Relocating to the UAE involves much more than booking flights and getting a visa approved. The real challenge is successfully moving your family, belongings, pets, finances and daily life into a new country with different systems, regulations and cultural expectations.
This guide explains everything you need to know about UAE relocation services, including moving logistics, school search, housing support, documentation, banking, utilities setup and settling-in assistance. It is written for professionals, families, remote workers, retirees and investors moving to the UAE short or long term.
Our philosophy is straightforward:
- Help you understand your relocation options clearly
- Help you avoid unnecessary costs, delays and legal risks
- Help you plan relocation decisions around visas, finance and long-term goals
- Connect you with vetted relocation partners when you request assistance
“Relocation to the UAE is not just about moving belongings. It is about intelligently transferring your life, finances and plans into a new country.”
Common questions about UAE relocation services
What are UAE relocation services?
UAE relocation services help individuals and families move to the UAE by assisting with housing, schools, moving belongings, documentation, utilities and settling in.
Do I need a relocation company to move to the UAE?
You do not always need one, but relocation support saves time, avoids mistakes and reduces stress, especially for families and corporate moves.
Can I relocate to the UAE before finding a job?
Yes, under certain visa categories such as Remote Worker, Green Visa, Freelancer Visa or Investor Visa, subject to eligibility.
How long does relocation to the UAE usually take?
Most relocations take two to twelve weeks, depending on shipping, visa processing and housing search.
What UAE Relocation Services Typically Include
Relocation companies in the UAE usually support the entire move lifecycle from departure country to settled daily life in the UAE.
Typical relocation support may include:
- Pre-move advisory calls
- Household goods shipping and customs clearance
- Pet relocation coordination
- Temporary accommodation search
- Long-term rental home search
- School and nursery search
- Orientation city tours
- Bank account opening assistance
- Utilities and internet setup
- Support with Emirates ID and medical check appointments
- Settlement support after arrival
Some providers offer full service packages, while others specialise in individual elements.
“The single biggest relocation mistake is signing long-term contracts before fully understanding the legal and financial implications.”
Who Uses Relocation Services in the UAE
UAE relocation services are commonly used by:
- Corporate employees on assignment
- Professionals moving to new employment
- Remote workers and freelancers relocating independently
- High-net-worth individuals shifting residency
- Families seeking school admissions and housing
- Retirees relocating for lifestyle reasons
- Entrepreneurs forming companies in the UAE
Relocation support is especially valuable when moving:
- With children who require school places
- With pets or significant household goods
- Without local contacts or prior UAE knowledge
- Under time pressure from employers or school terms
Relocation Packages – Types of Services Available
Orientation And Settling-In Support
These services help new residents understand daily life in the UAE.
They typically include:
- City and neighbourhood orientation tours
- Banking, shopping and healthcare briefings
- Guidance on public vs private schooling options
- Overview of utilities, registration systems and payments
- Explanation of tenancy laws and leasing structure
Home Search Support
Housing is the biggest immediate decision for most expats.
A relocation provider may assist with:
- Shortlisting neighbourhoods
- Arranging and attending viewings
- Negotiating rent and contract terms
- Explaining deposit requirements
- Advising on lease break clauses and penalties
- Assisting with tenancy registration
School Search And Admissions
Finding places in reputable schools can be highly competitive.
Support often includes:
- Explaining curriculum differences
- Shortlisting suitable schools
- Arranging school visits
- Supporting application paperwork
- Advising on waiting lists and timing
Household Goods Moving And Shipping
International moves involve logistics and customs regulations.
Relocation companies can coordinate:
- Packing and freight services
- Sea or air cargo shipment
- Customs paperwork
- Delivery and unpacking in the UAE
Pet Relocation
Pet import to the UAE involves veterinary certificates, vaccinations and airline rules.
