city along with a large network of buses and taxis that will you reach the rest of Dubai. You can top up a prepaid travel card called the NOL card and use it in the metro and buses.
- If you are relying on taxis, RTA, Uber and Careem are the popular options; booking RTA taxis is usually the most economical way to go about commuting.
- If you decide to get a driving licence in Dubai, you will need to attend classes and pass the test. There might be some exemptions in the classes for those who already hold a license in their home country. After procuring your licence, you will need to register the car you buy and obtain motor insurance.
- Traffic can get quite intense during peak hours, so be sure to choose your accommodation wisely if you plan to drive to work daily.
LIFESTYLE AND ENTERTAINMENT
- There is always something happening in the bustling metropolis that is Dubai. Pakistani expats will be happy to know that occasionally there are live performances by leading artists from the country. In the past, powerhouse performances by celebrated artists such as Arif Lohar, Atif Aslam and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan have been extremely well received by the audiences in Dubai.
- Cricket fans will be happy to know that the last few editions of the Pakistan Super League took place in the UAE. So when PSL season is on, you might get to catch a glimpse of your favourite players both at the stadiums or while out and about in town.
- Those with a penchant for shopping will love moving to this city as there are several malls in Dubai stocking every brand imaginable. If you are looking for traditional wear, you will be happy to know that there are many Pakistani clothing brands in Dubai such as Khaadi, Nishat Linen and J.J.
THINGS TO KNOW WHEN MOVING FROM PAKISTAN TO DUBAI
- Dubai is known for its high temperatures, but most malls and offices stick to lower temperatures, so make sure to carry a warm wrap or jacket to layer when you feel cold.
- You do not need to learn Arabic to live in Dubai, but it’s always a good idea to learn the basics.
- Make sure that your passport is always in your possession; companies are not legally allowed to hold your passport. Keep your Emirates ID with you at all times as this is the document that is used most often for official purposes. If you drive, keep your motor insurance card with you too as the police may need to see it if you are involved in an incident.
- Most residential areas have a mosque nearby and Dubai is also home to a few churches and temples.
- The Pakistani consulate is located in Umm Hurair, Bur Dubai. You can reach them on +971-4-397-3600.
FAQs ABOUT THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE MOVING TO DUBAI
WHAT IS THE TRAVEL TIME FROM PAKISTAN TO DUBAI?
It takes approximately two to three hours to reach Dubai from Pakistan.
HOW CAN I IMMIGRATE TO DUBAI FROM PAKISTAN?
Wondering, ”How to settle in Dubai from Pakistan?” Here is what you need to do:
- Fulfill visa requirements
- Get your paperwork in order
- Find accommodation in Dubai
WHAT IS THE TOTAL COST TO VISIT DUBAI FROM PAKISTAN?
The total cost of visiting Dubai from Pakistan depends upon the airline ticket and accommodation. On average, it may cost you somewhere between PKR 50,000 and PKR 100,000. If you want the trip to be easy on your pocket, you can think of booking UAE tour packages from Pakistan.
HOW TO FIND A JOB IN DUBAI FROM PAKISTAN?
You can apply for a job through these Dubai recruitment agencies or search for employment online using these job sites in the UAE.
Dubai is certainly one of the most exciting cities to live in and moving here has proved to be a good choice for millions of people. With the introduction of the new UAE Golden visa, the country has become an even more attractive option for expats.
Disclaimer: Visa rules for those moving from Pakistan to Dubai are subject to change and can vary from company to company. To get up to date information on visa procedures and fees related to moving to Dubai from Pakistan, please get in touch with your employer or sponsor.
