How does emigrating to Dubai work?

The decision has been made! You're embarking on an adventure in the Middle East. Emigrate to Dubai, It's an exciting step that can dramatically change your life, career, and financial situation. But an international move involves more than just packing your bags. Think about visa applications and document legalization, as well as tax deregistration in the Netherlands. Good preparation is half the battle. In this article, we'll tell you all about the most important stages of the emigration process.

Step 1: The legal basis with Visa and ID

You can't just move to Dubai; you need a residency visa. Without this document, you can't open a bank account, rent a house, or drive a car. There are several routes to residency. One is when your employer in the UAE arranges and pays for your visa.

As an entrepreneur, you can set up a business in a Freezone or Mainland and sponsor yourself. As a real estate investor, you can also buying real estate with a minimum value (e.g., AED 750,000) and thus obtain a visa. There are also free zones that offer licenses for freelancers. After entry, you must undergo a medical examination with a blood test and chest X-ray. If approved, you will receive your Emirates ID, This is your most important card in Dubai; you'll need it for everything.

Step 2: Legalize documents (Certification)

A common mistake among people moving to Dubai is forgetting to legalize documents. Dutch documents such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, and diplomas are not automatically valid in the UAE. You must go through a specific process:

1. Collect the document from the Dutch authority (e.g. DUO or Municipality).
2. Legalization by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in The Hague.
3. Legalization by the UAE Embassy in The Hague.
4. After arriving in Dubai, the final stamp from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in the UAE.

Start this at least 3 months before departure to ensure everything is ready in time!

Step 3: When emigrating, tax matters and deregistration

Emigrating to Dubai has consequences for your tax liability. If you move to Dubai permanently, you likely no longer want to be a taxpayer in the Netherlands (Box 1 and Box 3). You deregister with your municipality. This can be done from five days before departure. The year after your emigration, you file a tax return using the M-form. This form divides the year into a domestic and foreign portion.

Do you have a private limited company (BV), pension, or annuity in the Netherlands? Then the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration can impose a protective assessment. This is a tax claim that is only collected if you violate certain rules, such as paying out dividends within a certain period after your departure.

Always consult a specialist tax advisor before you leave double taxation or avoid surprises such as exit taxes.

Step 4: your housing and banking

Emigrating to Dubai also involves the practical aspects of settling in. Think of opening a bank account. This is only possible after you have your Emirates ID. Popular banks for expats are ENBD, ADCB, and HSBC. Nowadays, there are also digital banks like Wio Bank that speed up the process.

Renting a house is also part of it living in Dubai. Rent in Dubai is often paid annually in advance or in four checks. Monthly payments are slowly becoming more common, but are not yet standard.

What about a driving license in Dubai?

Good news for Dutch and Belgian citizens, because you don't need to take a new driving test in the UAE. If you have a valid residence permit, you can easily exchange your driving license for a UAE license at the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). You will need your Emirates ID, an eye test (done by an optician), an original driver's license, and a translation.

Moving your belongings with a container or buying locally?

A major dilemma when emigrating to Dubai is the contents of your home. Should you ship a shipping container, or start with a clean slate?

Shipping a 20ft or 40ft container costs thousands of euros, depending on current freight rates, and takes an average of 4 to 6 weeks. The advantage is that you have your familiar belongings at your disposal. Keep in mind, however, that houses in Dubai often have different layouts. They are often larger and have different lighting, and your Dutch furniture might not fit the aesthetics or climate.

Many expats choose to move light and buy their belongings in Dubai. Stores like IKEA, Home Centre, Pan Emirates, and luxury designer boutiques are plentiful. There's also a very active secondhand market, for example, through Dubizzle, as expats frequently come and go. Moreover, many apartments are rented fully furnished, which is convenient for the first year of settling in without making large investments.

Taking pets with you when emigrating to Dubai

Moving with a dog or cat? Start the process of emigrating to Dubai as early as possible. The UAE has strict import regulations for animals. Your pet must be fully vaccinated, including against rabies. You must also apply for an import permit in advance from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. Pets are often required to travel as "manifest cargo" and are not allowed in the cabin on many airlines, with the exception of falcons, which are a local privilege!

Also keep in mind that Dubai is hot in the summer. Walking dogs on asphalt during the day is not an option, as you'll burn their paws. You'll need to choose early mornings and late evenings, or designated dog parks. Not all neighborhoods and parks are pet-friendly, so check this carefully before renting. Popular neighborhoods for dog owners are The Greens and Jumeirah Golf Estates.

School registrations for children

If you're emigrating with school-aged children, this part shouldn't wait until you land. Popular international schools like Dubai College, JESS, or the American School of Dubai often have long waiting lists. The application process often includes an assessment test, either online or on-site, to determine the child's level. You'll also need to submit reports from the previous school (often translated and legalized), and pay an application fee to reserve a spot. Start this process at least six months in advance. Without proof of admission from a school, it can sometimes be difficult to obtain a visa for your children.

Make sure your documents are legalized and your tax exit strategy is in place. Then you can emigrate to Dubai and fully enjoy everything Dubai has to offer.

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