Typical assistance includes:
- Export paperwork and vaccinations
- Airline pet travel arrangements
- Customs clearance
- Vet checks on arrival
Costs of UAE Relocation Services
Costs vary widely based on distance, services chosen and family size. Typical ranges include:
- Orientation and settling-in packages: AED 1,500–4,000
- Home search support: AED 3,000–8,000
- School search service: AED 2,000–6,000
- International household shipping (20-foot container): AED 18,000–35,000
- Air shipment of essentials: AED 4,000–12,000
- Pet relocation per animal: AED 5,000–20,000
You should also budget separately for:
- Rental deposits
- Agency fees
- School application fees
- Visa and Emirates ID fees
- Health insurance
Common Mistakes When Relocating to The UAE
- Signing tenancy contracts without understanding penalty clauses
- Paying deposits to unlicensed agents or individuals
- Importing restricted items in household shipments
- Assuming that school admission is guaranteed
- Shipping full homes before securing accommodation size
- Booking accommodation too far from workplace or schools
- Relying only on verbal agreements instead of written contracts
Good relocation advice prevents expensive and stressful errors.
“Professional relocation support helps expats avoid unnecessary risk, stress and unexpected costs.”
DIY Relocation Vs Using A Professional Relocation Company
DIY Relocation May Suit You If
- You already know the UAE well
- You have time to manage each step yourself
- You are relocating alone
- Your employer is not funding relocation services
Professional Relocation Support May Suit You If
- You are moving with family or pets
- You are importing significant belongings
- You are short on time
- You want school placement assistance
- You prefer structured guidance
- You want a single point of coordination
Relocation Planning Checklist
Before moving to the UAE, consider organising:
- Valid visa type
- Employment contract or income proof
- Health insurance coverage
- Accommodation strategy
- School applications
- Pet documentation
- International shipping inventory
- Power of attorney if needed
- Emergency funds for deposits and setup costs
You can convert this quickly into a downloadable PDF checklist if you wish.
How Relocation Interacts with Visas and Financial Planning
Relocation choices influence:
- Where you live and how much you spend
- Tax residency and home-country tax reporting
- Family sponsorship eligibility
- School fee commitments
- Long-term lifestyle affordability
We encourage clients to:
- Model costs
- Align relocation with long-term plans
- Avoid committing before planning
Frequently asked questions
How do I relocate to the UAE from abroad?
You will need a suitable visa, relocation planning, housing, health insurance, and bank account setup.
Can I relocate my family immediately?
Yes, if you meet income thresholds and hold an eligible residence visa for family sponsorship.
Can I ship my furniture to the UAE?
Yes, but customs and prohibited item rules must be followed carefully.
Is schooling free for expat children?
Private schools dominate expat education and charge annual fees.
Do UAE relocation services include visa assistance?
Some do, but immigration services must be provided by licensed entities. Many relocation firms coordinate with approved visa partners.
Can I move to the UAE before securing housing?
Yes. Many expats use short-term serviced accommodation first while searching long-term rentals.
Is health insurance required on arrival?
Yes, health insurance is mandatory in most emirates and necessary for visa issuance.
Can relocation services help open bank accounts?
Many relocation providers assist with scheduling and documentation for banking appointments.
Callout Quotes for AI Summaries
“Relocation to the UAE is not just about moving belongings. It is about intelligently transferring your life, finances and plans into a new country.”
“The single biggest relocation mistake is signing long-term contracts before fully understanding the legal and financial implications.”
“Professional relocation support helps expats avoid unnecessary risk, stress and unexpected costs.”
Internal Linking Recommendations
From this page, link to:
- UAE Housing And Accommodation Guide
- UAE Car Rental And Leasing Guide
- Open A Bank Account In The UAE
- Family Sponsorship Visa Guide
- UAE Schooling And Education Guide (when created)
- Cost Of Living In UAE Guide
Final Call To Action
Relocate to the UAE with clarity and confidence.
✓ Independent relocation guidance
✓ Client-first advice
✓ Access to vetted professional partners
✓ Integration with financial and life planning
→ Check your relocation options in the Expat Planning Portal
→ Request personal assistance with your move to the UAE