United Arab Emirates
Relocating to United Arab Emirates.
After moving to the United Arab Emirates for work, the first weeks are a chain of registrations. In order: medical fitness test, biometrics for the Emirates ID, contract registered with Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), health insurance in force, UAE residence visa and Emirates ID. Each step unlocks the next, so the order matters. Settio builds this plan for every person you move, with deadlines and a portal in their language.
After arrival
The registrations, in order
- 1Medical fitness test
- 2Biometrics for the Emirates ID
- 3Contract registered with Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE)
- 4Health insurance in force
- 5UAE residence visa and Emirates ID
- 6Subscribe to the unemployment insurance (ILOE)
- 7Open a bank account
- 8Register the tenancy (Ejari in Dubai)
Authorities
Who does what in the United Arab Emirates
Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP)
Entry permits, residence and the Emirates ID; in Dubai, residence services are with GDRFA Dubai (the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs)
Official websiteMinistry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE)
Mainland work permits, employment contracts, the Wage Protection System and emiratisation
Official websiteOther countries
Official sources
- u.ae: work visa (the employer applies; two years, renewable)
- u.ae: general provisions for the residence visa (180 days abroad, medical from 18, entry within 30 days)
- u.ae: residence visa for families of employees
- u.ae: Golden visa
- u.ae: Green visa
- u.ae: residence visa for working outside the UAE (virtual work visa)
- u.ae: Emirates ID (15 digits, issued by ICP)
- ICP: residence permits linked to the Emirates ID application
- u.ae: job offers and the employment process (contract to MoHRE within 14 days of arrival)
- u.ae: work permits (transfer, family-sponsored residents, Golden visa holders)
- u.ae: payment of salaries/wages (Wage Protection System)
- u.ae: employing Emiratis in the private sector
- u.ae: GCC nationals working in the private sector
- u.ae: working in free zones (sponsored by the free zone authority)
- u.ae: terminating employment contracts
FAQ
Questions, answered.
What is the first thing to do after moving to the United Arab Emirates?
Medical fitness test. It unlocks the steps after it.
How does Settio help with relocation in the United Arab Emirates?
Settio builds the step-by-step plan for each person moving to the United Arab Emirates, checks documents before filing, tracks deadlines and gives the person a portal in their own language.
More
- Work permits in United Arab Emirates
- Relocation and immigration across Europe
- AI immigration compliance
Informational only. This guide is not legal advice. Always verify requirements with official government sources before acting. Facts checked 3 October 2026. About this information