Residency & visa
Property ownership opens the door to the Golden Visa (10 years) or the investor visa. This is the first step; everything else follows from it.
Insights · Relocating to the UAE
Your move to Dubai.Without the guesswork.
From residency and schools to healthcare, housing and utilities. Everything you need to arrange to build a life in the Emirates with calm and structure. In one place.
0%
Income tax on salary
GMT+4
Three hours ahead of the Netherlands
~7 hrs
Direct flight Amsterdam-Dubai
Top 5
Safest major cities in the world
Why families make the move
A new chapter, well prepared.
Relocating is more than a change of address. It is rebuilding a life.
A growing number of European entrepreneurs and families choose the UAE: tax-free income, safety among the highest in the world, year-round sun and an airport that puts you back in Amsterdam within seven hours. English is the working language, the dirham is pegged to the dollar and the infrastructure is world-class.
Yet preparation determines whether the transition is smooth. Residency, schools, health insurance, housing and utilities interlock and follow a set order. This guide lays out that order. We walk it with you, with trusted partners for the legal, tax and logistical work.
The eight building blocks of your move.
A relocation breaks down into a handful of tracks that follow one another. This is what matters, and what we guide you through.
Housing & communities
Rent or buy in freehold zones, from family villa to penthouse. Your tenancy contract is registered through Ejari.
Schools & education
Dubai has dozens of international schools regulated by the KHDA, offering British, IB, American, French and German curricula. Apply early.
Healthcare & insurance
DHA-compliant health insurance is mandatory and a condition for your residency. The standard of care is high.
Banking & money
After your Emirates ID you open a local bank account. The dirham is pegged to the dollar (±3.67), which gives stability.
Driving & transport
A Dutch licence can be exchanged without a test once your visa is issued. Metro, taxi and car complement one another.
Utilities & connectivity
Once Ejari is active, DEWA (water & electricity) is activated automatically. Internet and a SIM are arranged via du or e&.
Family & pets
Sponsor your spouse and children; pets come along with a MOCCAE import permit (microchip and rabies vaccination required).
The costs in view
What does a life in Dubai cost?
Indicative benchmarks for a family, so you can plan realistically. Actual costs depend on community, school and lifestyle.
AED 8.7k
Apartment · per month
Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in a city-centre location (average).
AED 15-25k
Family villa · per month
Rent for a villa with garden and pool, depending on the community.
AED 9k-110k
School fees · per child, per year
From budget schools to top schools; annual increases are capped by the KHDA.
~AED 14.5k
Living costs family (4) · per month
Excluding rent: groceries, transport, utilities and leisure.
AED 320
Basic health insurance · per year
Entry price of the mandatory basic package; broader cover costs more.
0%
Income tax
No tax on salary or personal income in the UAE.
Amounts are indicative (2025) and serve as a guide, not a quote. We help you build a realistic budget based on your family situation and preferred community.
Choose the community that fits you.
Dubai is a collection of communities, each with its own character. A rough split to start. We are glad to refine it around your priorities.
For families
Calm, space, greenery and schools within walking or driving distance.
- Arabian Ranches
- Dubai Hills Estate
- Emirates Hills
- The Springs & Meadows
- Jumeirah
- Al Barsha
- Mirdif
For lifestyle & connectivity
Urban, waterfront and close to the buzzing centre.
- Downtown Dubai
- Dubai Marina
- Palm Jumeirah
- Business Bay
- Jumeirah Beach Residence
- City Walk
- Dubai Creek Harbour
From arrival to home in six steps.
The tracks follow a logical order. Here is what a smooth relocation usually looks like.
01
Secure residency
Choose your visa route (Golden Visa or investor visa) and complete the medical and Emirates ID.
02
Choose community & home
Decide to rent or buy, pick your neighbourhood and have the tenancy contract registered through Ejari.
03
Switch on utilities & internet
With an active Ejari, DEWA activates automatically; internet and a SIM are arranged via du or e&.
04
Arrange healthcare
Take out a DHA-compliant health insurance policy and register with a nearby clinic or hospital.
05
Schools & driving
Reserve school places (applying early pays off) and exchange your Dutch driving licence.
06
Settle in
Open your bank account, bring over your family and pets, and set up daily life.
Honest answers up front.
Do I pay income tax if I relocate?
The UAE levies no income tax on salary or personal income. Whether this benefits you depends on your tax residency: if you remain a tax resident of your home country, you generally stay liable there. We always have this assessed by a tax adviser.
Can I drive on my Dutch licence?
The Netherlands is on the list of countries whose licence can be exchanged for a UAE licence without a theory or road test. You can do this once your residency visa is issued, via the RTA.
How do I get a school place?
Dubai has dozens of international schools regulated by the KHDA. Popular schools have waiting lists, so applying early is wise; an entrance assessment is usually part of the process. We help with selection and timing.
Is health insurance mandatory?
Yes. DHA-compliant health insurance is mandatory for all residents and a condition for obtaining or renewing your residency. As a sponsor you also arrange cover for your family members.
Can I bring my pet?
Yes, with an import permit from MOCCAE. Your dog or cat must be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies and travels as cargo, not in the cabin. A few dog breeds are banned. We refer you to a specialised partner.
Is Dubai safe for families?
Dubai consistently ranks among the safest major cities in the world, with very low levels of violent crime and high scores for the safety of women and children. It is a key reason so many families make the move.
Sources & transparency
What this page is based on.
The amounts, rules and conditions mentioned are indicative and are set by the UAE authorities and the market; they can change. This page is informational and does not constitute legal or tax advice. De Dam coordinates your relocation with licensed legal, tax and logistics partners.
- Moving to the UAE, The Official Platform of the UAE Government (u.ae)
- Health insurance, u.ae
- Getting a driving licence, u.ae
- Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), Dubai schools
- Import permit for pets, UAE Ministry of Climate Change & Environment
- Activation of electricity & water (move-in), DEWA
Thinking about the move?
Tell us about your plans and your family situation. We will outline, with no obligation, what your relocation could look like and which order is smartest for you.