Moving to Dubai Checklist 2026

You’re arriving at Dubai Airport in a few hours. Your phone is buzzing, you have your passport, your employment letter, and a rough plan. Here’s what nobody actually tells you before you land: the first 30 days aren’t about settling in comfortably. They’re about building the systems that let you function — legally, financially, and practically.

I’ve moved to Dubai twice. I’ve also helped dozens of expats through their first month. The difference between people who hit the ground running and people who spend weeks in a panic almost always comes down to one thing: doing things in the right order.

Emirates ID and visa first. Housing and Ejari second. Bank account third. Everything else — schools, driving license, routine — follows once those three pillars are in place.

This checklist is not theoretical. It’s the exact sequence that works, with real costs, real timelines, and the mistakes you’ll want to skip.

What is Ejari and Why Does Everything Depend on It?

Before you look at the weekly breakdown, you need to understand Ejari — because it unlocks almost everything else.

Ejari is Dubai’s official tenancy registration system, managed by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA). When you sign a rental contract, you must register it with Ejari to make your tenancy legally recognised. Without an Ejari certificate, you cannot:

• Connect DEWA (electricity and water)
• Open a bank account at most traditional banks
• Apply for your Emirates ID as a self-managed applicant
• Enroll children in school
• Renew your residence visa
• Sponsor family members to join you
  
  It is not optional. Do it the same day or the day after you sign your rental contract.

How to register Ejari in Dubai

• Via the Dubai REST app: AED 100 — fastest option, processed same day
• At an authorised typing centre: AED 220 — useful if you need help with documents
• Processing time: same day to 24 hours

Week 1: Non-Negotiable Priorities (Day 1–7)

What should I do on my first day in Dubai?

Day 1 — Get a UAE SIM card before you leave the airport

Do not wait. The moment you clear customs, walk to an Etisalat or du kiosk in the arrivals hall and buy a SIM card. This is the single most important first step because every government portal, banking app, employer communication, and delivery service in Dubai requires a UAE phone number.

• Cost: AED 30–50 for the SIM card
• Setup time: 15 minutes
• Providers: Etisalat (now rebranded as e&) and du — both are reliable

Get a plan with at least 20GB of data. You will use it constantly over the first month.

Day 1–2 — Find temporary accommodation

Unless your employer has arranged housing, you need somewhere to stay while you search for a permanent place. Book this before you land.

• Airbnb, hotel apartments, or serviced studios: AED 150–350 per night
• Book for at least 7–10 nights — rushing into a permanent apartment in the first 48 hours almost always leads to a poor decision
• Areas to consider: Deira, Bur Dubai, Dubai Marina, JLT — all well-connected and reasonably priced short-term
  

Day 2–3 — Start your visa and entry formalities

If you arrived on an employment visa, your employer’s HR team should already have the process moving. If you arrived on a visit visa as a job-seeker, you typically have 30 days before overstay penalties begin.

What usually happens with an employment visa:

1. Your employer’s HR submits your residence visa application to GDRFA
2. Immigration processes your entry permit (10–20 days)
3. You undergo a medical fitness test (required for residency)
4. Biometrics are taken for your Emirates ID
5. Your residency visa stamp is placed in your passport

Action item: Email your HR contact on day 2 and ask for a specific written timeline. Do not assume this is being handled. Follow up every 3–4 days. Carry your original passport and employment letter everywhere during this period.

Day 3–4 — Open a UAE bank account

Opening a bank account in Dubai takes longer than most expats expect. Start immediately.

What you need:

• Passport with valid UAE residency visa
• Emirates ID (if you already have it) or apply with your employment letter
• Salary certificate or employment letter on company letterhead
• Proof of UAE address — your Ejari certificate or a letter from your employer

Which bank should I open an account with in Dubai?

For 2026, your best options depend on how fast you need access:

Fast setup (24–48 hours):

• Liv. (Emirates NBD’s digital bank) — opens fully via app, no branch visit needed
• Mashreq Neo — app-based, activates quickly with lighter documentation
• YAP — prepaid account that works immediately while your full account processes

Traditional banks (3–10 working days):

• Emirates NBD, FAB (First Abu Dhabi Bank), RAKBank, Mashreq — widely accepted, required for some salary transfers

Check with your HR which banks your employer’s payroll supports before choosing. Minimum balance at traditional banks: typically AED 5,000–10,000/month to avoid fees.

