The United Arab Emirates (UAE), with its robust economy, strategic location, and global business hubs like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, has become a magnet for professionals seeking new career opportunities.

From impressive skyscrapers to diverse international communities, the Emirates offers a dynamic environment for personal and professional growth. However, setting down roots in a new country involves more than booking a flight—understanding the UAE’s legal, financial, and cultural landscape is essential for a smooth transition.

Moving to the Emirates as an employee means addressing several key aspects, from securing the right work permits and understanding tax considerations, to choosing proper healthcare and managing your finances. An Employer of Record (EOR) in the UAE can assist foreign professionals and companies with these administrative and compliance challenges, allowing you to focus on thriving in your new role and surroundings.

Work permits and immigration

Most foreign nationals require a work permit and a residency visa to live and work in the UAE. Your employer often sponsors these documents, and you’ll need to provide necessary paperwork like a valid passport, employment contract, and possibly medical test results.

Employers often sponsor these permits, but the application process still involves securing the right documents, undergoing medical exams, and following strict timelines. Prompt action and well-prepared paperwork are crucial, as securing the necessary permits on schedule can significantly influence when you can begin your new role.

For non-GCC nationals, this process may feel unfamiliar or even daunting at first. Requirements can include authenticated academic credentials, proof of professional qualifications, and sometimes a clean criminal record check. Additionally, periodic renewals of your residency visa and work permit are common, ensuring your status remains valid as your career progresses in the region. If your family plans to join you, you may need to sponsor their visas separately, adding another layer of documentation and procedural steps.

For example, I remember a British project manager hired by a construction firm in Abu Dhabi. Initially overwhelmed by local requirements, she relied on her employer’s EOR partner. They provided a simple checklist, clarified where to get official documents attested, and offered tips for a smooth medical exam process. This guidance felt like having a reliable guide through a complex, foreign bureaucracy, helping her start work on schedule and with less stress.

Tax considerations

The UAE is known for its favourable tax environment—most notably, it does not impose personal income tax on employment earnings. However, it’s important to understand that certain corporate taxes, value-added taxes (VAT), or sector-specific levies may apply depending on your company’s industry and your own financial activities.

Key points to consider include:

• No personal income tax on salaries: Most employees do not owe personal income tax in the UAE.
• Possible other taxes: VAT applies to many goods and services, and certain industries may have unique tax rules.
• Residency status: While income tax is not generally a concern, your residency and time spent in other countries can influence your overall global tax position.

If you maintain significant financial ties elsewhere, it’s wise to consult a tax advisor in both your home country and the UAE. This ensures you understand how global tax treaties or foreign reporting requirements might affect you. The UAE’s official government portals and advisory firms often provide updates on any new regulations you should be aware of.

In addition, it’s worthwhile to keep an eye on evolving tax policies in the Emirates. While personal income tax isn’t currently a factor, discussions and updates regarding corporate taxes or expanded VAT frameworks may arise as the UAE continues to refine its economic strategy. If your industry is subject to special levies (such as those related to certain commodities or services), understanding when and how they apply can prevent unexpected costs down the line.

Social security and insurance

The UAE has both public and private healthcare sectors, with varying levels of coverage and cost. Many employers in the Emirates offer health insurance as part of their benefits package, and certain emirates, like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, mandate health insurance coverage for all residents.

In addition to mandated coverage, it’s worth noting that healthcare standards in the UAE are generally high, with many hospitals and clinics staffed by internationally trained professionals. However, availability of certain treatments or specialists can vary based on location and insurance network. Some expats find that a tiered approach—using public facilities for routine needs and private coverage for more specialised care—strikes the right balance between cost and convenience.

A Dutch marketing specialist moving to Dubai initially felt uncertain about which health plan suited her best. Her company’s EOR partner explained that the local mandate required basic coverage, and then outlined the differences between various private plans—how some offered access to top specialists or shorter waiting times. Hearing about fellow expats who balanced public clinics for routine check-ups with private insurance for emergencies gave her a frame of reference. With the EOR’s input, she chose a policy that matched her preferences, leaving her more confident about her healthcare options in a new country.

Housing and lifestyle considerations

Housing in the Emirates can be competitive, especially in popular areas. Landlords often request several months’ rent upfront (commonly via post-dated cheques), proof of employment, and sometimes personal references. Newcomers might start with a short-term rental to get a feel for different neighbourhoods before committing long-term.

Exploring local expat communities and forums can help you find areas known for amenities you value—be it proximity to your workplace, family-friendly parks, or easy access to leisure spots. An EOR can help by confirming your employment details for landlords, making it easier to secure a rental agreement on favourable terms.

Opening a bank account

A local bank account is essential for managing your finances in the UAE. Requirements vary by bank, but typically include a valid residence visa, passport, and a letter from your employer confirming your income. Without a previous credit history in the Emirates, you may face some initial skepticism. However, having an EOR vouch for your employment and salary can make the process smoother.

For instance, a French IT consultant relocating to Abu Dhabi worried about setting up a bank account with no local credit record. The EOR assisting his employer suggested which banks were known to be expat-friendly and highlighted the documents he’d need. Armed with these insights and a letter verifying his stable income, he opened an account within a day, ensuring hassle-free salary deposits and bill payments from the start.

Simplifying your move with an Employer of Record in the UAE

Relocating to the Emirates requires understanding visa regulations, navigating unique tax and financial landscapes, securing the right healthcare coverage, and establishing a stable home base. An Employer of Record in the UAE assists by handling HR and payroll tasks, ensuring that employment contracts comply with local laws, that any required visas are obtained promptly, and that benefits like health insurance meet legal standards.

With an EOR’s guidance, you can enter your new professional environment well-prepared, confident that the behind-the-scenes complexities are being managed by experts who know the region’s rules and expectations. This level of support allows you to direct your energy where it matters most—adapting to your new role, building relationships with colleagues, and embracing the Emirates’ vibrant blend of tradition and modernity.

With the support of an Employer of Record in the Emirates, you can begin your role in the new country with confidence, knowing that all employment-related matters are in knowledgeable hands. As you adapt to life in the Emirates, you’re free to focus on building relationships with colleagues, exploring your surroundings, and pursuing your career objectives. Get in touch to learn how our Employer of Record services can simplify your relocation to the Emirates.