Moving to United Arab Emirates

Moving Guide

Visa & Residence

Navigating the UAE's visa and residence landscape is a crucial first step. The specific requirements and processes will largely depend on your nationality. Citizens of many countries, particularly those from the European Union, may enjoy visa-on-arrival privileges for short stays, but a long-term residence permit is mandatory for living and working in the UAE.

Typical routes to obtaining a residence visa include:

• Employment Visa: Sponsored by your employer, this is the most common path for those moving to the UAE for work.
• Family Visa: If you are joining a spouse, parent, or child who is already a resident, they may be able to sponsor your visa.
• Study Visa: For individuals enrolled in accredited educational institutions within the UAE.
• Investor/Retirement Visa: For those meeting specific investment criteria or retirees who fulfill certain financial requirements.

It is paramount to verify the latest regulations and specific documentation required with official UAE government sources or the nearest UAE embassy/consulate in your home country. Requirements can change, so always ensure you have the most up-to-date information.

Housing & Rental

Finding suitable housing in the UAE typically involves a few key steps. Online property portals are a primary resource, offering a wide range of apartments, villas, and townhouses across various communities. Real estate agents are also widely used and can be invaluable in navigating the market, especially if you are unfamiliar with the different areas and rental procedures.

The typical rental process involves:

• Viewing Properties: Shortlist potential homes and arrange viewings.
• Offer & Negotiation: Once you find a suitable property, you'll make an offer, and negotiations on rent and terms may occur.
• Tenancy Contract: A legally binding tenancy contract will be drafted, outlining the terms of the lease, rent amount, and responsibilities of both tenant and landlord.
• Payment: Rent is typically paid in post-dated cheques, often in 1 to 4 instalments annually, though this can vary.
• Security Deposit: A refundable security deposit, usually equivalent to 5% of the annual rent, is standard. This is held by the landlord or agent and returned upon the end of the tenancy, provided the property is left in good condition.

Consider temporary accommodation upon arrival, such as a hotel apartment, while you finalize your long-term rental. This allows you to explore different neighborhoods and make an informed decision without feeling rushed.

What Affects the Cost of Your Move

The total cost of your relocation to the UAE is influenced by several factors, making each move unique. Understanding these elements will help you budget effectively:

• Volume of Goods: The larger the quantity and weight of your possessions, the higher the shipping cost.
• Distance: The geographical distance between your current location and the UAE directly impacts transportation expenses.
• Seasonality: Peak moving seasons can sometimes lead to higher demand and potentially increased costs.
• Access at Origin & Destination: Difficult access for moving vehicles (e.g., narrow streets, high-rise apartments without service elevators) can incur additional charges for specialized equipment or extra labor.
• Customs & Duties: While personal effects are generally exempt from customs duties in the UAE, certain items may be subject to duties or restrictions.
• Insurance: Protecting your belongings during transit is highly recommended and adds to the overall cost.
• Extra Services: Services such as professional packing, unpacking, furniture assembly/disassembly, storage, and specialized handling for delicate or valuable items will affect the final price.

For an accurate estimate tailored to your specific needs, requesting a free quote is always recommended.

Timeline & Packing Tips

A well-organized timeline is essential for a smooth relocation. Here's a 4-8 week checklist:

8 Weeks Before Moving:

• Declutter: Go through all your belongings. Decide what to keep, sell, donate, or discard. Moving less means saving money and hassle.
• Research: Begin researching schools, neighborhoods, and healthcare providers in the UAE.
• Documents: Start gathering important documents: passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic records, medical records, and professional licenses. Ensure passports have at least six months validity beyond your intended stay.
• Financial Planning: Inform your bank of your move and research banking options in the UAE.

4-6 Weeks Before Moving:

• Notify Utilities: Arrange for the disconnection of utilities (electricity, gas, water, internet) at your current home.
• Inform Important Parties: Notify your landlord, postal service, and any subscription services of your change of address.
• Medical Check-ups: Schedule any necessary medical or dental check-ups for your family and pets.
• Packing Supplies: Start collecting packing materials if you plan to pack yourself.

