A Guide to Moving to Dubai with Family
There was a time when moving to the United States or Europe was considered a dream. While that may still ring true, a new dream that has emerged in the past several years is the idea of moving to Dubai and experiencing the best of what this futuristic city has to offer. Dubai has revolutionized the Middle East and put a stop to the notion that one only needs to move to the western countries for a chance at a better, luxurious life.
With Dubai experiencing settlements from across the world, it truly represents the new world – a world of multiculturalism. A perfect gateway to the Middle East, this is a global city in every aspect of its being.
But how pragmatic is moving to Dubai with your family? Why are so many people putting Dubai on top of their list to move to with their families? What are some of the best areas in Dubai to start a family? How much cost do you have to bear to move to Dubai with your family? What steps do you need to follow to do the same?
We uncover the answers to all these and more as we take a deep dive into everything that goes into moving to Dubai with your family.
Why Consider Moving to Dubai with Family?
The proof is in the pudding. The recognition and applause that Dubai receives from the world is immensely deserved. You ask why? Well, let us run you through some of the prominent benefits of living in Dubai that justify why moving to Dubai with your family is a pragmatic choice.
Long-term Visa Options
The Government of the UAE has implemented various efforts over the years to foster better relationships with foreign nations. Primary among them is the benefit of long-term residency options available through visa options.
When you invest in a property or properties worth AED 2 million or more in the UAE, you become eligible for the UAE Golden Visa. This visa provides you with a long-term residency in the country without requiring a local sponsor. Additionally, this visa also gives you widespread employment opportunities and exemption from various employment restrictions.
Furthermore, the UAE Blue Visa recognizes the efforts of those who have made significant positive contributions to maintaining sustainability and protecting the environment. This visa provides them with the opportunity to live and work in the UAE for 10 years.
Real Estate Giant
Investing in the real estate opens your door to a wide range of benefits. Not to mention, the natural landscape of the city makes for a picturesque view, which only gets accentuated further by the beautiful real estate. Some of the biggest real estate developers are healthily competing with each other in this heavenly paradise, building opulent properties.
From lavish villas to cozy studio apartments, from chic townhouses to dapper penthouses, whatever you are searching for, you will find here. Dubai is also one of the best places globally to invest in off-plan properties. Along with residential projects, commercial real estate investments are also extremely huge here.
Employment and Business Opportunities
Not to mention, the booming economy of the emirate ensures widespread employment opportunities. By generating employment in huge numbers, Dubai is the perfect place for people to settle down with their families. With the promise of a better, affluent, and comfortable life, this place opens your eyes to endless possibilities.
The business-friendly environment of the city emerges from the free trade zones that offer 100% foreign ownership. Setting up businesses is quick and hassle-free in Dubai. With minimal bureaucratic hurdles and easy-to-follow regulations, the city is a captivating business landscape.
Exemption from Income Tax
Another major factor that draws people to Dubai is the exemption from income tax. Since you don’t have to pay taxes on your personal income, you get to save more and provide more for your family. This is one of the biggest draws that encourages settlements and foreign investors and entrepreneurs to the city.
The UAE Government does not levy income tax on people. But, it must be kept in mind that it does levy 5% VAT (Value Added Tax) on the purchase of goods and services, which is levied at each stage of the supply chain and is eventually borne by the end user.
Strategic Location
When it comes to a luxurious lifestyle, Dubai has to be on top of your list to move to with your family. With its strategic location being at the crossroads of three continents (Asia, Africa, and Europe), it serves as a commercial hub and a port for international trade, ensuring it is a dominating figure in the global market.
This also means that Dubai’s relevance is not something that will fade with time. As it is the gateway to the Middle East and draws international trade in epic proportions from these three continents, the economy of the emirate is an evergreen one.
Quality of Life
The quality of life that the city provides along with the state-of-the-art infrastructure makes it furthermore appealing for someone to start their life in it. The low crime rate in the city makes it one of the safest in the world. Moreover, the presence of top-notch educational institutions that follow a wide range of global curricula including British, American, and Indian, spread all across the city, makes it the perfect place for your kids to grow.
