Relocating to Dubai, UAE means moving into a globally connected hub for business, lifestyle, and long-term stability. This guide supports individuals and families planning to relocate to Dubai, outlining key residence pathways and practical considerations in the United Arab Emirates.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) stands as a beacon of modernity and global connectivity in the Middle East, with Dubai at the forefront as a dynamic global hub for business, lifestyle, and investment. Renowned for its ambitious vision, cosmopolitan lifestyle, and economic diversification, Dubai has become an increasingly sought-after destination for affluent, internationally mobile individuals seeking opportunity, prosperity, and stability. From soaring skyscrapers and pristine coastlines to desert landscapes and cultural richness, the city offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation.
This guide is designed for high- and ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families contemplating relocation to Dubai. Whether driven by career prospects, lifestyle enhancements, investment opportunities, or retirement goals, this overview aims to support a seamless transition into life in one of the world's most dynamic regions. Drawing on authoritative sources, including government portals and Henley & Partners’ global expertise, this guide outlines key aspects of available residence pathways, legal and financial considerations, education, healthcare, and more.
Known for its exceptional safety, pro-business environment, and global connectivity, Dubai continues to attract global citizens from around the world. The city offers a compelling mix of stability, accessibility, quality of life, and expanding career opportunities in a dynamic, globally connected market.
Some of the key reasons to consider Dubai relocation:
Together, these attributes make Dubai a premier destination for relocation, work, investment, and the long-term preservation of family wealth and legacy.
The UAE offers a diverse range of residence pathways for professionals, retirees, remote workers, investors, entrepreneurs, and individuals with exceptional skills, with a visa system that has evolved to support long-term settlement and attract global talent. Employer-sponsored work visas are linked to a specific job and sponsoring company, while a dedicated retirement visa enables eligible individuals aged 55 and above to reside in the country and sponsor dependents.
The UAE’s Golden Visa program provides long-term residence to investors, real estate buyers, business founders, and outstanding specialized talents across fields such as science, medicine, technology, arts, sports, and education. Golden Visa holders benefit from extended residence rights, flexible travel, and a streamlined process that typically includes preliminary approval, medical screening, and issuance of an Emirates ID and residence permit.
These residence pathways reflect the UAE’s strategic shift toward offering greater permanence and appeal, particularly to high-net-worth individuals seeking stability, global access, and long-term opportunities. Henley & Partners provides tailored advisory services to help clients identify the optimal route based on their personal objectives and investment strategies. For more information, please visit UAE residence by investment.
Many high-net-worth individuals relocate to Dubai with their extended families and household staff. Dubai allows eligible residents to sponsor spouses, dependents, parents, and domestic staff, ensuring family unity and continuity of lifestyle, subject to meeting income, housing, and compliance requirements under the UAE’s residence framework.
Family Sponsorship
Expatriate residents holding a valid UAE residence visa issued in Dubai may sponsor their immediate family, provided they earn a minimum salary of AED 4,000 per month or AED 3,000 plus accommodation. The type of profession is no longer a condition for sponsorship. All dependents aged 18 and above must pass a medical fitness test.
Parent Sponsorship
Residents in Dubai may sponsor their parents under stricter conditions:
Parent visas are issued on a renewable annual basis, regardless of the duration of the sponsor’s own visa.
Domestic Staff Sponsorship
Residents in Dubai may also sponsor domestic workers such as nannies, drivers, and household helpers under a domestic worker visa. The process requires:
Golden Visa Privileges
Golden Visa holders residing in Dubai benefit from broader sponsorship rights. They may sponsor their spouse, children of any age, parents, and an unlimited number of domestic staff. Importantly, dependents under a Golden Visa retain their residence status even if they remain outside the UAE for extended periods, as long as the primary visa holder maintains the qualifying investment or professional status.
Dubai presents a modern, business-friendly environment with streamlined regulations and advanced infrastructure that appeal to global investors and professionals. Company formation is straightforward, whether on the mainland or in one of the country’s many free zones, which offer dedicated support services and allow foreign ownership. The updated Commercial Companies Law has simplified registration procedures, improved shareholder protections, and strengthened the legal framework for corporate governance.
The labor market is equally well-structured. Recent reforms have introduced flexible employment contracts, remote work options, and improved protections for both employers and employees. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation continues to enhance workforce regulation, ensuring fair practices and supporting the country’s competitiveness.
The government’s focus on digitization has made it easier to access services, from licensing to visa applications, through integrated online platforms. Investors also benefit from a stable legal system, with dedicated commercial courts and clear dispute resolution mechanisms. With its efficient processes, supportive policies, and global connectivity, Dubai offers an agile and opportunity-rich setting for building and expanding a business.
For employees, Dubai offers a diverse, multicultural workplace with global talent driving key sectors such as finance, healthcare, logistics, and technology. Labor laws guarantee structured working hours, rest periods, and end-of-service benefits. The professional environment balances international best practices with regional business etiquette, creating a dynamic and respectful work culture.
