Working in Dubai: What You Need to Know Before You Move

Thinking about a job in Dubai? The city offers tax‑free salaries, world‑class infrastructure, and a fast‑paced lifestyle. But before you pack your bags, you need to sort out visas, know what a typical paycheck looks like, and understand the everyday tricks that keep life smooth.

Getting the Right Work Visa

The first step is the work visa. Your employer must sponsor you, which means they’ll handle most of the paperwork. You’ll receive an entry permit, then a medical test, and finally a residence visa stamped in your passport. The whole process usually takes 2‑4 weeks if the employer is organized. Remember to keep a copy of your employment contract; it’s the key document for the visa.

Don’t forget the Emirates ID. Once you have your residence visa, you’ll apply for an ID card that you’ll need for everything from opening a bank account to renting an apartment. The card costs about AED 200 and takes a few days to arrive.

What Salaries Look Like

Dubai salaries are often higher than what you’ll find in Europe or North America, especially in finance, tech, and engineering. A junior accountant might earn around AED 8,000‑10,000 per month, while a senior software engineer can pull AED 25,000‑35,000. Because there’s no personal income tax, your take‑home pay is higher, but you’ll need to budget for housing, transport, and school fees if you have kids.

Many companies add a housing allowance (usually 20‑30% of the salary) or provide fully furnished apartments. If you’re lucky, the contract also includes health insurance, which is mandatory in the UAE.

Living costs can vary. A one‑bedroom apartment in a central area like Downtown or Dubai Marina runs AED 6,000‑9,000 per month, while a similar place farther out can be half that price. Groceries, especially imported goods, can add up, so look for local markets to save money.

When negotiating, ask about the end‑of‑service gratuity. It’s a lump‑sum payment at the end of your contract—typically 21 days’ salary for each year you’ve worked. That extra cash can be a nice cushion for the future.

Finally, understand the work culture. The work week runs Sunday‑to‑Thursday, with Friday and Saturday off. Expect a mix of formal and relaxed interactions; punctuality is valued, but meetings can start a few minutes late.

Ready to start? Check out the latest job boards, network on LinkedIn, and make sure your CV highlights any international experience. Dubai loves talent, but the market is competitive, so a tailored application makes a big difference.

Take these steps, and you’ll be set for a successful career in one of the world’s most exciting cities.