If you are considering moving to the UAE, you will be pleased to know that there is no complication involved in the process, which is an easy and straightforward affair. And what is more, the UAE has now become the home for many foreigners. And today, the expatriate population in the UAE has become about five times the original population.
The UAE hosts seven states: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al-Qaiwain, Ras Al-Khaimah, and Fujairah, which have become popular destinations for people worldwide due to a slew of factors, like ample job opportunities, glamorous lifestyle, etc.
The Process of Moving to the UAE
Once you finalize moving to the country, you should evaluate how to move to the UAE. You, as a foreign individual, will need a visa to work in the UAE. It means you will first need a job in that country before you relocate. And in this regard, you will have to find an employer who will be helping you with a job.
Moreover, you need to apply for a work permit through your employer. In the UAE, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation is the authority for managing work permits. It will help if you keep in mind that you cannot apply for a work permit directly.
You will get a 60-day work visa that will allow you to work after you arrive in the UAE. And during this period, you need to apply for employment and residency visas. Once you get the employment visa, you will also be issued with a labor card. Usually, residency visas are issued for two to three years.
Get acquainted with the relevant customs laws beforehand. You will find yourself in trouble if you do not abide by the laws.
The Federal Customs Authority (FCA) is the principal authority for managing customs and importation. The FCA actuates a set of common customs laws for each of the emirates in the UAE.
To comply with the laws, you should not carry the prohibited items, like weapons, narcotic drugs, etc. Ensure that you do not carry things with a cultural focus, like goods from Israel, images contradicting Islamic teachings, and homemade food.
If you plan to carry stuff, like films, books, photographs, medicines, valuables, money up to AED 100,00, and other legitimate items, you can do so, but you need to declare them at the airport. And the best thing you can do is to go through the laws on the FCA website.
The UAE as an Expat Destination
You will get to see many foreigners in the UAE. And the reason is that living and working in the United Arab Emirates are glamorous and enjoyable, resulting in excellent family life in the UAE.
The majority of the UAE’s expatriate community has moved into the country due to the tax-free earning and a high lifestyle standard.
With a slew of attractiveness, like good education facilities, fantastic shopping, and several entertainment options, the country is an amazing place to raise your family.
It will also help if you acquaint yourself with the following facts beforehand:
Climate
The UAE’s climate is sub-tropical and arid. The days are usually scorching and sunny, and the nights are very cold. The highest average temperature usually occurs in July & August, which can reach above 50 °C. The average minimum temperatures in January and February are between 10 °C and 14 °C.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in the UAE is exhibiting a decreasing trend. If you choose Dubai to live in, you will benefit from low taxation that reduces the cost of many items, including vehicles, electronic goods, and local produce. And the accommodation costs have decreased.
Healthcare
Healthcare facilities in the UAE are excellent and among the best in the world. You need to have medical insurance, which is also a prerequisite to obtaining permanent residency. But you will need to pay for your medical insurance. And that is also a fallout of the no-tax benefit on your earnings.
Banks & Taxes
The country has a developed banking system that is regulated by the UAE Central Bank. The big banking brands are Emirates NBD, National Bank of Abu Dhabi, First Gulf Bank, and Union National Bank. And there are also the familiar international brands, like CitiBank, HSBC, Royal Bank of Canada, and UBS.
There is no income tax when it comes to taxation, but there are taxes on buying and selling properties. The excise tax applies to some products, apart from VAT.
Education
The education system in the UAE is of international standard. In addition to government institutions, there are numerous world-class private schools, colleges, and universities.
Language and Currency
Arabic is the national language of the UAE, and Urdu is also widely spoken. But, English is widespread, and all official documents are translated into English. And when it comes to the currency, it is the Dirham (AED) in the UAE.
Expat Job and Career Opportunities
There are various career options in the UAE, and the sectors in which there are rising job availability are construction, financial services, tourism, media, marketing, telecommunications, engineering, and IT. With adequate remuneration and no income tax, many foreign professionals are looking to stay and work in the UAE.
Moving in
Moving into the UAE is also a straightforward affair. All you need is to find an employer who will manage a work visa for you. Subsequently, you can reach there.
Some Interesting Facts
There are also some interesting facts you will encounter when you live in the UAE. And some of the UAE facts and information are:
- World’s longest automated metro rail in Dubai
- Fantastic theme parks in Dubai—IMG Worlds of Adventure, Motiongate, and Legoland
- World’s largest shopping mall—the Dubai Mall
- World’s tallest building—the 2,722 feet Burj Khalifa
- World’s largest airplane fleet that also provides passengers with an on-board shower
Popular Destinations
Now, get acquainted with some popular destinations in the UAE:
Dubai
Dubai is a favorite destination for professionals and tourists due to the interplay between Islamic roots and western influences and ample job opportunities. With the availability of numerous apartments for rent in Dubai, staying there is easy.
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi has a lot to offer to the expatriate community. There are patches of greenery and low crime rates. However, the speed of life is a bit slower than that in Dubai. With desert, zoos, water parks, and the Ferrari World, your family will lead an enjoyable life. You can also consider purchasing a property with many apartments for sale in Abu Dhabi.
Sharjah
Living in Sharjah means getting access to a lot of fun activities. Housing cost in Sharjah is affordable with the availability of all kinds of properties, including villas for sale in Sharjah.