Day 4–5 — Apply for your Emirates ID

Your Emirates ID is the single most important document in the UAE. It is your legal identity, your proof of residency, and your key to every government and commercial service in the country.

How to apply for Emirates ID in Dubai

• Through your employer’s HR (strongly recommended — they often have faster processing)
• At a GDRFA office in Deira or Bur Dubai (walk-in or appointment via ICP Smart Services app)
• Online via the ICP Smart Services portal at icp.gov.ae

What you need:

• Passport
• Residency visa (or entry permit if your visa is in process)
• Employment letter
• Passport-sized photos (2–4, white background)
• Proof of address (Ejari certificate, or employer’s address letter)

Timeline: 5–15 working days for standard processing. Express service is typically same day or next day.
Cost: AED 100–370 depending on visa duration and express options.

You will receive an SMS when it is ready to collect from your designated GDRFA office.

Day 5–6 — Start your DEWA utilities application

You cannot connect DEWA without your Ejari certificate. But if you have already signed a contract and registered Ejari, do this immediately.

How to connect DEWA in Dubai

• Apply online at dewa.gov.ae or via the DEWA app
• Required: Ejari certificate, passport, Emirates ID
• Security deposit: AED 2,000 for apartments / AED 4,000 for villas — fully refundable when you close the account
• Connection activates within 1–2 working days

The DEWA deposit is a real upfront cost many expats are not budgeting for. Factor it in before you sign your lease.

Day 7 — Research your driving situation

Most expats in their first month use Uber, Careem, or public transport. But if you plan to drive, start the process now.

Can I convert my foreign driving license in Dubai?

Yes — if your home country is on the UAE’s approved list (UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, and most European countries):

• Convert directly at an RTA service centre
• Required: original foreign license, passport with UAE residency visa, Emirates ID, eye test certificate (on-site)
• Cost: approximately AED 200–400 — typically same day

If your country is not on the approved list, you must complete RTA-approved driving lessons and pass theory and practical tests. Cost: AED 3,000–6,000+. Check the full list at rta.ae before assuming which applies to you.

Week 2: Lock Down Your Housing (Day 8–14)

How do I find an apartment in Dubai as a new expat?

By the start of week 2, you should have a real feel for different neighbourhoods. Now is the time to commit.

Best platforms to find housing in Dubai:

• Dubizzle.com — largest property listings in the UAE
• Bayut.com — strong for apartment and villa searches
• Property Finder (propertyfinder.ae) — good filter tools
• Instagram accounts from local real estate agents — surprisingly effective for off-market listings
• Facebook groups: “Dubai Housing Exchange”, “Housing and Roommates in Dubai”

What to check before signing a rental contract:

• Confirm the rent against the RERA rental index at dubailand.gov.ae — landlords sometimes quote above the legal benchmark
• Confirm what is included: parking, building maintenance, chiller (cooling) fees. Chiller fees can add AED 500–1,500/month to your costs
• Check commute time at your actual working hours, not midday
• Inspect water pressure, AC performance, and phone signal
• Ask how many post-dated cheques the landlord requires (4 per year is common; 1–2 is better for cash flow)

Red flags:

• Agent demanding cash before showing you the property
• Landlord refusing to provide a proper tenancy contract
• Rent prices significantly below the RERA index — verify why

Day 11 — Sign your rental contract and register Ejari immediately

As soon as you sign, register Ejari the same day. Do not leave this for later.

• Dubai REST app: AED 100, same-day processing
• Typing centre: AED 220, same-day processing
• Print at least 3 copies of your Ejari certificate — you will need them repeatedly

Day 12–14 — Move in and connect your utilities

DEWA (electricity and water):

• Apply at dewa.gov.ae with your Ejari certificate
• Pay your security deposit (AED 2,000 apartments / AED 4,000 villas)
• Connection activates within 1–2 working days

Internet:

• Visit an e& (Etisalat) or du shop, or apply online
• Installation typically within 3–5 days
• Cost: AED 120–250/month depending on speed tier

Gas: Most Dubai apartments use electric appliances — gas is uncommon in flats. Villas sometimes have gas connections. Ask your landlord before assuming.

