Plus Regional Spotlight: Life in Dubai

What should someone expect when it comes to document attestation before relocating to Dubai?

Before a residence visa application can move forward, personal documents typically need to be attested by the UAE embassy in the country where they were issued. This attestation requirement applies broadly across GCC countries and can take anywhere from two to twelve weeks to complete, depending on the employee’s home country. Only once all documents are attested can the residence visa process actually begin.

What’s the difference between an outside-country and inside-country visa application, and why does it matter?

The main difference is timing. With an outside-country application, the first steps happen before the employee arrives, which shortens the time spent in the UAE waiting for an Emirates ID. The full process, including an employment contract, temporary visa, medical fitness test, and biometrics, generally takes four to five weeks depending on jurisdiction. The Emirates ID matters beyond paperwork too, since it’s required before an employee can sponsor dependents.

Can a spouse or partner work in Dubai if they move on a dependent visa?

Yes, but it takes an extra step. A residence visa only grants residency, not the right to work. If a spouse who arrived on a dependent visa wants a job, their employer has to sponsor a separate work permit for them. That permit allows them to legally work while they keep their original dependent visa status, so they don’t need to switch to a new visa category to be employed.

What upfront costs should someone budget for when securing a lease in Dubai?

Renting in Dubai comes with more upfront cost than many people expect. Annual rent is generally paid in advance, and tenants are also responsible for a security deposit, typically five to ten percent of the total rent, plus an agent commission fee, usually around five percent of the annual rent. All of these costs land before move-in, so it’s worth budgeting for them well ahead of the actual moving date.

How much protection do tenants actually have in Dubai?

More than many newcomers assume. Rent increases are regulated by the Dubai Land Department, and a registered lease gives tenants grounds to dispute an increase that goes beyond what’s allowed. Termination works differently depending on who initiates it: a tenant typically gives two to three months notice, while a landlord looking to evict a tenant is required to give a full 365 days notice.

What is Ejari and why does it matter for someone moving to Dubai?

Ejari is the legal registration of a tenancy contract with the Dubai Land Department, and it exists mainly to protect the tenant. It has to happen in a specific order: first the lease agreement, then the security deposit, then Ejari registration. Utilities can’t be activated and a tenant can’t sponsor dependents until Ejari is complete, so skipping ahead in the process isn’t an option.

What are a few cultural habits newcomers should know about in Dubai?

One is that yes doesn’t always mean yes. People here are known for being warm and hospitable, and it’s common to hear an enthusiastic yes even when something isn’t guaranteed, so it helps to confirm specifics rather than assume. It’s also worth being cautious with cameras around locals, official buildings, and royal residences, and keeping voice volume and gestures calm, since that comes across as more respectful.