Get all the information you need to make the move to the UAE – from best locations and mortgage application advice to market insights – right here!
Dubai still grabs most of the headlines in the UAE, and while that’s for good reason – nightlife and instant beach access are perfect here – there are still quality alternatives. Feel like swapping towers for a bit more heritage? Head to Sharjah’s Al Khan waterfront, where your rent stretches a bit further and there are plenty of art museums to visit.
Want somewhere with more green space? Settle down in Abu Dhabi’s Khalifa City because the villas come with actual yards – you’ll definitely appreciate those when summer hits 45°C! Ras Al Khaimah is a bit quieter up north, but it’s full of affordable villas by the mountains.
You’ve got tons of options here, so check out one of our UAE guides to see which emirate grabs your attention the most.
Or if you’ve already got a decent idea of what you’re looking for in the UAE in terms of lifestyle, budget, or local amenities, you can feed that information into our UAE Property Finder to get matched with the best available option!
We get that it’s outside most people’s comfort zones in Europe, but paperwork in the UAE looks a lot scarier than it is once you map the steps:
You’re usually looking at four to six weeks from accepted offer to getting the title deed – maybe a bit slower if the seller still has a mortgage to clear. We can help you keep all your documents organised so you don’t run into any issues there!
Ask expats why they came here and you’ll hear everything from tax-free salaries and year-round sun to accessible flights everywhere between London and Sydney in a single trip.
Visas now link to either employment or property worth at least AED 2 million, so that gives you a renewable two-year residency – no stress when it comes to becoming a resident! Just make sure you pack light on furniture since every major store delivers and assembles, and rental contracts often include kitchen appliances.
We’d suggest you book a temporary serviced accommodation for a month so you can do all your essentials (registering utilities, opening bank accounts) while getting a feel for the area. And when you’re ready to secure a mortgage here, our team at Upscore can make the process seamless for you!
Neighbourhood life varies depending on where you’re based:
Just keep in mind that utility bills get higher in summer, so you’ll need to budget extra for air-conditioning, and most villas charge district-cooling fees on top.
The social rules here are probably slightly more respectful than you might be used to, but they’re still super tolerant. Alcohol is licensed and not available in every emirate, for instance.
We can help you get used to life in the UAE so you get the most out of your stay here!
Got your sights set on the UAE but unsure which specific city you want to call home? Compare different properties in various cities – from the local amenities to market insights and tax requirements.
Read More
You don’t have to land a job first, but you’ll need the right visa to stay long-term. Most people come on an employment visa that’s sponsored by their company or a free zone. Alternatively, you can get a freelancer permit or remote-work visa. The UAE even have a Golden Visa option like many ouher countries in Europe. Tourist visas don’t allow working, even part-time, legally.
After your entry permit, the residency process usually takes a few weeks, not months. You’ll do: A medical exam Biometrics for the Emirates ID Visa stamping on your passport or digitally Some delays pop up with document attestation or security checks, so keep originals handy and keep an eye on the application portals.
Leases typically run for a year, and payments often happen in bank cheques or transfers rather than monthly swipes. Expect a security deposit and registration like Ejari in Dubai. Things like air-conditioning are obviously a must, but the charges vary by building, so ask about chiller fees. Read the break-clause carefully, because early exits can be expensive.
Many nationalities can swap a valid home licence for a UAE one without testing! It’s worth getting a rental if you immediately need a car while you’re still sorting out paperwork. Expect tolls through Salik in Dubai and app-based parking. Car loans are common, but banks prefer steady salaries with a clear history.
Salaries aren’t taxed locally, which feels great, but the cost of living still adds up. Housing tends to be the big swing factor, but your daily costs are fairly reasonable for most neighbourhoods. Add 5% VAT on most purchases. And we’d recommend building a buffer for deposits and furniture, because that first setup week often eats more than you expect.
Upscore’s Property Finder uses AI to match you with the closest property for your specific requirements.
