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Moving to Dubai: what you need and where to start
Moving to Dubai in 2026 starts not with a flat but with a basis for living in the country. We go through the steps and costs in order.
A basis for living
How do you move to Dubai for permanent residence? There is no permanent residence in the usual sense here: a residence visa is issued for a term. For home owners there are two routes:
- Golden Visa — a long-term visa for properties from AED 2 million, renewable, a mortgage is allowed (GDRFA).
- Owner's residence permit — a completed flat that is fully yours, an income from AED 10,000 a month or proven savings (GDRFA).
Moving to another emirate of the UAE works similarly, but we give the property conditions for Dubai. UAE authorities decide on the visa.
What you need to move
What you need to move to Dubai — in order:
- A passport valid for at least another 6 months.
- A basis for residency — before choosing a flat.
- Health insurance: for a Golden Visa it is mandatory for the whole family (ICP).
- A school — before housing, if you are moving with children.
- A first home. Compare districts and prices on the page "housing in Dubai".
Costs
There is no personal income tax in the UAE; VAT is 5% (u.ae). A tenant in Dubai pays a housing fee — 5% of the annual rent, which comes with the electricity and water bills (u.ae). On purchase the DLD fee is 4% of the price, usually 2% paid by the buyer and 2% by the seller (DLD).
Rent, schools and healthcare in Dubai are noticeably more expensive than in Antalya. Work out the budget for your family before the move, not after.
Climate
In winter it is around 24 °C in the daytime in Dubai — the best time to come and look around. In July and August the average maximum is above 40 °C (WMO), and summer is spent under air conditioning.
Figures
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Golden Visa
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Owner's residence permit
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Income tax
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Housing fee
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July, daytime
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Moscow
Dubai flight — 6 h 55 min, Emirates
Frequently asked questions
What do you need to move to Dubai with children?
A Golden Visa holder can arrange visas for the family (u.ae). Everyone needs insurance. Choose the school first and the home near it.
Can you live in Dubai visa-free?
No. Citizens of the Russian Federation may stay without a visa for up to 90 days in every 180, but not to work, study or live (RF–UAE agreement).
What happens to a Golden Visa if you don't live in the UAE for a long time?
With a Golden Visa you can be abroad for longer than 6 months — a regular visa lapses after such a period (u.ae).
Can you buy a home with a mortgage?
For expats the limit for a first home up to AED 5 million is 80% of the value, above that 70% (UAE Central Bank). Whether non-residents get a loan is up to the bank.
Dubai or Antalya
Not sure Dubai is your city? You can compare Dubai with Antalya in one table: climate, prices, status and taxes.
Selection
A selection in Dubai for your request
Properties are selected by a Life by Sea partner in Dubai; we stay in touch at every step.
Current as of October 2026. Author: Life by Sea editorial team.