Moving to Dubai & the UAE from the United States

Choosing to up sticks and move locally can be a stressful ordeal – but moving to a completely different country introduces new levels of unease.

If you are considering making the move from the United States to Dubai and the UAE, this guide will tell you everything you need to know – from visa requirements to cost of living differences; healthcare top tips to rules about moving country with your pets – helping you to feel empowered when the time comes to make the big move.

Quick Dubai Facts:

Population: 3.331 million (2019 estimate)
Official Language: Arabic (de facto), with English being widely spoken
GDP Per Capita: $49,451 USD (2023 estimate)
Random Fact: The Burj Al Arab Hotel uses almost 2,000 square metres of 24-carat gold leaf as decoration within the interiors of the building
Currency: Emirati Dirham (AED, Dh). As of late 2023, $1 USD = 3.67 AED, €1 EUR = 4.01 AED, $1 CAD = 2.68 AED, $1 AUD = 2.41 AED, £1 GBP = 4.61 AED

Sections

1. Moving Costs to Dubai and the UAE from the United States

The table below shows the estimated cost of hiring a 20- or 40-foot container from different ports in the US, and shipping it to Dubai:

Port	20FT	40FT
Charleston	$3,200 - $3,500	$4,800 - $5,100
Houston	$2,900 - $3,200	$4,400 - $4,700
Long Beach	$3,100 - $3,400	$4,600 - $4,900
Los Angeles	$3,200 - $3,500	$4,800 - $5,100
Miami	$3,400 - $3,700	$5,000 - $5,300
New York	$3,500 - $3,800	$5,200 - $5,500
Oakland	$3,300 - $3,600	$4,900 - $5,200
Savannah	$3,000 - $3,300	$4,600 - $4,900
Seattle	$3,200 - $3,500	$4,800 - $5,100
Virginia (Norfolk)	$3,400 - $3,700	$5,000 - $5,300

All figures are in USD;
The rates above are estimates only and may have changed since the time this article was updated (June 2024). They are based on the lowest estimated rate from either Hapag-Lloyd or GoComet;
To get a more accurate idea of the cost for you, please use the quote form at the top of this page;
Please also see our guide to international container shipping.

2. How Long Does It Take To Move to Dubai and the UAE from the United States?

There can be big discrepancies in move time duration when it comes to moving from America due to the vastness of the country.

Let’s take a look at some states from a range of locations in the north, east, south and west of the country to give you an idea of move time when relocating to Dubai and the UAE.

New York to Dubai – 18 hours, 40 minutes – $880
Los Angeles to Dubai – 19 hours, 55 minutes – $765
Minneapolis to Dubai – 20 hours, 45 minutes – $975
Dallas to Dubai – 18 hours, 40 minutes – $880

This duration covers the flight time only, so additional time will need to be added to get you from the terminal to your final location.

3. Moving Restrictions to Dubai and the UAE from the United States

Moving from one country to take up residency in another will incur various restrictions – most notably, this comes in the form of visa requirements, which we will cover in the next section.

You will need a visa if you want to gain entry to the UAE to either live or work there. If you have an employer already set up, they will arrange your resident’s visa, as well as your Emirates ID and your Labour Card.

We will cover this in more detail later, but you will need to take out private medical insurance for your time in the UAE. If you are bringing pets, you will need various vaccinations and forms, as well as an import permit to allow for legal transfer.

There is no income tax in Dubai, nor is there any capital gains tax, but VAT is still charged on tax-registered businesses.

There are currently no COVID-19 restrictions, but these could change and travellers are advised to keep up-to-date with the latest developments and changes in this law.

For those needing to travel with medication, you must ensure the medication is on the UAE’s prohibited list to avoid any issues. Approval may need to be applied for in advance, which can be accessed here.

4. Visa Requirements to Dubai and the UAE from the United States

Alongside a valid US passport, you will need a visa to enter Dubai and the UAE from the United States. These can range from:

Tourist visa – valid for 30 days
Visit visa – for those staying longer than 30 days
Multiple entry visa – suitable for those wanting to exit and enter the UAE multiple times for 30 to 90 days
Long-term visas – for those wishing to relocate to the UAE
Golden visa – for those wishing to reside in the UAE and are classed as investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals and retirees
Business visa – suitable for those needing to gain entry to the UAE for business purposes

If you don’t have the right visa in place and you intend to work in the UAE, you can face imprisonment and fines, so it’s important that you get everything ironed out before your visit to ensure you have the correct paperwork in place.

For those wanting a residence visa, a blood test will be required. If you have HIV or hepatitis, you will be denied entry, being detained and then deported, with no appeal process.

If you want to leave the UAE permanently, but have a work visa in place for longer than your stay duration, you need to cancel this before leaving else you can face arrest if you return to the UAE.

In all cases, you need to speak to a visa specialist to advise you on your individual circumstances and always keep up to date with the latest changes in the rules. Take a look at The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) for the most up-to-date information.

5. Cost of Living Differences in Dubai and the UAE

While this article is covering Dubai and the UAE as a whole, house prices will obviously vary from area to area but the figures below will give you an indication of what’s available at what price.

As a general note, it is estimated that the cost of living in New York is 36.8% higher than that of Dubai, with rent being around 47.5% higher.

