The Interactive New-in-Dubai Roadmap

In Dubai, sequence is everything: no Ejari without Emirates ID, and often no bank account without Ejari. Check off your progress right in your browser.

0 of 8 steps completed

Typical time: 5 - 10 working daysEst. gov/deposit fee: 12,500 - 22,000 AED

1. Trade Licence, Property Deed or Employment Sponsor

Every UAE residency starts with a sponsor: your own Freezone/Mainland company, a 2M+ AED property title deed, or a UAE employer.

Insider tip: Make sure your Establishment Card (Immigration Card) is issued right after the trade licence so visa processing is not delayed.
Verified specialists for this step:Free Zone Company Setup →Mainland Company Setup →Golden Visa →
Typical time: 2 - 5 working daysEst. gov/deposit fee: 750 - 1,450 AED

2. Entry Permit, VIP Medical Fitness & ICP Biometrics

Complete blood test and chest X-ray at a DHA Smart Salem centre in Dubai, followed by biometric fingerprint capture for your Emirates ID.

Insider tip: Book Smart Salem VIP (approx. 750 AED) to get medical results in 30-60 minutes instead of waiting 48 hours.
Verified specialists for this step:Golden Visa →Relocation to Dubai →
Typical time: 2 - 4 working daysEst. gov/deposit fee: 370 - 1,070 AED

3. Collect Emirates ID & Verify UAE Pass App

Your physical Emirates ID unlocks everything in Dubai. Immediately activate the UAE Pass app for legally binding digital signatures.

Insider tip: Turn on qualified digital signature inside UAE Pass right away: you will need it for Ejari, DLD, and telecom contracts.
Verified specialists for this step:Relocation to Dubai →
Typical time: 30 minutesEst. gov/deposit fee: 125 - 250 AED / mo

4. Register Resident UAE Mobile Number (e& or du)

Convert any tourist SIM into a resident postpaid/prepaid line linked to your Emirates ID so UAE banks deliver OTP codes reliably.

Insider tip: Keep roaming active even when travelling to Europe so UAE bank SMS/push verifications never lock you out.
Verified specialists for this step:Relocation to Dubai →
Typical time: 3 - 14 daysEst. gov/deposit fee: 220 AED (Ejari)

5. Lease or Buy Property, Snagging Check & Ejari

Sign a RERA unified tenancy contract (or title deed), document AC/plumbing condition, and register Ejari via Dubai REST.

Insider tip: Insert a maintenance threshold clause (e.g. tenant covers minor repairs under 500 AED; landlord covers major AC/MEP above 500 AED).
Verified specialists for this step:Villa & Apartment Buying →Property Snagging Inspection →AC Maintenance Contract →
Typical time: 24 hoursEst. gov/deposit fee: 2,130 - 4,130 AED deposit

6. Activate DEWA, District Chiller & Home Fibre

Once Ejari is issued, DEWA triggers automatically upon paying the refundable security deposit (2,000 AED apartment / 4,000 AED villa).

Insider tip: Before moving furniture into a villa or long-vacant flat, book a deep AC coil & duct disinfection first.
Verified specialists for this step:AC Maintenance Contract →Pool & Smart Home →Interior Fit-Out →
Typical time: 3 days - 3 weeksEst. gov/deposit fee: 0 - 3,500 AED

7. Open Personal & Corporate UAE Bank Accounts

Personal multi-currency accounts open in minutes with Emirates ID + Ejari; corporate accounts require clean KYC, invoices/contracts, and CV.

Insider tip: Order a personal cheque book immediately: Dubai landlords still use post-dated cheques for annual rent splits.
Verified specialists for this step:Free Zone Company Setup →Mainland Company Setup →
Typical time: 1 - 3 daysEst. gov/deposit fee: 870 AED (RTA licence)

8. Convert Driving Licence, Health Cover & Corporate Tax

Holders of DE/AT/CH/UK/US licences convert at RTA after a quick eye test. Company owners must register for UAE Corporate Tax on EmaraTax!

Insider tip: Do not miss the FTA Corporate Tax registration window (often 3 months from licence date) to avoid the 10,000 AED late fine.
Verified specialists for this step:Corporate Tax & Accounting →Longevity Check-Up →Luxury Car Rental →