Thinking of relocating to Dubai? Whether you’re an individual, a family, or a corporate employee, moving to a new country can be daunting. That’s where professional Dubai relocation services for expats step in helping you transition smoothly with expert guidance from start to finish.
In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through everything from visa processes to finding the right school for your children, housing options, legal paperwork, and more so you can focus on settling into your new life with confidence.
Table of Contents
Why Dubai Is a Top Destination for Expats in 2025
Dubai continues to be a top choice for global professionals and families. Why?
- No Personal Income Tax: Residents don’t pay tax on their salaries, making Dubai especially attractive for high earners. This is possible because the UAE government funds infrastructure and public services through revenue from VAT, corporate taxes (on certain sectors), rather than taxing individuals.
- World-Class Infrastructure
- Multicultural Lifestyle
- High-Quality Education and Healthcare Facilities
- Safe, Family-Friendly Neighborhoods
With expats making up over approximately 80% of Dubai’s population, the city is designed to welcome newcomers from around the world.
What Are Dubai Relocation Services for Expats?
Dubai relocation services for expats refer to specialized support systems designed to help foreign nationals move to Dubai and settle in the Dubai with minimal hassle.
A relocation consultant works as your personal guide, handling logistics and legalities, while helping you integrate into your new environment.
These services cater to:
- Individuals relocating for work
- Families with school-going children
- Corporate employees moving under company transfer
- Entrepreneurs setting up in Dubai
Key Services Offered by Relocation Companies in Dubai
Here’s what most top-tier relocation companies in Dubai offer:
🛂 Visa and Immigration Assistance
- Employment visa processing
- Family sponsorship visas
- Emirates ID application
- Renewal reminders and PRO services
🏠 Finding Accommodation
- Neighborhood matching based on lifestyle
- Viewing arrangements and lease negotiation
- Short-term and long-term rental options
🎓 School Search Support
- Comparing British, IB, American, Indian, and local curricula
- Admission requirements and deadlines
- Arranging school tours
🏦 Opening a Bank Account
- Guidance on selecting banks
- Required documentation
- Help with salary account setup
📄 Document Attestation & Legalization
- Degree certificate attestation
- Marriage/birth certificate legalization
- Translation services
⚡ Utility Setup
- Electricity (DEWA/SEWA), water, internet, TV
- Home services coordination
🌍 Orientation & Cultural Training
- UAE laws and social etiquette
- Local transportation and mobile apps
- Shopping, dining, and safety tips
Benefits of Using a Relocation Company in Dubai
Using Dubai relocation services for expats offers more than convenience:
- ✅ Reduced Stress: They handle legal and logistical tasks so you don’t have to.
- ✅ Time Efficiency: Faster completion of visa, housing, and schooling.
- ✅ Cost Savings: Avoid fines, hidden charges, and costly mistakes.
- ✅ Local Knowledge: Expert advice on neighborhoods, schools, and legal compliance.
- ✅ Custom Support: Services tailored to your family, work, or business needs.
Relocating Without Help: Why DIY Moves Often Fall Short
While it’s possible to manage an international move on your own, many expats find that going solo leads to unexpected stress and expenses. Here’s how doing it yourself compares to hiring a relocation expert:
| Aspect | DIY Move | With a Relocation Company |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Processing | Confusing requirements, delays | Fast-tracked with expert guidance |
| Housing Search | Limited options, not sure how the costing work. | Pre-screened properties and negotiation best deals for client. |
| School Placement | Late applications, lack of info | Tailored recommendations, timely help |
| Local Setup (Utilities, Bank) | Time-consuming, inconsistent | Coordinated setup before arrival |
| Emotional Impact | Overwhelming, disorienting | Smooth onboarding and cultural support |
Expats who attempt to handle everything themselves often face:
- Delays in securing housing or visas which in the long run adds to more expenses.
- Rejected school applications due to missed timelines and new families start to stress and sometimes decide on going back to their country of origin
- Language or legal misunderstandings
- Missed deadlines or improper documentation
Working with a relocation partner ensures that none of these critical steps fall through the cracks.