Monthly Rental Prices in Dubai and the UAE:

1 bedroom flat (apartment) in City Centre: 4,500+ AED
1 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: 4,160+ AED
3 bedroomed flat in City Centre: 12,800+ AED
3 bedroomed flat outside the City Centre: 8,300+ AED

Dubai and the UAE Home Purchase Prices:

Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in City Centre: 11,600+ AED
Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside the City: 8,550+ AED

Source: Numbeo

6. Tax Treaties in Dubai and the UAE

There is no personal income tax payable in the UAE. This means that individuals working in Dubai or other locations within the UAE will not pay income tax on any salary.

Similarly, there is no corporate tax payable, but some certain areas – such as oil and gas – may be subject to different taxation rules. Since 2018, there has been Value Added Tax (VAT) payable on most goods and services, totaling 5%, but some industries don’t need to pay this.

These regulations can change with time, and it’s important to stay up-to-date with any updates to ensure you are working within the law to avoid fines or other issues.

7. Working Rules in Dubai and the UAE

There are a number of residence visas available for individuals wanting to work in the UAE. These include, but are not limited to:

Standard work visa
Green visa
Golden visa
Domestic worker’s visa

A standard work visa is usually for two years and is issued for those employed in the private sector, or in the government sector or a free zone. In these instances, the employer must apply for the visa on the holder’s behalf.

The green visa is a type of residence visa which allows the holder to sponsor themselves for 5 years – meaning no UAE national or employer needs to sponsor the visa. Freelancers, self-employed and skilled employees can apply for these – a full list of these industries can be found at u.ae.

The golden visa allows for long-term residence in the UAE suitable for foreign talents. These individuals include, but are not limited to, according to u.ae:

Investors and entrepreneurs
Outstanding students and graduates
Scientists

You cannot work in the UAE without an appropriate working visa. This is deemed illegal, and will carry various fines and punishments, so it is important to understand everything thoroughly before arriving in the country.

8. Healthcare in Dubai and The UAE

The UAE has a mixed healthcare picture, with both public and private care being offered. While Emiratis receive free universal healthcare in Dubai and Abu Dhabi as long as they have taken out their mandatory health insurance, expats will need to have their own private insurance to cover any necessary medical expenses.

The system is renowned as the best in the Middle East, and is known for quality care. If expats do not take out private health insurance, there may be a fine applicable of up to AED 500 per month.

If you are working in the UAE, it’s common to see your employer or sponsor taking out the medical insurance on your behalf – which can sometimes include your family if applicable – but if you are unemployed you will need to take this out yourself.

To be eligible for healthcare, you will need a health card. There are plenty of facilties to choose from, so you just need to choose a provider that gives you the type of cover you need while you’re in the UAE.

9. Rules Around Moving With Pets in Dubai and the UAE

Moving house includes lots of boxes of belongings – but it can also include some particularly important furry friends, too! If you are needing to move to Dubai and the UAE with a pet in tow, here’s what you need to know.

There are a number of restrictions and regulations surrounding the movement of pets to the UAE from the United States, but broadly, you will need to ensure you have:

A pet import permit, which can be obtained from the relevant authorities. UAE’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment can help with this
Your pet must be microchipped
Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies and other standard diseases, with the vaccinations administered at least 21 days before arrival but not more than 12 months before departure
Some pets may need blood tests before travelling, especially dogs – the specific requirements can be found via contacting the UAE authorities
Health certificate will be needed from a veterinarian to state the pet(s) is/are fit for travel

Failure to follow these restrictions can have grave consequences – the confiscation of your pet – as well as various fines. It’s best to follow everything to the letter, and to ask questions at any stage of your move if you are at all unsure of anything.

10. Similar Cities

The most similar city and state combination between the United States and the UAE is between Dubai and Miami.

Both locations are ocean-front spots, with waterfront living and miles of beaches to enjoy. They are both home to a diverse mix of populations, blending cultures and nationalities, making them popular tourist locations.

They are both known as global business hubs, and also for luxury living, with many attractions, entertainment options and activities to enjoy.

11. Pros and Cons of Moving to Dubai and the UAE from the United States

Perhaps you’re moving for a new job opportunity, or just want to try out a completely different country and climate – whatever your reason for wanting to move from the United States to Dubai and the UAE, let’s take a look at some of the main pros and cons associated with moving.

Advantages of Moving from The United States to Dubai	Disadvantages of Moving from The United States to Dubai
Dubai offers a tax-free income environment, providing the potential for higher disposable income.	The cost of living in Dubai, particularly in terms of housing and schooling, can be relatively high.
Dubai boasts a luxurious lifestyle, modern infrastructure, and a diverse expatriate community.	The strict legal and cultural norms in Dubai, including restrictions on certain behaviors, may require adjustment. Additionally, the climate can be extremely hot, with temperatures soaring during the summer months.
Dubai provides a gateway to international travel, with a strategic location and world-class transportation infrastructure.	Job security may vary, and certain industries may have limited opportunities. Expatriates should be aware of the transient nature of the population and potential challenges in building long-term social connections.

Whatever you decide, it’s important that you understand the legal factors affecting your move – be sure to speak to The U.S. Embassy and Consulates for all the information you need.