Moving to Dubai in 2026: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Moving to Dubai is far easier than it was a decade ago, but the order of the steps still matters. You cannot open a normal bank account without an Emirates ID, you cannot get an Emirates ID without a residence visa, and you cannot connect your electricity without a tenancy contract. Do things in the wrong order and you lose weeks.

This guide walks through the process in the sequence that actually works, based on how the system operates as of 2026. Fees and processing times change, so we name the authority behind each step and tell you where to check the current figure.

The big picture: seven stages in order

1. Secure a visa route and an entry permit.
2. Arrive, then complete the medical test and biometrics.
3. Receive your residence visa and Emirates ID.
4. Open a bank account.
5. Sign a tenancy and connect DEWA.
6. Sort schools, your driving licence and your mobile line.
7. Work through a first-month checklist.

Step 1: Entry permit and residence visa

Most people arrive on one of three routes.

• Employment visa. Your employer applies for a work entry permit through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) and the immigration authorities. You normally fly in on the entry permit and the residence visa is issued after your medical test.
• Family sponsorship. A resident who meets the salary and housing conditions can sponsor a spouse and children. In Dubai this runs through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA Dubai).
• Investor, remote-work or long-term visas. Property investors, company owners and remote workers each have their own category, and the Golden Visa gives ten-year residency. Read our visas and residency guide to compare them, or see whether you qualify with the Golden Visa checker.

Practical points:

• Your passport should have at least six months' validity. The residence visa is now issued electronically and linked to your Emirates ID, so it is no longer stamped in the passport.
• Keep the entry permit printout or PDF on your phone. Airlines check it before boarding.
• Never overstay. Fines accrue daily, so use the overstay fine calculator if you are changing status inside the country.

Step 2: The medical test

Every adult applying for a residence visa must pass a medical fitness test at an approved centre. In Dubai these are authorised by the Dubai Health Authority. The test is a blood screening (it checks for infectious diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B and syphilis) and a chest X-ray for tuberculosis. Pregnant women are exempt from the X-ray.

Most centres give same-day or next-day results and let you book online. The fee is modest and is usually paid by your employer, so ask HR before paying yourself. Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) for your Emirates ID are normally captured at the same visit or at an ICP-approved typing centre.

Step 3: Emirates ID and visa

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) issues the Emirates ID. It is your key to everything: banking, tenancy, health insurance, mobile contracts and government apps such as UAE Pass. The card is posted to your registered address or collected from a pickup point, and you can track it on the ICP website at icp.gov.ae.

Check three details the day it arrives: the spelling of your name, your date of birth and your sponsor or employer. Corrections are far easier within the first few days.

Step 4: Open a bank account

Banking regulation is set by the Central Bank of the UAE, and the main retail banks all offer accounts to residents. You will typically need your passport, residence visa, Emirates ID, and an employer letter or salary certificate.

• A salary account usually carries no minimum balance, and your employer pays you through the Wages Protection System.
• A non-salary current account often requires a minimum balance of several thousand dirhams, with a monthly fee if you fall below it.
• Digital banks can open accounts quickly from your phone, which helps in your first week.

For more on transfers, cards and tax, read our banking, money and tax guide. Use the currency converter when budgeting in your home currency.

Step 5: Housing and DEWA

Finding and renting a home

In Dubai, tenancy contracts are registered through Ejari, the system run by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and RERA. Do not hand over money without a written contract and a registered Ejari. Typical costs on top of the first year's rent:

Cost	Typical amount
Security deposit	5% of annual rent (unfurnished), 10% (furnished)
Agent commission	Often 5% of annual rent
Ejari registration	A small fixed fee
Post-dated cheques	Landlords commonly accept 1 to 4 cheques

Our renting a home guide explains your rights, rent increase rules and how disputes are handled.

Connecting DEWA

The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) supplies electricity and water. After your Ejari is registered, you open an account online or through the DEWA app with your Emirates ID and tenancy contract. Expect a refundable security deposit (as of 2026, commonly AED 2,000 for an apartment and AED 4,000 for a villa) plus a connection fee.

Tenants also pay a 5% municipality housing fee, which appears on the DEWA bill. Some communities use district cooling, which is billed separately. Estimate your bill in advance with the DEWA bill estimator.

Step 6: Schools, driving and mobile

Schools

Private schools in Dubai are regulated by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), which publishes inspection ratings and approves annual fee changes. Start applying as early as you can, because popular schools keep waiting lists. Have your child's passport, Emirates ID or visa, previous school reports and a transfer certificate ready. Our schools and education guide covers curricula and fees.

Driving licence

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) issues Dubai licences. If your home licence comes from a country on the RTA's eligible list, you can usually convert it with an eye test and no road test. Everyone else enrols at a driving institute, takes lessons, and sits theory and road tests. Check your situation with the driving licence checker.

Mobile and internet

Both major operators, e& and du, sell prepaid and postpaid plans, and a SIM requires your Emirates ID or, in your first days, your passport and entry permit. Home fibre is activated once you have a tenancy contract.

First-month checklist

• Book and complete the medical test, then get your Emirates ID.
• Confirm your health insurance. Employers in Dubai must provide it for staff, and you should check what family members need. See our healthcare and insurance guide.
• Open a bank account and set up online banking.
• Sign the tenancy, register Ejari and connect DEWA.
• Get a local SIM and home internet.
• Start your licence conversion or driving lessons.
• Apply for school places and register with a family doctor.
• Download UAE Pass, the RTA Dubai app, the DEWA app and the Nol Pay app. Learn the metro fares using the Metro fare tool.
• Save the emergency numbers: 999 for police, 998 for ambulance and 997 for fire.
• Read our moving to the UAE checklist for a printable version.

Where to go next

Dubai has its own rules and rhythm, from Friday half-days to summer heat. Our Dubai emirate page covers neighbourhoods and services, and the culture and etiquette guide will help you settle in with confidence.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get residency in Dubai?

For a standard employment visa, most people finish the medical test, visa issuance and Emirates ID within about one to three weeks, though this varies by employer, nationality and season. Your PRO or HR team can give a realistic estimate.

Can I open a bank account before I have an Emirates ID?

Some banks accept a passport, entry permit and employer letter for a basic account, and digital banks may be faster. Full services normally require the Emirates ID, so apply early.

Do I need a car in Dubai?

Not necessarily. Metro, tram, buses and taxis serve many areas, and living near a metro station cuts costs. A car is more useful in villa communities and if you commute outside the central areas.

Is health insurance compulsory?

Yes. Dubai requires employers to provide basic health insurance for employees, and residents sponsoring their families must insure them. Check the details with the Dubai Health Authority or your insurer.

What should I bring from home?

Bring original certificates (degree, marriage, birth) with attestation where needed, passport photos, school records, medical records, and your home driving licence. Attestation requirements depend on your visa type, so check with your employer or ICP before you fly.