The city is also blessed with quality medical institutions offering modern healthcare services from professionals all across the globe. Dubai is also a bona fide shopping destination alongside a highly sought-after tourist destination. This means your recreational needs will always be taken care of here.
A Multicultural City
The multicultural aspect of Dubai ensures no matter which part of the world you are from, you will find a sense of belonging when you choose to reside in Dubai. The city celebrates cultures from across the globe and represents a beautiful amalgamation of diversity.
From food to festivals, the city leaves no stone unturned in celebrating every facet of every culture. The diverse nature of Dubai welcomes its gates to everyone and ensures everyone feels at hometown when residing here.
The Best Areas to Live in Dubai with Family
When considering moving to Dubai with your family, you need to choose an area that will provide you with a family-friendly neighborhood where your loved ones can thrive and shine. Dubai offers a plethora of such places that help your family live out their best life and match their untapped potential.
From giving them the best education, healthcare, as well as recreational services, these areas are always heavily in demand by families looking to rent or buy residential units in Dubai.
- Business Bay
- Palm Jumeirah
- Downtown Dubai
- Dubai Marina
- Mohammed Bin Rashid City
- Deira
- International City
- Dubai Silicon Oasis
- Bur Dubai
Among the aforementioned areas, Dubai Marina is usually the most expensive one because of the lifestyle it offers along with the ease of access to major hubs in and around the city it provides. Top-rated property developers from around the nation are always coming up with luxurious projects in the area that are very popular among buyers and tenants.
Bur Dubai and Deira are known for their economical and affordable rental property options. As its name suggests, International City is extremely popular with expats with country-themed housing and residences serving as the main selling point of the area.
Additionally, Downtown Dubai and Business Bay are also apt options for those who want proximity between their work and personal life, as commuting is often less due to the presence of a large number of corporate houses in these areas. You also get bespoke amenities in the residential units of all the areas that are mentioned above.
The Cost of Living in Dubai with Family
A string of factors determines how much it is going to cost you to move to Dubai with your family. The primary factors include housing, healthcare, education, transportation, and utilities, among others.
If you want to comfortably lead a moderately convenient lifestyle in the city, then you should aim to have a monthly income of at least AED 20,000 – 30,000. This would ensure you cover all the aforementioned expenses, although the figure may increase or decrease depending on the lifestyle you lead.
Another important aspect you need to bear in mind is the difference between the cost of living in the country and city you are presently residing in and the cost of living in the UAE, especially Dubai. Government initiatives have made it extremely easy for foreigners to buy properties in Dubai and move in with their families.
Sometimes, you might move in from a place where the expenses in Dubai will be fewer, such as moving in from Ireland to Dubai. On the other hand, sometimes you might be moving from a place to Dubai from where the expenses will be relatively higher, such as moving from India to Dubai.
To help you out further, here is a rough estimate of the housing expenses you need to bear. Please remember that this is just an estimate and is subject to change.
- Studio Apartment: Annual Rent – AED 30,000-50,000
- Studio Apartment: Sales Price AED 450,000-750,000
- 2-bedroom Apartment: Annual Rent – AED 75,000-100,000
- 2-bedroom Apartment: Sales Price AED 1,200,000-1,500,000
- 4-bedroom Villa: Annual Rent – AED 200,000-300,000
- 4-bedroom Villa: Sales Price – AED 5,000,000-7,000,000
Additionally, you have to bear expenses for transportation and other utilities. Here is a rough breakdown of those expenses. Once again, these are subject to change.
- Monthly Metro Pass: AED 350
- Single Bus Ride: AED 4-8
- Basic Phone Plan: AED 25
- Internet Plan: AED 300
- Basic Utilities for a 100 sq. m. Apartment (Cooling, Electricity, Heating, Water, Garbage): AED 700
Annual fees for public schools may range from AED 5,000 to AED 15,000, while the same for British, American, and Indian schools may range from AED 10,000-85,000.
