Residency & Relocation Assistance

Overview
Securing legal residency in the United Arab Emirates and relocating yourself or your family involves two parallel tracks: immigration compliance (entry permits, visas, Emirates ID) and settlement logistics (housing, banking, schooling, utilities). This guide outlines each stage, the authorities involved, required documentation, and practical considerations to ensure a smooth transition.

Decisions Before You Begin

  • Visa category – determine whether you qualify for an Investor/Partner, Employment, Freelance, or Golden Visa route. Each pathway has different validity periods and sponsorship rules.

  • Sponsor relationship – decide if the visa will be sponsored by your own UAE company, a free‑zone authority, an employer, or— for dependants— by a resident family member.

  • Health‑insurance requirements – mandatory in Dubai and Abu Dhabi before visa stamping; choose an insurer and plan level early.

  • Housing strategy – temporary hotel vs. short‑term rental vs. annual lease with Ejari; timing affects visa address declarations and utility setup.

  • School admissions calendar – international schools operate on August/September intakes; securing places often requires deposit months in advance.

Documents & Information to Have Ready

Document / Item Who Provides It Notes
Passport (colour scan) Applicant & dependants ≥ 6 months validity plus any previous UAE visa pages.
Passport‑sized photos (white background) Applicant & dependants Digital JPG + printed sets, recent (≤ 3 months).
UAE entry permit Sponsor / Free Zone Issued before travel or generated in‑country (change‑status).
Attested marriage certificate Married applicants Notarised, MoFAIC‑attested; required for spouse visa.
Attested birth certificates Child dependants Notarised, MoFAIC‑attested; required for child visas and school enrollment.
Education certificates Employment or freelance visa Degree attested for skill‑level 1–3 roles or professional licences.
Health‑insurance policy confirmation All applicants in Dubai/AD Must cover entire visa validity period.
Tenancy contract (Ejari) or proof of address Primary applicant Needed for visa stamping and utility connections.
Personal bank statements (3‑6 months) Primary applicant Facilitates personal banking and credit‑card applications.
No‑objection letter (if transferring visa) Current sponsor (if any) For individuals switching sponsor within UAE.

Relocation & Residency Roadmap

Phase Authority / Task Key Deliverables Indicative Timeline*
1. Entry‑Permit Issue ICP / GDRFA Entry permit (60 days) 1–3 days
2. Arrival / Change Status ICP Status change confirmation Same day
3. Medical Examination DHA / MOHAP Fitness certificate, X‑ray, blood test 1–2 days
4. Biometrics & Emirates ID ICP service centre Biometric capture receipt Same day
5. Visa Stamping GDRFA (passport) or e‑visa Residence visa sticker or e‑stamp 2–3 days
6. Emirates ID Collection ICP Emirates ID (digital + physical) 5–7 days
7. Family Dependant Visas ICP / GDRFA Spouse & child visas 7–14 days (parallel)
8. Housing & Utilities Ejari / DEWA / Etisalat Tenancy contract, utility activation 3–5 days
9. Driving Licence & Banking RTA / Commercial banks UAE licence, personal bank account 5–15 days
10. Schooling & Healthcare KHDA / Schools / Clinics Enrollment confirmation, insurance cards Ongoing

*Timelines assume standard processing queues and clear documentation; public holidays can extend certain steps.

Do’s & Don’ts

Do’s

  1. Book medical and biometric appointments online as soon as your entry permit is issued to avoid week‑long queues.

  2. Carry multiple certified copies of attested documents; schools and banks may each require originals for verification.

  3. Activate SMS/email notifications in ICP & GDRFA portals to track real‑time status updates.

  4. Budget for refundable deposits (housing, utilities, telecom) which can equal 5 %–10 % of annual rent.

  5. Download the UAE Pass app – it enables digital signing, Emirates ID retrieval, and utility setup.

Don’ts

  1. Don’t overstay the entry permit— daily fines accrue after 60 days if status change isn’t completed.

  2. Don’t rely on tourist insurance— it is not accepted for visa stamping; comprehensive local health cover is mandatory.

  3. Don’t ship personal effects too early— household goods cannot clear customs without a stamped residence visa.

  4. Don’t assume all driving licences convert— check RTA’s approved list; some nationalities must undergo full testing.

  5. Don’t mix business & personal transactions initially— opening a corporate account first can simplify personal banking approval later.

Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them

  • Incomplete attestation chain – missing embassy or MoFAIC stamps delay dependant visas. Verify each document’s stamp sequence before departure.

  • Address mismatch – Emirates ID pulls your Ejari address; ensure tenancy contract matches visa application form.

  • Missed medical retest notices – certain blood tests may trigger retests; monitor DHA portal daily until cleared.

  • Late school enrollment – popular schools cap classes early; wait‑listing can push families into mid‑year intake.

  • Utility backlog during peak season – summer moves surge DEWA & Etisalat queues; submit applications as soon as Ejari is live.

After‑Arrival Essentials

  1. Visa renewals – investor and employment visas are valid for 2 years (Free Zone/Mainland) or up to 10 years (Golden Visa); track expiry 90 days in advance.

  2. Emirates ID renewal – processed concurrently with visa renewal; biometric update may be required if expired >5 years.

  3. Family‑status updates – add newborn dependants within 120 days of birth to avoid fines.

  4. Driver‑licence renewal – online via RTA app every 5–10 years (age‑dependent).

  5. Travel‑ban checks – verify any outstanding fines (Salik, traffic, utilities) before exiting UAE.