Gulf moving plan and relocation checklist

1Destination and date

Planned arrival date

I already have a job offerSpouse is moving with meI plan to driveBringing a pet

Your plan for United Arab Emirates

0 of 20 tasks done

Check passports are valid for 6+ monthsDocumentsEvery family member needs at least 6 months of validity on arrival, ideally 2+ years.Fri 30 Oct
Attest your degreeDocumentsNotary, foreign ministry and the Gulf embassy in the country that issued it. This takes the longest, so start first.Sat 14 Nov
Get a police clearance certificateDocumentsOften required for the work visa. Valid for 3 to 6 months.Sun 29 Nov
Confirm the offer covers housing, flights and insuranceJobGet the full package in writing: basic salary, allowances, notice period and probation.Sun 29 Nov
Send documents to your employer for the visaVisaPassport scan, photo, attested degree. Ask for the expected issue date.Mon 14 Dec

Research neighbourhoods and book temporary housingHousingBook 2 to 4 weeks in a serviced apartment so you can view homes in person.Tue 29 Dec
Get your home driving licence translated or an international permitCarSome nationalities can convert directly; others must take a local test.Thu 7 Jan
Book shipping or excess baggageMovingMost furniture is cheaper to buy locally. Ship only what matters.Thu 7 Jan
Collect medical records and prescriptionsHealthSome common medicines are controlled in the Gulf. Carry prescriptions with the active ingredient name.Thu 14 Jan

Arrive and get a local SIM cardArrivalBuy a prepaid SIM at the airport. You will need a local number for every government app.Thu 28 Jan
Do the residence medical testVisaBlood test and chest X-ray at an approved centre. Your employer usually books it.Sun 31 Jan
Give fingerprints for your Emirates IDVisaYour residence visa is stamped or issued digitally after this step.Tue 2 Feb

Open a bank accountMoneyUsually needs your Emirates ID. Options: Emirates NBD, ADCB, Mashreq or a digital bank like Wio. Ask your employer for a salary certificate.Tue 9 Feb
Sign a lease and register itHousingRegister the contract with Ejari (Dubai) or Tawtheeq (Abu Dhabi). You need it for utilities and family visas.Thu 11 Feb
Connect electricity and waterHousingOpen an account with DEWA, ADDC or SEWA. A refundable deposit is usually required.Sat 13 Feb
Activate your health insurance cardHealthFind the nearest clinic in your network before you need it.Wed 17 Feb
Convert or apply for a local driving licenceCarThrough RTA or ITC. Eye test required.Sat 27 Feb

Buy or lease a car and get insuranceCarThird-party insurance is mandatory. Comprehensive is strongly recommended.Tue 9 Mar
Set up savings and money transfers homeMoneyCompare exchange houses and banks; fees differ a lot.Sun 14 Mar
Review your probation and financesSettling inProbation usually ends at 3 to 6 months. Check your budget against real spending.Wed 28 Apr

Dates are suggestions based on typical processing times. Your employer or PRO may handle some steps for you.