Visas & ResidencyUnited Arab Emirates
Leaving the UAE: cancellation checklist
Visa cancellation, final settlement, closing bank accounts and avoiding travel bans.
3 min readUpdated 29 Oct 2026
Country guide · AE
Living in United Arab Emirates
A federation of seven emirates with one of the world's largest expatriate populations, zero personal income tax and highly developed infrastructure.
Overview
The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven emirates and the region's busiest hub for international talent: around 88% of residents are expatriates. Dubai leads in finance, technology, tourism and trade; Abu Dhabi in energy, government and culture; Sharjah and the Northern Emirates offer lower rents within commuting distance.
There is no personal income tax, residency options are wide (employment, freelance, Golden and Green visas, retirement), and English is the everyday business language. Expect high rents in central Dubai, a fast pace of change in rules, and summers above 40°C.
Getting a job in United Arab Emirates
United Arab Emirates · Dubai
Priya Nair, Senior Software Engineer
Priya moved from a product company in Bengaluru to a Dubai fintech. Her employer sponsored the work permit and residence visa; she handled degree attestation, housing and banking herself.
- per month
- AED 28K
- Timeline
- 10–14 weeks
United Arab Emirates · Dubai
Maria Santos, Registered Nurse
Maria moved from a Manila hospital to a private hospital in Dubai. Her licence from the Dubai Health Authority was the longest step; the hospital handled the visa.
- per month
- AED 12K
- Timeline
- 12–20 weeks
United Arab Emirates · Abu Dhabi
Emma Clarke, Primary School Teacher
Emma joined a British-curriculum school in Abu Dhabi. The package included housing and flights; teacher licensing with ADEK ran alongside the visa.
- per month
- AED 15K
- Timeline
- 10–16 weeks
United Arab Emirates · Dubai
Marco Rossi, Sous Chef
Marco joined a hotel restaurant in Dubai Marina. Accommodation and meals were part of the package, so his costs on arrival were low.
- per month
- AED 9K
- Timeline
- 6–10 weeks
United Arab Emirates · Dubai
Rahul Mehta, Senior Accountant
Rahul joined an audit firm in Dubai. With a recognised CA qualification he moved straight into a senior role; corporate tax since 2023 created strong demand.
- per month
- AED 16K
- Timeline
- 8–12 weeks
United Arab Emirates · Abu Dhabi
Dr. Omar Khalil, Specialist Physician
Omar moved to a hospital in Abu Dhabi as an internal medicine specialist. The Department of Health licence required verification of every training post.
- per month
- AED 45K
- Timeline
- 16–24 weeks
United Arab Emirates · Dubai
Sofia Petrova, Real Estate Broker
Sofia joined a Dubai brokerage on low basic pay plus commission. She needed a RERA card before she could legally show properties.
- per month
- AED 6K
- Timeline
- 6–8 weeks
United Arab Emirates · Sharjah
Imran Ali, Delivery and Light Vehicle Driver
Imran works for a logistics company in Sharjah. He needed a UAE driving licence; his company paid for driving school.
- per month
- AED 3.5K
- Timeline
- 6–10 weeks
Visas and residency
Most residents hold an employer-sponsored residence visa. Long-term options include the 10-year Golden Visa, 5-year Green Visa, remote-work visa and retirement visa. Emirates ID registration is mandatory for all residents.
Climate
Hot desert climate. Summer highs regularly exceed 42°C from June to September; winters are mild at 18–26°C.
Cities
- DubaiThe Gulf's global city: finance, tourism, aviation and the region's widest choice of housing and schools.
- Abu DhabiCapitalThe UAE capital, calmer than Dubai, with strong government, energy and culture sectors.
- SharjahA more affordable, culturally focused emirate popular with commuting Dubai workers.
- AjmanThe smallest emirate, offering some of the lowest rents in the UAE.
- Ras Al KhaimahMountains, beaches and a growing hospitality and industrial base.
- FujairahEast-coast emirate on the Gulf of Oman with a quieter pace of life.
- Umm Al QuwainA small, low-key coastal emirate with affordable living.
- Al AinThe UAE's garden city, an inland oasis with a strong education sector.
United Arab Emirates guides
Housing & AccommodationUnited Arab Emirates
Buying property in Dubai as an expat
Freehold areas, fees, mortgages and the transfer process.
3 min readUpdated 29 Oct 2026
Starting a BusinessUnited Arab Emirates
UAE free zone or mainland company: which to choose
Ownership, where you can trade, visas and costs compared.
3 min readUpdated 29 Oct 2026
Taxes & Personal FinanceUnited Arab Emirates
UAE corporate tax for small businesses and freelancers
9% above AED 375,000, small business relief and who must register.
3 min readUpdated 29 Oct 2026
Schools & EducationUnited Arab Emirates
Choosing a school in Dubai: fees, KHDA ratings and waitlists
How to compare schools, what fees really cost and when to apply.
3 min readUpdated 29 Oct 2026
Moving Your FamilyUnited Arab Emirates
Sponsoring your parents in the UAE
Salary requirement, deposit, insurance and the steps to bring parents on a residence visa.
3 min readUpdated 29 Oct 2026
Frequently asked questions
Do I pay income tax in the UAE?
No. The UAE does not levy personal income tax on employment income. VAT of 5% applies to most goods and services.
Can I sponsor my family?
Yes. Residents earning above the applicable salary threshold, or with suitable accommodation, can sponsor spouses and children.
Who pays for my UAE work visa?
By law the employer pays for the work permit, residence visa and Emirates ID for the employee. Costs for family members are usually paid by you unless your contract says otherwise.
Can I work in the UAE on a visit visa?
No. Working on a visit visa is illegal. You must have a work permit linked to your employer, a freelance permit or a Golden Visa.
How long does it take to get a job and move?
Most professionals take two to four months from first interview to starting work, with degree attestation being the slowest part.
Do I need to speak Arabic?
No. English is the working language for most private companies. Arabic is valued in government-facing and client roles.