Moving to...

UNITED ARAB

EMIRATES

What can we help you with?

Visa
Banking & Taxes
Housing & Renting
Healthcare
Transportation & Driving

Looking for Essentials?

Go here!

VISA & Immigration

A visa for the UAE is a permit that allows a foreigner national to enter, live and/or work in the country for a specific period of time. The type of visa or residence permit you will need depends on why you are moving to the UAE and how long you plan on staying there. Most long-term stays require a residence visa.

All non-UAE nationals must obtain a UAE student visa to study at a recognized university or college.

How to apply for a UAE student visa

Below is a list of all the documents you need, as well as a quick step-by-step guide on how to apply for it:

  • Valid passport

  • Acceptance letter from a UAE university

  • Passport sized photos

  • Previous academic transcripts/certificates

  • Medical fitness test result

  • Proof of funds or financial guarantee

  • Copy of tuition fee payment or scholarship confirmation

How to apply:

  1. Receive an admission letter from the university

  2. University applies for your Entry permit

  3. Enter the UAE using the permit

  4. Undergo a medical test (X-ray and blood test for HIV/hepatitis

  5. Apply for an Emirates ID (biometrics are a requirement)

  6. University submits documents for visa stamping (residence visa in your passport)

  7. Receive your student visa! (processing time can take a long time, so start the process at least 2-3 months before)

Banking & Taxes

Opening a bank account in the UAE is essential for receiving your salary, managing your finances and paying for rent, utilities and day to day expenses

Documents needed to open a bank in the UAE

Here is a quick check list of what you need to open a bank account:

  • Emirates ID (or application receipt if you do not have the physical card yet)

  • Passport

  • UAE Residence Visa (visa stamp or entry permit may be accepted temporarily

  • University enrollment letter or student ID

  • Proof of local address (tenancy contract or dorm confirmation)

UAE Tax System

Good news, the UAE is known for being a very tax friendly country, especially for individuals moving there.

  • There is no personal income tax in the UAE. Your salary is 100% tax free.

  • You do not pay tax on savings, investments or property income (locally)

Do I as a student need to file taxes?

No, if you are employed in the UAE and not earning business income above thresholds you do not need to file annual tax returns locally.

Business and freelancers may have to register for VAT or corporate tax, depending on income level and activity.

Healthcare

The UAE has a world-class healthcare system with modern hospitals, highly trained professionals, and English-speaking staff. However, health insurance is mandatory for students, and the cost of care without one can be extremely pricey.

How to get health insurance?

Most universities in the UAE provide basic student health coverage, but if the university does not, you will have to purchase your own health insurance through a provider.

If you are registering for a health insurance provider, here are the documents you will need for registration:

  • Passport

  • Visa copy

  • Emirates ID or application receipt

  • Proof of University studies

TIP: ALWAYS CHECK IF YOUR UNIVERSITY INSURANCE COVERS OUTPATIENT, HOSPITALIZATION AND EMERGENCIES!

Renting

As a foreign student, renting a place in the UAE can be very different from what you're used to. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect and how to find a place to live.

Types of student housing

    • Best for first-time international students

    • Located inside or next to the university

    • Fully furnished and often includes Wi-Fi and cleaning

    • Options include shared rooms, private rooms or studio style units

    • Purpose build private accommodations near universities

    • Includes student-focused residences

    • Fully equipped with kitchens, laundry, gym, study lounges and social areas

    • Rent a room in an apartment or villa shared with other students or professionals

    • Popular among students in Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi

    • Must handle bills and setup yourself

    • Less security than dorms

    • Renting your own apartment

    • Ideal for graduate students or those wanting full privacy

    • You may be required to sign annual contract even if you are only staying 6-9 months

    • More expensive and requires a lot more paperwork

What do you need to rent an Apartment?

If you are going the off-campus route and renting an apartment, there is a couple things you will need sorted out before you can do that.

Here is everything you need:

  • Passport copy

  • UAE residence visa (or admission letter if it is pending)

  • Emirates ID (or application receipt)

  • Student ID or university enrollment letter

  • Rental agreement (Ejari registration if you are renting in Dubai)

  • Security deposit (this is usually 5-10% of rent or 1 months rent)

Transportation

The UAE offers very modern public transport, especially in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, but owning or renting a car is very common due to high temperatures, wide roads, and spread out urban areas.

Public Transportation Options

    • Fast, clean and fully automated

    • Two main lines (red and green) cover major areas like Downtown, Marina, Bur Dubai, Airport (DXB) and Expo

    • Operates from 5am to midnight and only 1 am on weekends

    • Women-only carriages are available

    • Extensive networks in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah

    • Affordable, air conditioned and with clear schedules

    • Often slower due to traffic

    • Covers Dubai Marina, JBR and Media City

    • Connects with metro and Palm Monorail

    • Water Taxis and Abras in Dubai, very scenic and traditional

    • Fares vary from company to company

    • Readily available and metered

    • Both cash and card are accepted

    • Ride hailing services are Careem and Uber

Can students drive in the UAE?

If you are a student of the age of 18 or above and have an existing drivers license, you are able to exchange your foreign drivers license for a UAE driving license without taking a test.

These are the countries that can exchange their foreign drivers license to a UAE driving license:

  • Austria

  • Belgium

  • Denmark

  • Finland

  • France

  • Germany

  • Greece

  • Ireland

  • Italy

  • Netherlands

  • Norway

  • Poland

  • Portugal

  • Romania

  • Spain

  • Sweden

  • Switzerland

  • Czech Republic

  • Hungary

  • Slovakia

  • Slovenia

  • Luxembourg

  • United Kingdom

  • North America

  • Canada

  • Australia

  • Saudi Arabia

  • Bahrain

  • Kuwait

  • Oman

  • Qatar

  • Japan

  • Singapore

  • South Korea

  • Hong Kong

  • Malaysia

  • China

If you are not from the countries listed above, you will have to take driving classes and pass the UAE driving test. You are required to have:

  • Residency Visa

  • Emirates ID

  • Eye test (done at driving schools or approved centers)

How to exchange your foreign drivers license?

For the citizens of the countries mentioned above, here is the documents you need and a step-by-step guide on how to exchange your drivers license:

Documents you need:

  • Original passport

  • Valid residence visa

  • Emirates ID (or an application receipt)

  • Original foreign driving license

  • Legal Arabic translation of the license (if the license is not in English or Arabic)

  • Eye test certificate from an approved optician or driving center

  • Passport sized photos

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Get an eye test (done at an RTA approved optical center)

  2. Translate your foreign license (if it is needed)

  3. Visit the traffic authority office

  4. Submit documents and pay the fees

  5. GET YOUR UAE DRIVING LICENSE (it can be issued the same day or within 1-2 working days)

The UAE driving license is valid for 2 years initially for foreigners, but is renewable after that with another eye test!