United Arab Emirates Country Guide
Your Complete Guide to Moving, Living & Working in the UAE
Important: This guide provides key relocation information for individuals and families moving to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The UAE is known for its modern cities, safety, tax-friendly environment, year-round sunshine and strong job market in sectors such as energy, aviation, logistics, finance, tourism and technology. Visa rules and residence options are updated frequently, so always confirm details on official UAE government websites before you relocate.
Home To Home Relocations supports clients across Toronto, the GTA and Ontario with international moves to the UAE, including export packing, air and ocean shipping, customs coordination and final delivery to major cities such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and Ajman.
1. Before You Move to the UAE
1.1 Entry Visas & Residence Visas
Most newcomers arrive first on an entry or visit visa, then complete their residence visa and Emirates ID inside the country. Common residence categories include:
- Employment Residence Visa – sponsored by an employer
- Green Visa – for skilled workers, freelancers, self-employed and investors (self-sponsored, 5 years)
- Golden Visa – long-term residency (often 5–10 years) for investors, highly skilled professionals, scientists, outstanding students and others
- Family Residence Visa – sponsored by a resident to bring eligible family members
- Student Residence Visa – sponsored by a university or educational institution
- Retirement / Investor / Property Owner Visas – for qualifying retirees and property/investment holders
- Remote Work / Virtual Work Visas – for eligible remote workers employed outside the UAE
Key official portals for current visa categories and requirements:
- u.ae – Residence Visas Overview
- u.ae – Visit & Tourist Visas
- Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP)
1.2 Working in the UAE
To work in the UAE, you usually need an employment contract with a licensed UAE employer or free zone company. Your employer normally arranges:
- Initial entry permit (if required)
- Medical examination
- Residence visa stamping
- Emirates ID application
1.3 Other Pathways: Investors, Freelancers & Remote Workers
Depending on your profile, you may be eligible for:
- Investor or entrepreneur visas (often linked to share capital or qualifying business activity)
- Property-linked residence visas for eligible property owners
- Remote work visas if you are employed abroad but wish to live in the UAE
1.4 Housing & Accommodation
Housing options range from high-rise apartments to villas and townhouses. Typical requirements when renting include:
- Passport and visa copy
- Emirates ID (or application receipt)
- Security deposit (often 5–10% of annual rent)
- Post-dated cheques or online payment agreement for yearly rent
1.5 Banking & Finances
The UAE’s banking system is modern and well-regulated. Once your residence visa and Emirates ID are issued, you can generally open a local bank account for salary credit, rent and daily expenses.
1.6 Healthcare & Insurance
The UAE has excellent public and private healthcare. Health insurance is mandatory in many emirates (such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi), and employers are often required to provide coverage for employees and sometimes their dependants.
1.7 Key Documents to Prepare Before Moving
- Passport (with sufficient validity)
- Job offer or employment contract, if applicable
- Educational certificates (often attested)
- Marriage/birth certificates for dependants (attested)
- Police clearance certificate if requested for certain visas
- Proof of income or investments for investor/retirement categories
- Private medical insurance if required before sponsorship starts
2. Your First Weeks in the UAE
2.1 Medical Examination & Biometrics
Most residence visa applicants must undergo a medical fitness test at an approved clinic and provide fingerprints and a photo for their Emirates ID.
2.2 Emirates ID
The Emirates ID is the official identity card for residents. It is required for almost all services, including banking, telecom, rental agreements and government services.
2.3 Finalising the Residence Visa
Once medical and biometrics are complete, your residence visa is issued electronically and linked to your passport and Emirates ID.
2.4 Registration & Utilities
After securing housing, you will typically set up:
- Electricity and water (e.g., DEWA in Dubai, ADDC/AADC in Abu Dhabi)
- Internet and mobile phone service
- Parking and building access cards where applicable
3. UAE at a Glance
3.1 Geography & Emirates
The UAE is a federation of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. Each emirate has its own character, regulations and development priorities.
3.2 Politics & Economy
The UAE is a federal state with a rapidly diversified economy. While oil and gas remain important, sectors such as aviation, logistics, tourism, financial services, real estate and technology play a major role.
3.3 Climate & Weather
The UAE has a desert climate with very hot summers and mild winters. Most indoor spaces are air-conditioned. Outdoor activity is most pleasant from roughly October to April.
4. Why Many Canadians Choose the UAE
- Tax-friendly environment and competitive salaries
- Modern infrastructure, healthcare and education
- International, multicultural communities
- Strategic location between Europe, Asia and Africa
- Year-round sunshine and extensive travel connections
5. Housing, Cost of Living & Daily Life
Daily life in the UAE is shaped by modern malls, restaurants, waterfronts, beaches and strong expat communities. Key cost considerations include:
- Annual rent (often paid in 1–4 instalments)
- Utilities and air conditioning costs
- School fees for children in private/international schools
- Private healthcare top-ups, if needed
- Transport (car ownership, fuel, taxis or metro where available)
6. Transportation & Getting Around
6.1 Public Transport
Dubai and Abu Dhabi have modern public transit networks including metro, trams and buses. Taxis and ride-hailing services are widely available across all emirates.
6.2 Driving in the UAE
The UAE drives on the right-hand side. Depending on your nationality and residence status, you may be able to convert your existing licence or you may need to take a driving test. Traffic rules are strictly enforced.
6.3 Air Travel
Dubai and Abu Dhabi are major international hubs, making regional and global travel very convenient.
7. Culture, Lifestyle & Places to Visit
7.1 Everyday Culture
- The UAE is a Muslim country with a diverse expatriate population
- Respect for local customs, dress codes and religious practices is expected
- English is widely spoken in business and daily life
- Family life, hospitality and community events are central to the culture
7.2 Popular Cities & Attractions
- Dubai: Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Marina, old souks
- Abu Dhabi: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Corniche
- Sharjah: Museums, cultural areas and traditional souks
- Ras Al Khaimah & Fujairah: Mountains, beaches and outdoor activities
- Desert Experiences: Desert safaris, dunes and camping