Week 3: Documents, Healthcare and Schools (Day 15–21)

Day 15–17 — Follow up on your Emirates ID

Check status via the ICP Smart Services app or at icp.gov.ae. If it has not been submitted yet — go directly to a GDRFA office and do it yourself. Do not wait for HR if they have not acted.

Day 17–18 — Update your bank account with your Emirates ID

Once you have your Emirates ID, visit your bank or update via the app. Provide your Emirates ID number — this completes your KYC (Know Your Customer) verification. Confirm your IBAN with your HR for salary transfers. Ask about the WPS (Wage Protection System) — the government-mandated salary payment system your employer must use.

Day 18–19 — Confirm your health insurance

Is health insurance mandatory in Dubai?

Yes. Under Health Insurance Law No. 11 of 2013, all employers in Dubai are legally required to provide health insurance for their employees. The mandatory minimum is the Essential Benefits Plan (EBP), which covers basic inpatient and outpatient care, maternity, and emergencies.

What to do now:

• Ask your HR for your insurance policy and insurance card
• Confirm which hospitals and clinics are on your insurer’s network
• If self-employed, purchase a DHA-approved plan immediately — you cannot renew your visa without it

Well-connected hospitals for expats: American Hospital Dubai, Mediclinic, NMC Health, Aster Hospitals, King’s College Hospital Dubai.

Day 19–21 — School enrollment (if you have children)

Do not delay this. Good schools fill up fast — some outstanding-rated schools have waitlists of 6–12 months.

What documents do I need to enroll my child in a Dubai school?

• Child’s passport
• Your Ejari certificate
• Your employment letter
• Immunization records (must be up to date)
• Previous school reports and transfer certificate
• Passport photos of the child

Dubai has 200+ private schools regulated by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). KHDA inspects every school annually and publishes ratings from Outstanding to Weak. Always check the official rating at khda.gov.ae before booking a tour.

Curricula available: British (most common), American, IB (International Baccalaureate), Indian (CBSE/ICSE).

School fees range from AED 15,000/year (budget) to AED 90,000+/year. Budget for a non-refundable application fee of approximately AED 500 per school.

Week 4: Routine and Final Checks (Day 22–30)

Day 22–24 — Get your driving license sorted

If converting a foreign license: book your RTA appointment at rta.ae. Bring your original foreign license, passport, Emirates ID, and the eye test certificate (done on-site, 10 minutes). If going through the full test route, you should have already enrolled in a driving school — the process takes 4–8 weeks minimum.

Day 24–26 — Set up your daily life systems

Essential apps to download:

• Uber / Careem — transport
• Talabat / Noon Food — food delivery
• Carrefour / Lulu / Instashop — grocery delivery
• Your bank’s app
• DEWA app — utility bills and usage monitoring
• Dubai Now — unified government services
• ICP Smart Services — Emirates ID and visa status
• Dubizzle — ongoing property reference

Nol card: Pick one up at any Metro station. Works on Metro, bus, tram, and water taxi — top it up and it covers all public transport in Dubai.

Day 27–28 — Final residency confirmation

Physically verify each item with your HR:

• Residency visa stamped in your passport
• Emirates ID collected
• WPS salary account set up
• Health insurance card received

Do not assume any of this is done. Confirm everything in writing.

Day 29–30 — Settle in

By day 30, the administrative heavy lifting is finished. You should know your nearest Metro station, your go-to supermarket, how long your commute actually takes, and have at least one or two people you can call if something goes wrong. This is when Dubai stops feeling like logistics and starts feeling like life.

Documents Checklist — Carry vs. Store Safely

Always carry (physical or phone photo)

• ✔ Passport
• ✔ Emirates ID
• ✔ Ejari certificate copy
• ✔ Employment letter
• ✔ Residency visa confirmation
• ✔ Health insurance card

Keep safe at home (originals)

• ✔ Original rental contract
• ✔ Original employment contract
• ✔ DEWA account reference number
• ✔ Bank account details and IBAN
• ✔ Internet account number and provider contact
• ✔ School enrollment confirmation (if applicable)
• ✔ Insurance policy document

Digitise everything on day 1. Photograph every document and back up to Google Drive or iCloud. Government offices sometimes ask for copies at short notice — having them on your phone saves hours.

