Are you considering relocating to Dubai with your family? Known for its modern infrastructure, vibrant culture, and excellent educational opportunities, Dubai has become a popular destination for families from the UK looking to start a new chapter. With year-round sunshine, excellent healthcare, and a thriving expat community, Dubai is an attractive location for families seeking a high quality of life and a dynamic cultural experience.
This guide provides an overview of the essential steps and considerations for relocating your family from the UK to Dubai, including visa options, housing, and the costs associated with moving. By understanding the process, you’ll be better prepared to make this exciting transition for your family.
Dubai offers a host of advantages for families, ranging from excellent schooling options to family-friendly neighborhoods and activities. Here are some key reasons why UK families are choosing Dubai for relocation:
• World-Class Amenities: Dubai boasts an impressive array of amenities, including shopping centers, parks, beaches, and leisure activities suitable for all ages.
• Educational Opportunities: The city offers a wide range of international schools and world-renowned universities, providing families with many options for quality education.
• Safety and Security: Dubai is known for its low crime rate and high standard of living, which makes it a safe choice for families.
• Expat Community: With a strong and welcoming expat community, Dubai provides a sense of connection and support for families from around the world, especially those from the UK.
One of the first steps to moving your family to Dubai is obtaining the appropriate visas. As a UK citizen, you have several visa options depending on the nature of your stay. Typically, residency visas are required for family members, which will allow them to live in the UAE. Here’s an overview of the process:
Sponsorship Requirement: In most cases, a family member who has a UAE employment visa can sponsor their spouse, children, and even parents. Alternatively, individuals may also be able to sponsor family members under specific financial and residency criteria.
Application Process: Residency visas can be applied for online or through an authorized visa processing center in Dubai. The documents required often include passport copies, marriage and birth certificates, proof of employment, and tenancy agreements.
Visa Validity and Renewals: Family visas are typically valid for one to three years, depending on the sponsor’s visa type and employment status. Renewals are straightforward and can often be done through the same processing centers.
Educational Visas for Children: Dubai offers student visas for children studying at an international school or university. This visa type is ideal for families with older children planning to pursue their education in the UAE.
Dubai offers a variety of housing options tailored to families, ranging from villas in residential communities to high-rise apartments in bustling districts. Here are some tips to help you find the right accommodation:
Neighborhoods for Families: Popular areas for families include Arabian Ranches, Jumeirah, and Dubai Hills Estate, which offer amenities like parks, pools, and nearby schools.
Renting vs. Buying: Most expats choose to rent in Dubai, and rental contracts typically require a year-long commitment. The average cost of renting a family home can vary greatly depending on the location, size, and type of property.
Leasing Process: The rental process in Dubai is straightforward but often requires upfront payment (sometimes quarterly or biannual). Most landlords will require tenants to pay using post-dated cheques, a common practice in the UAE.
Understanding the cost of relocating is essential for planning a smooth move. Here are some key cost considerations for families relocating from the UK to Dubai:
Housing: Rent can vary, with average prices for a two-bedroom apartment in central areas starting from around £2,500 per month, while villas in family-friendly neighborhoods may range from £3,000 to £5,000 monthly.
Schooling: Tuition fees in international schools can range from £5,000 to £20,000 per year, depending on the school and grade level.
Healthcare: While the UAE requires health insurance for all residents, employers often provide insurance for employees and their families. Private health insurance options are also available, covering services at high-quality medical facilities.
Moving Costs: Shipping and moving costs from the UK to Dubai will depend on the volume of your belongings, but for a three-bedroom home, it may cost around £3,000 to £5,000 for door-to-door service.
Moving to a new country can feel overwhelming, but breaking down the process can help. Here’s a general outline of what you need to think about to relocate your family to Dubai, this isn't an exhaustive list as your individual needs may be different depending on your circumstances. For example if you have a business you also want to relocate there may be more to think about. We wrote another article about moving your business to Dubai, so if that is the case for you, you may find more useful information there.
Organize Your Family’s Visas and Documentation
Start by ensuring that each family member has the required visa. Work permits, family residency visas, and educational visas are commonly needed for children. Make sure you have all necessary documents, such as birth and marriage certificates, properly notarized and attested as per UAE requirements.
Research Schools and Enroll Your Children
If you have school-aged children, begin researching Dubai’s international schools early, as many have waiting lists. Schools typically follow the British or IB curriculum, so UK families can find familiar educational options.
Find Suitable Housing
Decide on a neighborhood that suits your family’s lifestyle. Some areas offer more green spaces and community-focused amenities, ideal for families, while others are closer to central business districts.
Arrange Healthcare and Insurance
Secure health insurance for the entire family, as this is a requirement for residency. Private healthcare is of high quality in Dubai, so comprehensive coverage will ensure access to top medical facilities.
Plan Your Move
Research moving companies experienced in international relocations to handle the logistics. They can assist with shipping, customs clearance, and door-to-door service. Many moving companies also offer relocation support, which includes finding schools, cultural orientation, and language training.
1. How long does it take to relocate to Dubai?
The process can take between one to three months, depending on visa processing times, housing availability, and school enrollments.
2. Is Dubai family-friendly?
Yes, Dubai is known for its family-friendly neighborhoods, excellent schools, and many leisure activities designed for children and families.
3. How can I obtain a residency visa for my family?
The residency visa process is often straightforward if you or your spouse have an employment visa. Required documents usually include passports, a marriage certificate, and a lease agreement, among others.
4. What schooling options are available for my children?
Dubai offers a wide range of schools that follow international curriculums, including British, IB, and American systems. Tuition fees vary, so researching options that best match your budget and preferences is recommended.
5. Is healthcare in Dubai of high quality?
Yes, Dubai’s healthcare system is highly developed, with many world-class hospitals and clinics. Employers often provide health insurance for employees and their families, or you can opt for private coverage.
Moving your family to Dubai is an exciting journey, and Prism 7 Resourcing UK is here to make the process as smooth as possible. From visa support and housing assistance to comprehensive relocation services, our team can guide you through every step of moving from the UK to Dubai. Contact us today to learn how we can help you start your family’s new adventure in the UAE.
Our UAE businesses opened 2 years ago, following expansion from the UK market, much like you may be considering! So we not only have the UAE knowledge and experience of industry experts we have onboard here, we also have first hand experience of the relocation process. Our existing business has been successfully operating in the UK for over 7 years providing support services for UK business, with offices in Basildon, Rainham and Maidstone near London.
We will need to deal with your relocation from our UAE offices in Dubai so you will need to speak to our excellent team over here, however if you feel more comfortable speaking to one of our UK based staff initially, they will be more than happy to deal with your enquiry in an initial discovery call and pass on your information!