Step-by-step Guide for Moving to Dubai with Family
If you have decided to move to Dubai with your family, then you need to keep in mind the following steps.
Prepare the Documents
The first order of business is to ensure you have all the documents ready that will make your stay in Dubai legally recognized and safe. You need to essentially apply for a visa to move to Dubai. If you are relying on a work permit, then your employer will serve as your sponsor and take care of the entire visa application process.
In addition to that, expats are allowed to sponsor their family members as well. All employees, irrespective of their job title can sponsor their families as long as they have a monthly salary of at least AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 plus accommodation. Everyone above the age of 18 has to clear a medical fitness examination.
The documents you are applying for may be subject to change depending on the type of visa you are applying for. However, in general, the following documents usually round up the requirement criteria.
- Valid passport copy
- Employment contract
- Sponsor’s Emirates ID, passports, and residency papers
- Proof of residence (lease contract)
- 3-months bank statement for the resident
- Passport-size picture
Insure Healthcare
Medical insurance is mandatory in Dubai. You need to get in touch with a reputed health insurance company in Dubai to find the apt policy that suits you and your family. Expats are also eligible for a health card in Dubai. This card allows them to get treatment at government hospitals and healthcare centers.
If you are being sponsored by an employer, then they must handle and take care of the health insurance. In most situations, this insurance also applies to the families. Those who are bringing in domestic workers with them need to provide them with healthcare insurance as well.
The Dubai Health Insurance Corporation is tasked with the responsibility of regulating and maintaining the health insurance sector in the city. It also ensures the rights of the insured nationals and residents. All insurance companies, health service providers, Third Party Administrators (TPAs), and brokers are also licensed by the Dubai Health Insurance Corporation.
Set Up Your Finances
In order to manage your finances, you need to open a bank account in Dubai. There are numerous commercial banks to choose from. Only residents are allowed to open a checking account, although some banks in Dubai allow non-residents to open a savings account.
You need to provide the concerned bank with a residency permit, work permit, passport copies, proof of salary (in case you are an employee), and photographs.
Conclusion
Dubai is a land of opportunities and dreams. It offers a high-quality life amidst a booming economy and a promising real estate market. It is a perfect nurturing ground for families to thrive, owing to the employment opportunities, educational facilities, and healthcare services available throughout the city.
Make sure you estimate the cost of living beforehand and find the best housing options in a lucrative area from the list we mentioned above. Additionally, keep some emergency contacts in handy such as 999 for police, 998 for ambulance, 997 for fire department (civil defence), 996 for coastguard, 995 for find and rescue, and 991 for electricity failure. Dial 800 5111 to reach out to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai.
FAQs
Questions about Moving to Dubai with Family
Is Dubai a good place to live with family?
Dubai is a good place to live with family as it offers numerous feasible options for education, healthcare, and employment. The low crime rate of the city makes it extremely safe and the booming economy maintains stability in the market. The city is known for its multiculturalism and ensures it provides the best quality of life to its residents.
What is it like to live in Dubai?
Living in Dubai will give you a year-round sunny climate. You will experience picturesque views, high-end infrastructure, a booming economy, modern amenities, and a fast mode of transportation.
Is it safe to live in Dubai?
The low crime rate of Dubai along with a well-devised justice system makes living in the city extremely safe.
Can I move to Dubai with a child?
Yes, expats are allowed to move to Dubai with a child by sponsoring a resident visa for the child.
How to move to Dubai from the UK?
You can move to Dubai from the UK by applying for a visa. There are various types of visas available for you to choose from, such as the UAE Golden Visa, UAE Green Visa, UAE Blue Visa, and employment visa etc.
How much salary is enough to live in Dubai with family?
Although it is extremely subjective depending on the choice of lifestyle, one should at least have a monthly salary of AED 20,000 – 30,000 to lead a comfortable life.