Dubai is a glittering crown of the United Arab Emirates. Immigrating there is a significant achievement, especially to those who move because of a job opportunity – they have a chance to enhance their careers, work with experts from all over the world, and earn a lot of money. Moreover, Dubai’s economy has drastically evolved – its focus is not only oil-exporting and trading anymore! Industries like logistics, construction, real estate, tourism, etc., are thriving too! So it’s no wonder so many people want to immigrate to Dubai.
However, immigrating to Dubai is not for those unprepared for a completely different culture than their own. Things like customs, laws, religion, climate, and of course, the language can be hard to overcome. But, nothing is impossible! So, if you plan to make this mesmerizing city your new home, here is everything that you need to know.
Obtain Residence Permit
If you want to become a Dubai resident, the first thing you must do is find a job. A secured job is a key to obtaining a work permit, allowing you to get a residence permit. It is crucial to obtain this residence permit because, without it, you will not be able to buy a property in Dubai or rent it. Moreover, you will not be able to open a bank account or register your car.
So, once you land a job in Dubai, your new employer or sponsor will be the one responsible for submitting all the necessary documents needed for your relocation. However, this does not mean that you will have no obligations, quite the contrary. To obtain the residence permit (with the help of your employer, that is, sponsor), you also have to take the following steps:
- Have a negative PCR test as UAE requires virus checks at all airports
- Go through a health check-up
- Apply for a work permit
- Obtain a visa
- Make sure your passport is valid for at least another six months
Find a Place to Stay Before You Relocate to Dubai
Before you start packing your bags and calling allseasonmovers.com to help you immigrate to Dubai by transporting your belongings to your new home, you should do your best to find a place to stay. Living in a hotel with a bunch of strangers who do not speak your language and keeping your items in a storage unit whose regulations you are not quite aware of can quickly turn into a nightmare. Thus, either buy or rent a property before you move! For that, you will need a help of a local real estate agent who speaks your language too!
In the past, buying a property as an ex-pat was not allowed, but the situation has changed. So, if you plan on living in Dubai for a more extended period of time, or the rest of your life, it will be a better idea to buy a property. The process of buying and obtaining all the necessary paperwork will be long, but you will be able to save a lot of money in the long run.
Renting, on the other hand, is easier than buying a property. For this too, you will need a help of a real estate agent. He or she can take you precisely to the places that suit your needs. In most cases, those places are close communities where other immigrants, like you, live comfortably.
Hire International Movers
Once you know you will move to Dubai, you will need to hire international movers. They are trained and experienced movers who can ensure that all of your precious belongings arrive safely at your new address. You will need help leaving the US for good, and international moving companies are the only ones who can help you do it. Of course, there is always a cheaper alternative of moving to Dubai – having a DIY kind of relocation. But, that kind of relocation can quickly turn into an expensive and time-consuming ordeal from which there might not be going back. Thus, if you have never moved to a different country before, better play safely – hire international movers on time!
It is also vital to find the right movers who suit your needs and your budget. Moreover, the right movers are the legitimate ones. After all, these people will be responsible for everything you own, so make sure you double-check their validity. Do a background check on each company before you sign any papers!
Prepare for a Cultural Shock when You Immigrate to Dubai
All the tasks from above are pretty physical, concrete, and tangible. What follows next is an emotional journey. Immigrating to Dubai from the US may be the most challenging thing you will have to do in your life. Everything from laws and regulations to language and religion is quite different there.
The good news is that if you immigrate to Dubai, you will probably live in a close community with the rest of the immigrants. That means that you may not necessarily use the Arabic language daily. There are also schools, stores, banks, health centers, and other facilities in those closed communities, where almost everyone speaks English fluently. Residents there will understand what you are going through as they, too, have been there. Thus, they will help you adjust and recover from the culture shock faster.
One thing you will have no trouble getting used to is Dubai’s transportation system, which is highly developed. So, wherever you live, you can easily commute to work.
However, pay attention to the religious customs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan when you shouldn’t eat, drink, nor smoke in public as you may offend someone. Also, be wary of the dress code. In most areas of Dubai, the dress code is relatively liberal, but there are areas where covering your body and head is a must as well.
Immigrate to Dubai and Start a New Life
When you decide to immigrate to Dubai, know that you will be making a substantial change in your lifestyle. You will live surrounded by luxury and that is something you can easily get used to. So, even though there will be some hurdles to jump, mostly paperwork-related, you can be sure you will enjoy this new chapter of your life.