Cost of Relocating to Dubai: Chapter 2

10:44 pm  |  02.09.2023

We continue to analyze the topic of expenses when moving to Dubai. In the previous article, we talked about the necessary documents and rental housing.

You will not be able to buy your own property in Dubai. In the emirate, it is forbidden to conduct transactions without intermediaries with a license. Registration of documents and transfer of ownership rights is carried out through the legal company or real estate agency. All realtors are supervised by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) and the Dubai Land Department (DLD).

READ: Living with a Pet in Dubai: Important Information for Furry Friends Owners

The main cost item when buying:

  • Dubai Land Department (DLD) fee – 4%.
  • Title Deed fees are AED 500 (USD 136).
  • Purchase and sale insurance – AED 4,200. (USD 1,100).
  • The agent’s fee is 2%.
  • A certificate confirming no claims (NOC) – up to AED 5000. (USD 1,400)
  • Other costs: developer, intermediary, local government, etc.

The market presents ready-made and off-plan real estate. The price of apartments:

  • The minimum price of one-bedroom apartments in Dubai is about AED 300,000. (USD 82,000) – in International City and Dubai Land.
  • Real estate in the popular Dubai Marina and Business Bay will cost on average – AED 1,150,000 (USD 313,000).
  • If you are willing to wait, then buying in off-plan projects – a great option. Especially developers provide advantageous installments. The average cost of luxury one-bedroom apartments under construction in Business Bay – AED 1,800,000 (USD 490,000). After completion, the price will rise.

The transaction can be carried out in a remote format. It is enough to issue and legalize the power of attorney on the representative. No need to spend money on flights and accommodation in Dubai for the duration of the transaction.

READ: 5 Features of Dubai: Incredible Journey from Fisherman’s Village to Huge Metropolis

Minimal additional costs for purchasing one-bedroom apartments: AED 43,000. (USD 12,000).

Important! Since 2020, in Dubai, it has been possible to conduct a purchase and sale transaction online, without coming to the emirate.

Navigation

Once you have your legal documents in order and secured housing, it’s time to start arranging for comfortable accommodations.

Important! If you intend to bring along some luggage while traveling through Dubai’s international airports, please keep in mind that the maximum number of luggage pieces allowed is two, with a weight limit of 32 kg each. The charges associated with carrying additional luggage may vary from one airline to another, so it is recommended to verify the information on the carrier’s website to avoid any confusion.

Emirates ID

Emirates ID – national identity card. The document is needed to feel comfortable in the UAE – get legal assistance, make a bank account, buy a car, and others.

Since 2023, Emirates ID serves as proof of permanent residence in the emirate, because the document is attached to a valid visa. The validity of the document depends on the duration of the visa.

Emirates ID can be obtained from the website of the Federal Authority for Identification, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP). You need to download the ICP mobile application and register: enter passport data, e-mail, and expiry date of residence visa. After that, the program will generate a QR code, which will be the electronic version. While the plastic carrier is designed, you can use its electronic version.

At the beginning of 2023, the lowest cost of registration – through the ICP site – is AED 180 (USD 50) for an ID card for a year.

READ: Health System in Dubai: Information for Women

AED 180 (USD 50) Minimum cost for Emirates ID

Health Insurance

Night view

Since 2014, a medical policy has been required for those living or entering the emirate. Emergency medical care is provided free, but additional medical services will be billed.

Thanks to the policy:

  • The insurer pays 20% for the treatment (if the visit costs up to AED 500 (USD 136). The insurer covers all other costs.
  • Insurance covers 70% of the cost of medicines (in the amount of AED 1500. (USD 408) per year).
  • The insurance company will start paying for the treatment of chronic diseases after six months of operation.

While you are in the emirate for the first 90 days you can use travel insurance. After you need to be sure to issue a local. But if you’re planning on staying alive, you better get on it right away.

Cost of travel insurance: AED 235 (USD 64).

About Dubai Transportation

You can choose a taxi, public transport or car rental. Activities and prices of public transport and taxis in the emirate are controlled by the RTA. On the official website, you can find all the current tariffs and news.

The cost of a taxi in 2023:

  • The cost of landing starts from AED 5 (USD 1.4);
  • The cost of a kilometer is AED 2.2 (USD 0.6).

For example, a trip from Downtown Dubai to Dubai Marina will cost AED 55 (USD 15).

Public transport in Dubai is diverse: metro, bus, tram, and water taxi. There is even a monorail on the Palm Jumeirah. All modes of public transport pay with a single card – NOL. There are four – depending on the type of car and the number of trips. You can buy a card at metro stations, in the machines, and at stops.

Important! For a smart card to work, it should be at least AED 7.5 (USD 2).

The entire emirate is divided into zones. The cost of the trip will depend on the range and their number. The minimum from AED 3 (USD 0.82).

If you need maximum mobility, rent a car. Popular companies in Dubai: Hertz, Avis, NRC, Europcar, Budget, Thrifty.

Prices vary depending on class, lease term, age, etc. The car of the middle class will cost on a day AED 126 (USD 34), and the price of the gasoline brand E-Plus – is about AED 2.8 (USD 0.7) per liter.

Important! To get the rights you need to take a course at the local driving school. The minimum will have to pay about AED 5,000. (USD 1,400).

Applications for Help

Dubai has many mobile apps for maximum comfort. They can be downloaded both in advance and locally.

Utilities, documents, health:

  • UAE Pass – will help when processing official documents and receiving government services.
  • DEWA – to pay for utilities and leave a request for connection/disconnection of equipment.
  • Dubai Health Authority – choose an institution, enroll for a doctor, vaccination. You can see the medical card and appointments, find honey. institutions and insurance organizations, learn the schedule of work.

Food Delivery:

  • Kibsons – fast and profitable to order products.
  • Instashop – fast food delivery within an hour from the nearest F&B establishments.
  • Similar in functionality to Zomato and Deliveroo. – food delivery from F&B-establishments to choose from.

Navigation around the city:

  • Careem – call a taxi.
  • Udrive – convenient application for car rental.
  • Smart Drive – Navigate the emirate, and build a route.
  • S’hail – build your route using public transport and taxis.

As you can see, Dubai is not so difficult to move. It is enough to prepare a minimum set of documents, choose a comfortable option for the property, and make a financial stock of AED 30,000 (USD 8,200) per person. Then the move will be smooth, and Dubai will quickly become your home.

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