Moving to Dubai
Moving to Dubai? Do it in the right order.
Most people lose their first month to the wrong order of things: the wrong area, the wrong lease, the wrong call. I moved from Toronto in 2023, and I help people make the same move without the guesswork.
Why Dubai? The real reasons.
0%
personal income tax
Keep what you earn.
The UAE doesn't tax personal income, and there's no capital gains tax on property.
One of the safest cities in the world.
Dubai is widely ranked among the safest cities anywhere, with very low violent crime. It's a big part of why families move here.
Residency, three ways.
Employment
Your employer sponsors your visa.
Your own company
Set up in a free zone or on the mainland, with full foreign ownership for most businesses.
Property
Buy property in the UAE and residency can come with it. The qualifying amount is the property’s value, so a mortgage-financed purchase can still qualify, subject to your bank’s approval and the current rules.
- AED 750,0002-year residency visa
- AED 2M10-year Golden Visa
Requirements change, so I check the current rules with you before you commit.
Own it outright.
Foreigners can buy freehold with full ownership, in designated areas.
Pegged to the dollar.
US$1=AED3.67
The dirham is pegged to the US dollar.
Connected to everything.
One of the world's busiest airports, with direct flights to most major cities.
Easy to build in.
Full foreign ownership is possible for businesses, and there are free zones built for specific industries.
Life, made easy.
Sunshine most of the year, English spoken everywhere, and international schools in British, American and IB curricula.
The first month, in order.
Before you land
Get clear on your budget, your timeline and the life you want. Shortlist two or three areas. Ask before you book, sign or send money to anyone.
Your first week
See your shortlist in person, at different times of day. Walk the streets, check the commute and talk to people who live there.
Where you live
Rent first or buy? I'll tell you what fits your situation, and go through the details with you before you sign anything.
The setup
The rest of the admin has to happen in a sensible order. I'll walk you through what comes first, so nothing gets missed.
Once you're settled
When life is running, we can look at property as an investment, off-plan or ready, properly and without pressure.
Start with a message.
Tell me where you are in the move, and I'll tell you what I'd do next.
Message me