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Your move, step by stepYou’re in step 3: Living here
  1. 1ResearchWeighing it up, job hunting or comparing an offer
  2. 2Making the moveOffer accepted, packing up, or just landed
  3. 3Living hereYou’re here
  4. 4Helping othersComing soon
  5. 5Moving onLeaving the UAE, back to the UK or on to the next country
Step 3 · Living here

We’re here. How do we make the most of it?

Keep on top of the dates that matter, make the most of each season, and protect what you’ve built.

Your dates

Every renewal, in one place

Residence visa and Emirates ID, UK passport, tenancy, car registration, health insurance and school re-enrolment. Add the dates you know and we’ll show what needs doing first, and when to start.

Make the most of it

5 guides

How do we make the most of summer in the UAE?

Early mornings, indoor weekends, trips home and staying well in the hot months.

What are Ramadan and Eid like as a resident?

The holy month, working hours, iftar, and the Eid holidays.New

Where can we go for a weekend away?

Other emirates, the mountains, and driving to Oman.New

Work and money

4 guides

How do I change jobs in the UAE?

Notice, final pay, your visa and your family’s visas when you move employer.+ calculator

Can I freelance or start a side business?

Permits, your employer’s permission, licences and UAE tax.New

What are my rights at work?

Hours, leave, probation, notice and your end-of-service payment.+ calculator
Articles coming soon:Asking for a pay riseSaving and investing from the UAETell me when they’re out →

Family and home

7 guides

Should we renew our tenancy or move?

Notice dates, rent rises at renewal, and what a move really costs.New+ calculator

How do we change schools in Dubai?

Deposits, notice, refunds and the transfer certificate.New

How do we hire a nanny, maid or driver?

Sponsoring directly or using an agency or Tadbeer centre, contracts, pay, leave and insurance.New
Articles coming soon:Buying a home in DubaiTell me when they’re out →

Protect what you’ve built

5 guides

Do I need a will in the UAE?

What happens without one, registering a will, and naming guardians for your children.

What should we check when our health insurance renews?

Who has to insure whom, and what to compare before you renew.New

What should I check each year on UK tax, pensions and property?

A yearly check-up: tax returns, pensions, inheritance tax and your UK home.New

Calculators for this step

Changing jobs?End-of-service gratuityAED 70,000 after 4 years on AED 25k basicRenew or buy?Rent or buyExample: over 5 years, buying is AED 214,025 aheadYour budgetCost of livingAED 38,779 a month for your householdThinking of leaving?Leaving fundWhat you’d have after getting home

Where next

Most people spend years in this step. When you’re ready to help newcomers, or start planning to leave, the next steps are here.
Planning to leave? Step 5: Moving on →