Dubai’s exceptionally favorable tax regime benefits individuals and investors. Ranking 1st under the tax category on the Henley Residence Program Index, the UAE imposes no personal income tax, no capital gains tax, and no inheritance or gift taxes for individuals, making it an attractive destination for international residents seeking financial efficiency.
Tax highlights include:
Key considerations:
Those relocating to Dubai should seek expert guidance on international tax planning to ensure compliance with their home country obligations. Henley & Partners can facilitate access to tax professionals who provide cross-border structuring and asset protection solutions.
Henley & Partners Tax Services offers expert, impartial advice and support to global citizens who are looking to relocate or invest in residence and citizenship by investment programs. By coordinating highly qualified tax practitioners worldwide, we offer local expertise to our international clients.
Our consultants have been partners, directors, and private client specialists at some of the top tax and law firms in the world. As a result, we have specific insight into the unique tax issues facing relocating individuals, their families, and their businesses. We work in conjunction with your existing advisors and in-country specialists, providing technical insight to bridge cross-border tax challenges.
Successful Dubai relocation requires sound financial and legal planning. Establishing secure and compliant structures provides peace of mind, optimizes global wealth management, and protects family assets for future generations.
Areas to address:
Dubai has earned a strong reputation as a global center for innovation and economic development. A key driver of this status is its vibrant and rapidly evolving real estate sector. The government has introduced forward-thinking policies designed to build a resilient and sustainable property market. These initiatives include regulatory enhancements, large-scale infrastructure projects, and the encouragement of foreign investment through initiatives such as the Golden Visa. These measures have been strategically implemented to boost the real estate market and streamline access to long-term residence for property investors, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a destination for both business and lifestyle.
Real estate insights:
High-quality residential options are available across Dubai, catering to a wide range of preferences and budgets. The city offers an extensive selection of properties, from ultra-luxury waterfront villas and branded residences in exclusive communities such as Palm Jumeirah and Emirates Hills to sleek, high-rise apartments in vibrant urban districts such as Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and Business Bay.
Dubai also features master-planned developments with integrated amenities, including international schools, healthcare facilities, parks, retail hubs, and leisure spaces, all designed to support modern, community-centric living.
Overall, Dubai continues to evolve as a property market that balances luxury, accessibility, and long-term value, appealing to both end-users and international investors seeking lifestyle or portfolio diversification.
Henley & Partners Real Estate is the world’s leading agency offering premium properties in countries that host residence and citizenship by investment programs. As a member of the Henley & Partners Group, the global leader in residence and citizenship planning, we provide an unrivaled end-to-end service.
From advising you on appropriate residence and citizenship by investment program options to ensuring that you secure the very best property that meets your individual needs, our aim is to source exceptional real estate in the world’s most sought-after locations — enabling you to become a resident or citizen of a country of your choice.
Dubai’s education system is characterized by exceptional diversity and quality, offering a range of curricula across both public and private institutions. While public schooling is free for Emirati nationals and follows the national curriculum in Arabic (with English taught as a second language), the private and international school sector in Dubai has flourished to meet growing demand.
Private schools in Dubai consistently achieve strong academic results, with students performing above international averages in assessments. The city continues to expand its educational infrastructure with numerous new schools opening each year. At the same time, Dubai is embracing innovation in education through blended learning models that combine traditional teaching with digital platforms. Many schools now offer hybrid options, supported by government-led initiatives that integrate AI, coding, and other future-focused subjects into the curriculum, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a regional leader in educational advancement.
Curriculum options in Dubai:
Important considerations:
Henley & Partners Education offers expert, impartial advice and bespoke support to parents globally who are looking to secure the best education for their children. With over 25 years of experience, our advisors have been heads, principals, directors of admissions, and educators in international schools and universities across the world.
One of the many benefits of alternative residence or citizenship is enhanced access to premium global education. In unpredictable times, most of our clients are looking to secure world-class education for their children in top schools and universities that provide a stable, safe, and nurturing environment. We pride ourselves on a 100% success rate getting students admitted to one of the schools or universities selected with our guidance.
Dubai offers a modern, efficient, and well-regulated healthcare system that ranks among the best in the region. With advanced infrastructure, internationally accredited hospitals, and highly qualified medical professionals, the city provides high standards of care across both public and private sectors.
Public healthcare in Dubai is overseen by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). Public hospitals and clinics offer subsidized services for Emiratis and insured expatriates. Facilities are modern and well-equipped, with government hospitals such as Rashid Hospital and Dubai Hospital among the most reputable.
Private healthcare services are readily accessible throughout Dubai, which serves as a regional medical hub. Leading international-grade providers include Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai, King’s College Hospital Dubai, Mediclinic, and other major hospital groups offering world-class treatment across a wide range of specialties in multiple languages. Dubai is also an established destination for medical tourism, particularly in orthopaedics, cosmetic surgery, and fertility treatments.
