Moving to the UAE in 2026

Moving to the UAE: entry, first 30 days, 3-month budget

1. Before the trip. Legalise diplomas and marriage and birth certificates in the country that issued them: the UAE does not accept the apostille, so documents are certified by that country's foreign ministry and the UAE embassy.
2. Weeks 1-2. Register a free zone company or get hired, then obtain an entry permit on a residence visa.
3. Weeks 2-4. Medical test, fingerprints and the resident identity card, without which banks do not open accounts.
4. First month. A lease registered in the city system: it is needed for utilities and the family's visas.

Rent is often paid by cheques a year in advance, sometimes in 3-month instalments. Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah are noticeably cheaper. We calculate the family budget in the chat. The dirham is pegged to the dollar: 3.67 dirhams to the dollar.

UAE at a glance

The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven emirates in the east of the Arabian Peninsula, on the Persian and Oman gulfs. The capital is Abu Dhabi, the largest city and business hub is Dubai, and the others are Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain. About 90% of residents are foreigners, so English is spoken almost everywhere at work and in daily life.

The UAE attracts with no income tax, safety, strong air links to the whole world, modern infrastructure and a clear residence path for investors, entrepreneurs and remote workers. The currency is the dirham, firmly pegged to the dollar at 3.6725 dirhams per dollar.

History and government

Until the mid-20th century the coast lived on trade, fishing and pearling, and from 1820 it was under British protection. After oil was discovered the emirates united, and the state was formed on 2 December 1971, with Ras Al Khaimah joining in 1972. Each emirate is governed by its own ruler, while federal matters are decided by the Supreme Council of Rulers and the president. Over the past twenty years the economy has moved far from oil into trade, finance, logistics, tourism and technology.

How to move in 2026

Many nationalities receive a free visa on arrival. A regular residence visa is cancelled if the holder spends more than six months in a row outside the UAE, while the golden visa remains valid even if you live abroad. Health insurance is mandatory for residents. The UAE is not part of the apostille convention, so documents from abroad are legalised through the issuing country's foreign ministry and the UAE embassy. More on the pages UAE residence by investment and UAE digital nomad visa.

Rules for specific nationalities

Citizens of Russia receive a free visa on arrival for 90 days. Their diplomas and marriage and birth certificates are legalised in Russia through the Russian foreign ministry and the UAE embassy, since the UAE does not accept the apostille. Russia and the UAE have a double tax treaty, and Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports have direct flights to Russia.

Taxes

There is no personal income tax and no personal tax returns. Since 2023 a corporate tax has applied: 0% on profit up to 375,000 dirhams and 9% above, and it also covers individuals with business turnover over 1 million dirhams a year. Free zone companies can pay 0% on qualifying income. VAT is 5%. You become a UAE tax resident after 183 days in the country within 12 months, or 90 days together with a residence visa and a home or job. More on the page Taxes in the UAE.

Property

Foreigners buy homes in freehold zones, which in Dubai cover almost all popular areas. The buyer pays the land department fee, 4% of the price in Dubai, plus registration fees. Many buy off-plan apartments with developer payment plans. A purchase from 2 million dirhams gives the right to a 10-year golden visa, and the apartment can be rented out. Before buying, check the developer, the project escrow account and completion dates.

Business and companies

A company is registered in one of dozens of free zones, where foreigners fully own the business, or on the mainland to work with local clients. A free zone licence costs from several thousand dollars a year and provides visas for the owner and staff. Banks strictly check source of funds and real activity, so opening a company account takes from several weeks.

Cost of living

Prices reflect the Dubai market in 2026. Rent is paid a year ahead in one or several cheques, the lease is registered in the city system, and the deposit is about 5% of the annual amount. Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah are noticeably cheaper than Dubai for rent. International schools cost $10,000 to $30,000 a year.

Where to live

• Dubai - Marina, Downtown, Business Bay and family-friendly Dubai Hills. More in the Dubai guide.
• Abu Dhabi - the capital with Al Reem, Saadiyat and Yas islands, calmer than Dubai. More in the Abu Dhabi guide.
• Sharjah and Ajman - cheaper, but stricter rules and a congested commute to Dubai.
• Ras Al Khaimah - mountains, beaches and new resort projects.

Practicalities

• Climate. From June to September 40-45 degrees by day with high humidity, 20-28 degrees from November to March.
• Transport. Metro in Dubai, but most drive or use ride-hailing.
• Weekend. Saturday and Sunday.
• Rules. Alcohol only in licensed venues, and strict laws on public behaviour.
• Healthcare. High-quality private clinics; insurance is mandatory.

Leisure

Persian Gulf beaches, desert safaris, the Hajar mountains in Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah, museums on Saadiyat Island, theme parks on Yas Island and a racing circuit. Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports have direct flights to almost every country.

Pros and cons of moving

Pros: zero income tax, safety, direct flights to almost every country, fast company and visa set-up, and a 10-year golden visa with no requirement to live in the country. Cons: expensive rent paid a year in advance, summer heat up to 45 degrees, document legalisation instead of the apostille, a regular visa is cancelled after 6 months abroad, and citizenship and permanent residence are practically unavailable to foreigners.

Moving with children and pets

Children and a spouse are added to the resident visa through sponsorship, which requires a registered lease and proof of income. Schools for foreigners are private, with fees of $10,000 to $30,000 a year, and places at popular schools are booked in advance. Bringing a dog or cat requires a microchip, a rabies vaccination, an antibody test, a veterinary certificate and an import permit from the ministry, and some dog breeds are banned.

Who the UAE suits

The UAE suits entrepreneurs, property investors, remote workers earning from $3,500 a month and families who need safety, English and strong schools. The downsides are summer heat, high rents in Dubai and strict behaviour rules. Murblz specialists choose the visa route, register the company, check developers and help with banking. Our consultant calculates the cost of support in the chat.

Moving to other countries

We have the same moving guides for other countries: Turkey, Thailand, Georgia, Armenia, Israel, Serbia, Portugal. All destinations are compared by budget and main route to residence in our overview where to move in 2026.

For this country: UAE citizenship, remote work visa, taxes in the UAE, Dubai guide, property in the UAE.