Common Mistakes That Slow New Expats Down

1. Not registering Ejari immediately after signing your lease. Every single thing downstream — DEWA, banking, school — waits on this. Do it the same day.
2. Budgeting only for rent and forgetting the DEWA deposit. AED 2,000–4,000 upfront on top of your first month’s rent and agency fee catches many people off guard. Plan for it.
3. Relying on your employer to handle Emirates ID without following up. HR departments handle dozens of cases. You are one of them. Follow up in writing every 3–4 days.
4. Going to a traditional bank branch without your full document set. Bring passport, Emirates ID, employment letter, and Ejari — all of them, every time.
5. Not checking your school’s KHDA rating before booking a tour. A school can look impressive in person and be rated Acceptable or Weak by KHDA. Check at khda.gov.ae first.
6. Signing a rental contract without checking the RERA rental index. The RERA rent calculator at dubailand.gov.ae shows the maximum legal rent for your area and apartment type.
7. Buying furniture in week 1. Dubai apartments often have smaller rooms than people expect. Measure first, buy later.
8. Committing to a long car lease in the first month. Use Uber for the first month and understand your actual commute before committing to a car.
9. Skipping the mental health aspect. Join at least one expat community — Facebook groups, Meetup events, building WhatsApp groups. Isolation makes everything harder.
10. Not understanding chiller fees before signing your lease. Chiller (district cooling) is sometimes a separate monthly bill of AED 500–1,500. Confirm before you sign.

Your 30-Day Timeline at a Glance

Week 1 (Day 1–7)

• Day 1: SIM card + temporary accommodation booked
• Day 2–3: Visa and entry formalities started, HR contacted
• Day 3–4: Bank account application started (Liv. or Mashreq Neo for speed)
• Day 4–5: Emirates ID application submitted
• Day 5–6: DEWA application started (once Ejari is ready)
• Day 7: Driving license — confirm whether you qualify for direct conversion

Week 2 (Day 8–14)

• Day 8–10: Apartment search, RERA rent check, shortlist 3–4 options
• Day 11: Sign rental contract + register Ejari same day
• Day 12–14: Move in, DEWA connected, internet installation booked

Week 3 (Day 15–21)

• Day 15–17: Emirates ID collected or followed up
• Day 17–18: Bank account updated with Emirates ID, IBAN shared with HR
• Day 18–19: Health insurance confirmed, insurance card received
• Day 19–21: School applications started (if you have children)

Week 4 (Day 22–30)

• Day 22–24: Driving license appointment at RTA (if direct conversion)
• Day 24–26: Daily life apps installed, Nol card acquired
• Day 27–28: All visa and residency documents physically verified
• Day 29–30: Neighbourhood explored, routine established

What Day 30 Looks Like When You’ve Done This Right

You have:

• ✔ Residency visa stamped in your passport
• ✔ Emirates ID in your wallet
• ✔ Signed lease with registered Ejari
• ✔ DEWA utilities connected
• ✔ Functioning UAE bank account with salary transfer confirmed
• ✔ Health insurance card received and active
• ✔ Children enrolled in school or on active waitlists (if applicable)
• ✔ Driving license in hand or process started
• ✔ Daily apps installed and working
• ✔ At least two or three people you know in the city

You are not fully settled — that takes three to six months. But the systems are in place. The paperwork mountain is behind you, not in front of you.

The Real Talk

The first 30 days in Dubai are administratively exhausting. There are queues, waiting periods, follow-up emails, and moments where something takes three times longer than it should. That is normal. Everyone goes through it.

The people who thrive are the ones who treat it like a project with a sequence — not a pile of things to panic about. Handle one priority at a time. Follow up on everything in writing. Never assume a process is moving unless you have personally confirmed it.

After 30 days, Dubai stops being a bureaucratic obstacle and starts being what most people come here for: a genuinely exciting place to build a career and a life.

That’s when the real adventure starts.