Health insurance is mandatory for all residents in Dubai, and employers are required to provide coverage for their employees. Plans range from basic packages to comprehensive international policies. Many high-net-worth individuals prefer global insurers such as BUPA Global, Cigna Global, or bespoke concierge healthcare solutions like SIP Medical Family Office to ensure worldwide coverage and tailored services.
In addition to cutting-edge medical technology, the UAE government continues to invest in digital health, AI integration, and preventive care, reinforcing its commitment to a resilient, patient-centered healthcare ecosystem that supports long-term residence and quality of life.
Offering a cosmopolitan lifestyle set against a backdrop of rich cultural heritage and modern sophistication, Dubai is home to a wide range of nationalities. The city embraces diversity, making it easy for newcomers to integrate into a welcoming, inclusive society. English is widely spoken, and day-to-day life is supported by world-class infrastructure, seamless digital services, and high standards of safety and cleanliness.
The lifestyle in Dubai is both dynamic and family-friendly, with year-round sunshine, high-end shopping, vibrant dining scenes, and an array of recreational activities, from desert safaris and water sports to world-class golf courses, wellness retreats, and cultural festivals.
Dubai also offers a distinct luxury dimension: exclusive communities such as Emirates Hills, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Hills Estate, and Jumeirah Bay Island provide premium living environments, while private clubs such as Emirates Golf Club, Capital Club Dubai, The Arts Club Dubai, yacht clubs, and cultural institutions create unparalleled networking and leisure opportunities. High-net-worth individuals also benefit from access to exclusive global networks and platforms such as YPO, EO, Tiger 21, and Dubai-based family office forums, as well as premier cultural and lifestyle hubs including Art Dubai and major international sporting and lifestyle events, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a center of global connectivity and influence.
Culturally, Dubai blends deep-rooted Islamic and Emirati traditions with international influences. Staying informed about local laws, holidays, and religious practices will help you navigate daily life with confidence. With an open mind, cultural curiosity, and a respectful approach, relocating to Dubai becomes a rewarding and enriching experience.
Some key considerations:
Whether relocating as a family, couple, or individual, residents in Dubai benefit from a high quality of life, exceptional personal safety, and a strong sense of community. Dubai’s multicultural and high-profile environment ensures smooth integration for newcomers while offering both security and access to one of the world’s most exclusive lifestyles.
Relocating to Dubai comes with a number of common challenges that can complicate the transition. Being aware of these in advance helps ensure a smoother move.
To ensure a seamless transition, Henley & Partners offers bespoke concierge services designed to anticipate every need of high- and ultra-high-net-worth families. Our dedicated Henley & Partners concierge team leverages deep global networks and trusted providers to deliver discreet, world-class support before, during, and after relocation.
Services include chauffeur-driven airport transfers, personalized relocation assistance for securing premium residences, and tailored introductions to private bankers, international schools, and real estate experts. Beyond settling in, Henley & Partners Concierge provides privileged access to exclusive clubs, cultural institutions, and lifestyle experiences, as well as ongoing lifestyle management, travel arrangements, and event coordination.
By combining deep local expertise with international reach, Henley & Partners Concierge ensures clients and their families not only arrive smoothly but also integrate quickly and comfortably into the UAE’s elite lifestyle environment.
Henley & Partners is the global leader in residence and citizenship planning. Each year, our specialist private client advisors guide hundreds of investors and their families on their journey to acquiring alternative residence and citizenship solutions, while our government advisory practice assists sovereign states in developing and implementing programs to attract talent, entrepreneurs, and foreign direct investment.
Furthermore, we offer a bespoke education service for our clients’ children as well as other premium services, including tax, real estate, concierge, citizenship by descent, and Civis Mundi, an invitation-only international network connecting global leaders in business, arts, philanthropy, politics, academia, and health. Our exceptional track record is a testament to our extensive experience and expertise as the pioneer and leader of the Residence and Citizenship Advisory Sector.
Relocating to Dubai involves several steps that should be planned in advance to ensure a smooth and stress-free transition. Use this checklist to guide your preparations.
Before you move:
Visa and Documentation
Health, Housing, and Schooling
Finances and Banking
Shipping and Logistics
Upon arrival:
Residence and Health
Accommodation and Utilities
Settling in:
To support your Dubai relocation, below is a list of key government authorities and support services available to guide you through every step of the process.
General information and e-services across all emirates
Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP)
Visa applications, Emirates ID, and residence services
Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MoHRE)
Labor contracts, employment law, and work permit information
Department of Health – Abu Dhabi
Health insurance, medical licensing, and healthcare provider directory
Health regulations, medical fitness tests, and insurance information
Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) — Dubai
Private school ratings, curriculum information, and parent resources
Abu Dhabi Department of Education & Knowledge (ADEK)
School licensing, educational initiatives, and support services
For visa support, document attestation, and legal matters, locate your embassy in the UAE
Additionally, Henley & Partners offers personalized relocation services and investment guidance, supported by a global network of experts and a proven track record in UAE migration solutions.
Ongoing settlement support and connections to trusted local experts
Have one of our qualified advisors contact you today.
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