Your First 30 Days in Dubai: The Essential Checklist
Moving to Dubai is exciting but the first month can feel overwhelming without a clear plan. Between visa processing, finding housing, opening bank accounts, and setting up utilities, there are dozens of tasks that need to happen in a specific sequence. This checklist organizes everything you need to do in your first 30 days, in the order they should happen, so you can settle into your new life efficiently and avoid costly mistakes.
Before You Arrive: Pre-Departure Tasks
Before boarding your flight to Dubai, handle these essential preparations. Get your employment contract reviewed and signed. Ensure your employer has initiated your work visa process and you have a valid entry permit. Gather original copies of your educational certificates, marriage certificate (if applicable), birth certificates for children, and have them attested by the UAE embassy in your home country. Attestation is critical for many administrative processes in the UAE, and doing it from abroad is far easier and cheaper than afterwards.
Research housing areas that match your workplace location and budget. Popular areas for newcomers include Dubai Marina and JBR for young professionals, Downtown and Business Bay for those working in DIFC or central Dubai, JVC and Sports City for budget-friendly family options, Arabian Ranches and Dubai Hills for families wanting villa communities, and Deira and Bur Dubai for those seeking more affordable studio and one-bedroom apartments.
Download essential apps before arriving, including RTA's Nol and S'hail apps for public transport, Careem and Uber for ride-hailing, Talabat and Deliveroo for food delivery, and the DubaiNow app which consolidates many government services.
Week 1: The Critical First Steps
Day 1-2: Arrive and Complete Medical Test. Your employer should arrange your medical fitness test within the first few days. This test, conducted at a DHA-approved center, includes a blood test and chest X-ray. Results typically take two to three days. The medical test costs approximately AED 320 and is usually covered by your employer.
Day 2-3: Emirates ID Biometrics. Visit an ICP service center to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) for your Emirates ID. Your employer's PRO usually handles the application, but you need to be present for biometrics. The Emirates ID is the most important document you will use in the UAE, needed for everything from bank accounts to phone contracts.
Day 3-5: Open a Bank Account. With your passport, employment contract, and salary certificate, open a UAE bank account. Major banks include Emirates NBD, FAB, ADCB, Mashreq, and RAKBANK. Most banks require a minimum salary for certain account types. An Emirates NBD Beyond account, for example, requires a minimum salary of AED 5,000. Some banks will open accounts before your visa is stamped if you have an employment contract, but functionality may be limited until the visa is complete.
Day 5-7: Get a UAE Mobile Number. Visit an Etisalat or du store with your passport and Emirates ID application receipt to get a SIM card. Monthly postpaid plans start from AED 75 for basic packages. Your UAE mobile number will be linked to virtually every service you use, from banking to government portals, so choose carefully and keep this number active.
Week 2: Housing and Visa Completion
Day 7-10: Start Apartment Hunting. Use platforms like Bayut, Property Finder, and Dubizzle to shortlist properties. Schedule viewings through registered real estate agents. In Dubai, tenants typically pay rent via post-dated cheques, with one to four cheques being the most common payment structures. One cheque (annual upfront payment) usually gets you the best rental rate, while four or twelve cheques provide better cash flow flexibility at a slightly higher annual rate.
Budget for upfront housing costs including a security deposit (typically five percent of annual rent for unfurnished apartments), agency commission (usually five percent of annual rent), Ejari registration fee (AED 220), and DEWA deposit (AED 2,000 for an apartment). For an apartment with annual rent of AED 60,000, expect upfront costs of approximately AED 8,000 to AED 10,000 beyond the rent itself.
Day 8-12: Visa Stamping. Once your medical test results are cleared and Emirates ID biometrics are collected, your employer processes the visa stamping. You may need to visit GDRFA for the final visa stamp in your passport. This step officially makes you a UAE resident.
Day 10-14: Sign a Tenancy Contract and Register Ejari. Once you find an apartment, sign the tenancy contract and register it through the Ejari system. Ejari registration is mandatory for all rental contracts in Dubai and is required for obtaining a DEWA connection, internet service, and many other administrative processes. Registration can be done online or at an Ejari service center.
Week 3: Utilities and Essentials
Day 14-16: Set Up DEWA (Electricity and Water). Apply for a DEWA connection through the DEWA app or website. You need your Ejari number, passport copy, visa copy, and Emirates ID. The connection is usually activated within 24 hours of application. A refundable deposit of AED 2,000 is required for apartments and AED 4,000 for villas.
Day 15-17: Internet and TV Connection. Choose between Etisalat (now e&) and du for home internet. Packages start from AED 299 per month for basic internet to AED 599 or more for high-speed packages with TV. Installation typically takes three to five days after application. You need your Ejari number and Emirates ID to apply.
Day 16-18: Health Insurance Card. Your employer provides health insurance, which is mandatory in the UAE. Collect your insurance card and familiarize yourself with the coverage, network hospitals, and claim procedures. Register on your insurance provider's app or portal to access digital insurance cards and locate nearby network providers.
Day 17-19: Get a Driving License. If you hold a driving license from one of the 36 countries recognized by the UAE (including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, most EU countries, and several other nations), you can directly convert your license at an RTA service center. The conversion costs approximately AED 870 and requires your original foreign license, passport copies, visa copy, Emirates ID, and an eye test certificate. If your country is not on the recognized list, you must attend driving school and pass tests, which can take several weeks and cost AED 5,000 to AED 10,000.
Week 4: Settling In
Day 20-23: Vehicle Purchase or Lease (If Needed). If you need a car, decide between buying and leasing. Used cars in Dubai offer good value, with reliable options available from AED 20,000. Monthly car lease rates start from AED 1,200 for economy vehicles. For new car purchases, several banks offer auto loans with competitive rates. You need a UAE driving license, salary certificate, and bank statements for financing.
Day 22-25: Explore Your Neighborhood. Locate essential services near your home including supermarkets (Carrefour, Lulu, Spinneys, and Choithrams are the major chains), pharmacies, medical clinics within your insurance network, laundry services, and your nearest metro or bus station.
Day 25-28: Set Up Recurring Payments. Configure automatic payments for rent (set up standing orders for cheque dates), DEWA bills, internet bills, and phone bills through your bank's online portal or app. This prevents missed payments and the associated fines or service disconnections.
Day 28-30: Register on Government Portals. Create accounts on key government platforms including DubaiNow for paying fines and government fees, the ICP portal for visa and Emirates ID services, the MOHRE app for labor-related services, and the Dubai Police app for police clearance and services. Having these accounts set up saves significant time when you need government services in the future.
Essential Tips for New Residents
Keep multiple copies of all your documents, both physical and digital. Store digital copies in cloud storage for easy access. Always carry your Emirates ID and keep your passport in a secure location at home.
Learn the basics of UAE traffic law. Speed limits are strictly enforced through radar cameras, and fines accumulate on your vehicle registration. Parking rules vary by zone, and fines for violations start at AED 150.
Understand that Friday and Saturday form the weekend in the UAE, with Sunday being a regular working day. This is one of the adjustments that catches many newcomers off guard.
Build a financial buffer for the first month. Between housing deposits, DEWA deposits, and various setup costs, you may need AED 20,000 to AED 40,000 in cash before your first salary arrives. Plan accordingly to avoid financial stress during your transition.