Dubai Relocation - First 90 Days
Created by Cheli
Complete step-by-step checklist for relocating to Dubai from India covering visa, bank account, driving licence, SIM, and essential administrative tasks in chronological order.
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Checklist Items (34)
Pre-Departure Preparation
Complete these tasks before leaving India to ensure smooth transition.
Confirm employment visa sponsorship
Obtain entry permit or employment visa from your UAE employer. Request electronic copy of visa for immigration clearance.
Gather educational certificates
Collect all original degree certificates and transcripts. These will need attestation from UAE embassy in India and Ministry of of Foreign Affairs in Dubai.
Notify Indian bank of travel
Inform your Indian bank about relocation to avoid account freeze. Consider maintaining NRO account for Indian transactions.
Arrival & Initial Setup
Complete within first 3 days of arriving in Dubai.
Complete immigration clearance
Present employment visa at immigration. Receive entry stamp valid for 60 days until residence permit processing.
Arrange temporary accommodation
Book hotel or serviced apartment for first 1-2 weeks. Start apartment hunting immediately upon arrival.
Legal & Documentation
Complete within first 30 days. These are mandatory for legal residence.
Complete residence visa stamping
Your employer PRO will handle this. Ensure passport has valid residence visa sticker. Usually done within 14 days of arrival.
Attest educational certificates
Submit certificates for MOFA attestation if required by employer. Process through approved attestation centers in Dubai.
Collect physical Emirates ID
Collect card from ICP office or post office using tracking number. Takes 2-3 weeks typically.
Financial Setup
Complete within first 30 days to receive salary and manage finances.
Submit salary transfer details to employer
Provide bank account details to HR for salary processing. Ensure IBAN is correctly shared.
Activate online and mobile banking
Set up mobile banking app for fund transfers, bill payments, and account monitoring.
Apply for credit card
After 3 months of salary credit, apply for credit card to build credit history. Start with secured card if new to UAE.
SIM & Connectivity
Complete within first week. Essential for communication and verification.
Register SIM with Emirates ID
Complete SIM registration linking your phone number to Emirates ID. Mandatory for all lines.
Register for WhatsApp with UAE number
Verify WhatsApp with new UAE number for local communication. Ensure backup of previous chats from Indian number.
Driving Licence & Transportation
Complete within first 60 days if you plan to drive.
Apply for driving licence conversion
Submit application at RTA customer happiness centers or online. Required documents: Indian licence, Emirates ID, passport photos.
Pass eye test at approved center
Complete eye test at RTA approved optical center. Cost approximately AED 100-150.
Attend driving licence course (if required)
If test required, attend driving institute course. Typically 5-20 classes depending on licence type.
Collect UAE driving licence
Receive licence card from RTA after successful completion. Valid for 2-10 years depending on visa type.
Consider car rental or purchase
Evaluate car rental (AED 1500-3000/month) vs. purchase. Compare costs before committing.
Settling In - First 90 Days
Complete within 90 days for a comfortable life in Dubai.
Obtain health insurance
Mandatory in Dubai. Employer typically provides coverage. Verify policy details and coverage limits.
Explore local supermarkets
Identify nearby Lulu, Carrefour, or Spinneys for grocery shopping. Download their apps for home delivery.
Register for utilities apps
Download DEWA, Etisalat, and du apps for bill management and payments.
Build social network
Join Indian community groups on Facebook, WhatsApp, or Meetup. Attend networking events to make connections.