We often receive calls from expats who arrived in Dubai overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. Many assumed they could manage the move on their own but soon faced issues like delayed documentation, missed school deadlines, and housing complications. The comparison table above outlines some of the most common challenges people encounter and how professional relocation support can prevent them.
In several cases, we’ve had to step in and help clients rectify paperwork that was incorrectly completed prior to their move, which added stress and unexpected delays during an already difficult transitioning time.
Corporate Relocation Services for Employees
For companies relocating employees to Dubai, corporate relocation services simplify complex international moves. These services are ideal for:
- Tech firms rapidly scaling regional operations
- Multinational corporations establishing MENA headquarters
- Startups hiring global talent into Dubai free zones
Services typically include:
- Visa sponsorship coordination
- Housing and schooling for dependents
- Onboarding support and local orientation
- HR partnership for legal compliance and employee satisfaction
Example: A fintech company relocating a 10-member product team used relocation consultants to fast-track work visas, secure executive apartments in Dubai, and organize a family-friendly orientation weekend cutting relocation time by 40%.
Top-Rated Dubai Relocation Services for Expats – What to Look For
Choosing a relocation provider in Dubai can feel overwhelming but the right company will offer end-to-end support that simplifies every stage of the move.
At 360 Global Relocations, we specialize in:
- Full visa and immigration processing
- Personalized home search assistance based on lifestyle and budget
- Expert-led school placement support
- Settling-in services, including banking, utilities, and cultural orientation
- Corporate relocation for companies moving teams into the UAE
📞 Want to make your move stress-free? Contact us for a tailored relocation plan designed around your needs.
Real Relocation Journey: Sarah & Tom’s Story
Sarah, a UK marketing manager, and her husband Tom, a teacher without a job, relocated to Dubai with their two kids. Through a relocation service:
- Their visas were processed in under 30 days
- They viewed and rented a 3-bedroom villa in Mirdif within 3 days of landing
- Their kids enrolled in a British curriculum school before term began
- Bank account where setup without them going into the bank.
“We couldn’t have managed without professional help it made the entire move enjoyable rather than stressful,” says Sarah.
Challenges of Relocating to Dubai (and How Services Help)
While relocating to Dubai offers many benefits, expats may face a few common challenges:
- Summer Heat: Temperatures can exceed 45°C (113°F), making summer moves uncomfortable.
- Cultural Adjustments: Understanding local customs, especially around dress code and public behavior, takes time.
- Traffic in Key Areas: Popular areas like Downtown, Marina, and SZR can experience peak-time congestion.
📌 Relocation services provide cultural orientation sessions, optimize move-in timing, and help you choose areas with better commute options.
How Much Do Dubai Relocation Services Cost?
| Service Package | Price Range (AED) |
|---|---|
| Basic Visa & Orientation | 3,000 – 6,000 |
| Family Relocation (Home + School) | 8,000 – 14,000 |
| Full-Service Corporate Relocation | 15,000+ |
Tip: Many providers offer bundled discounts or installment options. Always request a detailed quote.
FAQs About Moving to Dubai as an Expat
How long does it take to relocate to Dubai?
With a relocation company, most moves are completed in 2 to 6 weeks, depending on your visa type and housing preferences.
Can I bring my pet to Dubai?
Yes, but ensure you follow UAE’s vaccination and microchipping regulations. While we do not directly handle pet relocation, we can refer you to a trusted partner.
Do relocation services include job assistance?
Generally no, but some offer partner support or networking referrals.
Are school placements guaranteed?
No, but relocation services improve your chances with timely application support and curriculum matching.
✅ Download: Your Dubai Expat Relocation Checklist [Free PDF]
Get our printable relocation timeline and checklist covering:
- Pre-move tasks
- Visa document prep
- What to pack
- Housing search timeline
- School registration tracker
- Settling-in week-by-week
👉 Download Now to simplify your relocation.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Use Dubai Relocation Services for Expats
Relocating to Dubai doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the help of Dubai relocation services for expats, you’ll enjoy expert guidance, faster setup, and a smoother transition to your new life.
📍 From visa and housing to schools and settling in professional relocation partners handle the details so you can focus on the journey ahead.
📞 Need help? Contact 360 Global Relocations for a free consultation and relocation quote tailored to your needs.