Moving from the UK to Dubai is an attractive option considering the lower cost of living that parallels high-quality living conditions. It is estimated that there are about 2,40,000 British expats who have made Dubai their home.
In comparison with London, Dubai offers consumer prices lower by 20.6 percent, a 24.3 percent higher purchasing power, and a better cost of living with groceries and restaurant prices on a lower margin. Reading these factors along with the recent liberalization of legal requirements gives a rationale for the increasing number of UK expats in UAE in general and Dubai in particular.
In this context, UK expats will benefit from having an understanding of the Visa regulations and legal requirements to find a better living in Dubai.
Visa Regulations
Dubai has grown into a flourishing economy. This growth has resulted in opportunities for aspiring talents and entrepreneurs from the UK. A deliberation to match these opportunities and talents has resulted in new visa schemes that avail better stay-back options for expats.
The 10-year golden residency visa and the 5-year green UAE visa are the recent developments in this direction.
- The 5-year green visa: It facilitates freelancers and skilled professionals who find the sponsoring requirements in relocating to Dubai from UK troublesome. From October 2022 onwards they are allowed for extended stay backs without sponsorship requirement. It is a step-by-step visa procedure that allows for a 60-day work permit in Dubai as an initial step. The rest of its formalities can be completed once the applicant reaches Dubai.
- The 10-Year UAE Golden Visa: This is a visa tailored for investors and people with outstanding talents. The talent pool selected for this visa includes celebrities, businessmen, and students who have scored brilliantly in their academic pursuits. Investors who contribute significantly to the economy of Dubai are also given this golden visa. As is obvious this visa system is intended to attract investments and talent pool in to the rich economy of the city.
Other visa systems such as the direct employment visa to Dubai are also in tune with the development visions of the country.
Legal requirements for UK expatriates
- Health: Even though public health infrastructure can be accessed through registrations, expats are legally bound to have some form of private medical cover. This can be covered by their own resources or by the employer.
- Buying Property: Property buying has been restricted to UAE nationals and citizens of GCC member countries. The liberal visions of the authorities have changed the course of these policies. Thus any expat who is relocating to Dubai from UK can buy property in Dubai at designated places. Palm Jumeirah and locations around Dubai Marina are some examples of such areas. These are not fixed slots and are subject to revision every year.
- Bank Accounts: Savings accounts are given only to a selected few. As an expat, you may have to get a current account that demands higher minimum balance conditions. Getting an account is easy. However, you will have to be living in Dubai to get one.
The visa systems, its requirements, and legal policies mentioned here can guide you in navigating your relocation to Dubai from UK. However, with the help of experienced relocation services, it is possible to make better decisions on relocation, based on real-time data. Since these policies and regulations are volatile an expert who is updated to the changing systems can provide for seamless processing of your visa and related documents.
Here is where the experienced and knowledgeable team of Helpxpat stays relevant to your relocation needs. As we work with information sourced from our valued collaborations worldwide you can completely rely on us in navigating the legal as well as regulatory landscape of Dubai as an expat from the UK.