2 Weeks Before Moving:

• Confirm Travel: Finalize travel arrangements for yourself and your family.
• Pack Essentials: Pack a "survival kit" with essentials for the first few days in the UAE (toiletries, medications, important documents, a change of clothes).
• Valuables: Keep important documents, jewelry, and other high-value items with you during your journey.

Packing Tips:

• Label Boxes Clearly: Indicate contents and the room they belong to. Numbering boxes can also help with inventory.
• Pack Smart: Place heavier items at the bottom of boxes and lighter items on top. Use appropriate packing materials for fragile items.
• Separate Important Documents: Keep all critical documents in a clearly marked, easily accessible folder that travels with you.
• Take Photos: Photograph electronics before unplugging them to remember wiring, and take pictures of valuable items as proof of condition before packing.

For a precise cost estimate and personalized assistance with your move, request a free quote on relocation123.com.

Visas, immigration & documents

Moving to this country often involves visas, residence permits, document translation/legalization and customs paperwork. Our verified partners handle the move itself; for visa or immigration help, send the request below and we'll point you the right way.

• Residence permit / visa (work, study, family)
• Document translation & apostille
• Customs clearance for personal effects
• Travel & goods insurance

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Customs & Import Rules

Moving to United Arab Emirates: Your Essential Customs & Import Guide

Relocating to the UAE can be an exciting adventure, and understanding customs regulations for your belongings is key to a smooth transition. This guide will help you navigate the import process for your personal effects and special items.

If you're relocating as a new resident

Bringing your personal effects and used household goods into the UAE is generally straightforward. The primary requirement is that your shipment consists of items for personal use and that they are not brand new for commercial purposes.

What you'll need

• Your UAE Emirates ID
• A detailed inventory or packing list of your belongings
• Express or Original Bill of Lading (BL)
• A copy of your passport and valid UAE residence visa
• An authorization letter for your moving company to handle clearance and collect documents from the shipping line/airline
• An authorization letter addressed to the shipping line for the release of your delivery order

Good to know

• Your UAE residence visa is mandatory for customs clearance and to obtain your delivery order from the shipping line.
• All used personal effects and household goods are typically exempt from customs duty.
• Brand new items will be subject to a 5% customs duty based on their CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) value. Additionally, a 5% VAT will be applied to the duty amount, along with processing charges.
• If original invoices for new items are missing, customs inspectors will assess a value, and duty will be levied on that assessed value. A fee of USD 300 may also apply for missing original invoices.
• Almost all shipments undergo a physical inspection or X-ray. To expedite this, pack similar items (like books, CDs, videos, DVDs, magazines) in separate, clearly marked cartons.
• Additional charges for warehouse handling may apply during physical examinations by UAE customs or port authorities.

Diplomatic moves

Diplomats relocating to the UAE follow similar procedures for personal effects but benefit from customs duty exemptions.

What you'll need

• All documents required for new residents (as listed above)
• An original letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs granting customs duty exemption, including your importer code
• Your Bill of Lading (BL) must explicitly state that it is "Diplomatic Cargo"

Good to know

• Importation of personal effects and used household goods is allowed, provided they are for personal use.
• Brand new items will attract customs duty at 5% of the CIF value, plus 5% VAT and processing charges, if not covered by the diplomatic exemption.

Bringing special items

Vehicles

Importing a motor vehicle requires specific documentation and adherence to UAE specifications.

What you'll need

• Commercial invoice, purchase invoice, or other proof of ownership
• Express or original Ocean Bill of Lading (OBL)
• Passport copy
• Residence visa
• Proof of ownership from the origin country (e.g., title deed)
• The Bill of Lading (BL) should specify engine number, chassis number, make, model, and color in detail

Good to know

• Vehicles must meet UAE specifications, including being left-hand drive.
• New or used vehicles are subject to 5% duties on their CIF value, at the discretion of government authorities, plus 5% VAT and processing charges. A USD 300 fee applies if original documents are missing.
• After customs clearance, authorities will issue a vehicle clearance certificate, which you must submit to the Local Traffic Authority to register the car in your name.
• Only one car is allowed per consignee per shipment per year. Prior to export, the car's registration must be de-registered with the local traffic authority.

