Dubai

Get your residence visa & Emirates ID

The document pair everything else in Dubai hangs off.

1–3 weeks end to end · AED 1,500–4,000 (often employer-paid)

Get a UAE SIM card

A working number in 10 minutes. Even at the airport.

10–20 min · AED 50–125

Get a Nol card

Metro, tram, buses, and water taxis. One tap-everything card.

5 min · AED 25 (incl. AED 19 credit)

Open a UAE bank account

For salary via WPS, rent cheques, and everything the apps can't do.

30–60 min · card in 2–5 days · Free (with salary transfer)

Sort your health insurance

Cover is legally required in Dubai. And tied to your visa.

1–3 days to compare and buy · AED 700–6,000+/yr

Register your tenancy (Ejari)

The RTA registration that makes your lease officially exist.

15 min online · same day · AED 120–220

Set up DEWA (electricity & water)

Ten minutes online once you have your Ejari number.

10 min online · power same day · AED 130 activation + AED 2,000/4,000 deposit

Set up home internet

Your building decides the provider. The rest is easy.

15 min to order · 2–7 days to install · AED 300–400/mo

Convert your driving licence

~50 countries swap directly. Everyone else goes to driving school.

1 hour at RTA (direct swap) · AED 870 approx

Find a flat and sign the lease

Cheques, the RERA calculator, and the chiller question. Keys without surprises.

1–3 weeks of hunting · ~15% of annual rent in fees + deposits

Get a freelance permit (sponsor yourself)

The permits that turn "remote worker on a visit visa" into a legal Dubai resident with clients.

1–3 weeks end to end · AED 7,500–20,000/yr depending on route