How long does the full visa process take in 2026?

From entry permit to stamped residence visa, allow 4-6 weeks if documents are ready and medical results are clear.

Do UK degrees need attestation for Dubai jobs?

Yes. Attest at UK FCDO then UAE Embassy in London. Digital copies are accepted for initial applications.

What is the current DEWA deposit amount?

AED 2,000 for apartments and AED 4,000 for villas. The amount is refundable when you close the account.

When should I pay school deposits for 2026?

Secure places by March 2026 for September starts. Most schools require AED 2,000-5,000 non-refundable registration plus 10 percent tuition.

Moving to Dubai from UK 2026: Step-by-Step Checklist

Entry Permit and Visa Process

UK citizens apply for a 60-day entry permit through ICP before travel. Once in Dubai, convert it to a residence visa within 60 days. The sponsor, usually the employer or a free-zone company, submits the application. Processing takes 3-5 working days after medical and Emirates ID steps. Current fee is AED 3,000 for a 2-year visa plus AED 500 for the entry permit.

Required Documents from the UK

Prepare these before departure: valid UK passport with six months validity, degree certificates attested by the UK FCDO and UAE Embassy in London, police clearance certificate from UK police, and passport photos. Marriage and birth certificates also need FCDO and UAE Embassy attestation if family is relocating. Keep digital and paper copies of every page.

Medical Test and Emirates ID

Book the medical fitness test at an approved Dubai centre within 30 days of arrival. The test covers HIV, hepatitis, tuberculosis and a chest X-ray. Cost is AED 750. After results, apply for the Emirates ID at an ICP centre or through the ICP app. The 2-year card costs AED 370 and must be collected in person.

DEWA Account Setup

Once you have the residence visa and Emirates ID, open a DEWA account online or at a DEWA office. Provide the tenancy contract, Emirates ID and passport copy. Pay a security deposit of AED 2,000 for a one-bedroom apartment or AED 4,000 for a villa. The connection fee is AED 100 and activation takes 1-3 working days.

School Deposits and Enrolment

Most Dubai schools require a non-refundable registration fee of AED 2,000-5,000 plus a 10 percent deposit on annual tuition to secure a seat. Annual fees for British-curriculum schools range from AED 45,000 for FS1 to AED 85,000 for Year 13. Submit attested birth certificate, previous school reports and passport copies. Places for September 2026 fill by March, so start visits in January.

Timeline Summary

Month -3: Attest UK documents, receive job offer and entry permit.
Month -1: Book flights, temporary accommodation and school visits.
Week 1 in Dubai: Medical test and Emirates ID application.
Week 3: DEWA activation and final school deposit.
Week 5: Full residence visa stamped in passport.

Budget Overview

Total first-month costs for a single professional average AED 8,500 including visa, medical, Emirates ID, DEWA deposit and one month rent. Add AED 15,000-20,000 for family school deposits and extra DEWA fees.

Ask Tovi for more

Tovi knows current 2026 UAE rules, fees, and processes. Ask anything, visas, banking, housing, schools. Ask Tovi free →

Got more UAE questions?

Tovi knows current 2026 UAE rules, fees, and processes. Ask anything — visas, banking, housing, schools. Ask Tovi free →