Pets

Bringing your furry companions to the UAE involves strict health and vaccination requirements.

What you'll need

• Air Waybill (AWB)
• Original Export Health Certificate issued by the competent Veterinary Authority
• Original proof of vaccination
• Antibody Titration Test for rabies (except for pets from specific exempt countries) issued by an approved laboratory
• Proof of internal and external parasite treatments administered within two weeks prior to the flight

Good to know

• Duty and VAT are applicable on pet imports.
• Pets must have valid vaccination records including breed, color, date of birth, sex, and microchip number.
• Dogs or cats under 4 months of age are not allowed for import.
• If a pet is vaccinated for rabies for the first time or has a discontinuity in vaccination, at least 21 days must pass from the vaccination date.
• Non-compliance with import requirements can lead to rejection at the owner's expense or confiscation.
• Private individuals can import a maximum of two pets.
• An Import Permit will be issued by the destination agent and sent to the origin agent. This permit is valid for one month. A copy of the Import Permit and all original documents must accompany the pet on the AWB.
• The following dog breeds are banned from import: Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Bully, Brazilian Mastiff (Fila Brasiliero), Argentinian Mastiff (Dogo Argentino), Tibetan Mastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff, French Mastiff (Dogue de Bordeaux), Boerboel, Bullmastiff, Cane Corso (Italian Mastiff), Bully Kutta (Alangu Mastiff, Indian Mastiff), Perro De Presa Canario (Canary Mastiff), Japanese Tosa, Presa Canario.

Restricted & prohibited items

Be aware of items that are either completely banned or require special authorization for import.

Prohibited Items:

• Weapons, firearms (real or ornamental), ammunition, firecrackers
• Swords, daggers, spears, etc.
• Military uniforms or equipment
• Alcohol, spirits, narcotics of all kinds
• Poppy seeds and flowers, leaves, etc.
• Banned drugs and medicines, or medicines in large quantities (even with a prescription for personal use)
• Radio transmitters or communication equipment
• Statues and figures of animals with religious undertones
• Carvings and statues of humans, especially nudes
• Pornographic materials
• Gambling material
• Foodstuff in large quantities
• Religious books other than those dealing with Islamic beliefs, controversial political literature, and materials contrary to an Islamic State’s principles

If any prohibited items are found, they will be confiscated. This can lead to explanations being requested from the consignee and potentially severe penalties, including fines or imprisonment.

Restricted Items:

• Records, tapes, films, photographs, books, magazines, periodicals, 2-wheel hoverboards, etc. These items are subject to review and censorship by the UAE Ministry of Information. This process can take 10 to 15 days.
• Live plants, seeds, fresh fruits, and flowers. If found objectionable, these items will be destroyed and not returned.
• Drones require a license from the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority.
• Printed material (brochures, advertising leaflets) requires authorization from the National Media Council.

Dangerous Items:

• Combustible liquids, corrosives, explosives, flammable materials, and compressed gases are considered dangerous. Shipping these items can make you and your company liable for damages and compensation under international law, which also applies in the UAE. Always consult your moving specialist if you have questions about such items.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a residence visa to clear my shipment?
Yes, a valid UAE residence visa is compulsory for customs clearance and to receive your delivery order from the shipping line.

Will my belongings be inspected?
Almost all shipments will undergo a physical inspection or X-ray by UAE Customs.

Are used personal items subject to customs duty?
No, all used personal effects and household goods are generally exempt from duty.

What happens if I import brand new items?
Brand new items will attract a 5% customs duty on their CIF value, plus 5% VAT on the duty amount and processing charges.

What if I don't have the original invoice for a new item?
Customs inspectors will assess a value for the item, and duty will be levied on that assessed value. A fee of USD 300 may also apply for missing original invoices.

How many pets can I bring into the UAE?
Private individuals are allowed to import a maximum of two pets.

Can I import any dog breed?
No, several dog breeds are banned from import into the UAE. Please refer to the list of prohibited breeds above.

For further assistance with your move to the UAE and detailed customs inquiries, please contact relocation123.com.

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