Moving to the UAE from the USA

Checklist for Americans moving to the UAE — Golden Visa, employer-sponsored visa, freelance permit, Emirates ID, banking, leases in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, and the first 30 days.

Adds every item below to your personal checklist & timeline. Free account, no card.

Download the UAE guide

Enter your email and we'll send the full checklist straight to your inbox — no account required.

One email with the checklist. Unsubscribe any time.

Visa & legal right to stay

Choose a route: Employer-sponsored Work Permit, Golden Visa (10 yr), Freelance Permit, or property-owner residency
Must
Golden Visa needs AED 2M property, AED 2M deposit, or specialized talent.
Get an entry permit before flying (issued by employer or free-zone)
Must
Complete the medical fitness test and biometrics in-country
Must
Receive your Emirates ID within ~2 weeks of arrival

Paperwork to gather before you fly

Attested degree certificate (apostille + UAE consulate attestation in US + MOFA attestation in UAE)
Must
Attested marriage certificate to sponsor a spouse
Passport-style photos to UAE spec (white background)
Vaccination records and a vet certificate if relocating a pet

Money & banking

Open a UAE bank account once your Emirates ID is issued (Emirates NBD, ADCB, Mashreq)
Must
Set up Wise or Revolut for cheap inbound transfers
There's no personal income tax — but US citizens still owe US tax + FBAR + FATCA
Must
Register for corporate tax (9%) only if you run a UAE business above the AED 375K threshold

Housing

Stay in a hotel or serviced apartment for 2–4 weeks
Use Bayut, Property Finder, or Dubizzle for long-term leases
Annual rent is typically paid in 1–4 cheques up front
Negotiate for 4-cheque payments to spread the cost.
Register your lease via Ejari (Dubai) or Tawtheeq (Abu Dhabi)
Must
Budget 5% security deposit + 5% agency fee + utility deposits

Healthcare

Health insurance is mandatory and usually employer-provided
Must
If self-sponsored (Freelance/Golden), buy through Daman, AXA, or Cigna.
Make sure the policy meets DHA (Dubai) or HAAD (Abu Dhabi) minimum coverage rules
Pick a hospital network you can actually reach (Mediclinic, NMC, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi)

First 30 days on the ground

Complete biometrics + medical for the residency visa
Must
Receive Emirates ID (carry it everywhere — it's required for almost every transaction)
Must
Convert your US license at RTA (Dubai) or your emirate's traffic department
Most US states qualify for direct exchange.
Get an Etisalat or du SIM
Buy a Nol card in Dubai for the metro and buses
Set up DEWA/SEWA utilities under your name once Ejari is registered

FAQ

Can I really apply for a Golden Visa without an employer?

Yes — property purchase (AED 2M), AED 2M bank deposit, or talent/skill nominations all work. Most applicants use a PRO/typing center to file.

Do I need to convert my US license?

Yes within the first ~6 months of residency. Most US licenses qualify for direct exchange without a road test.

Free with sign-up

Turn this into a personalized UAE plan

A free account converts this checklist into a country-specific timeline, budget, and reminders — and unlocks the AI assistant for follow-up questions.

Build my plan Already have an account? Log in

Other country checklists

NextLatitude is for organization and guidance only. Visa rules, tax thresholds, and procedures change — always confirm with the relevant consulate or a licensed professional before acting. Last reviewed 2026-06-01.