Moving to Dubai from Australia: a complete checklist for expats

Moving to Dubai from Australia: a complete checklist for expats

Offering tax-free living, a sunny climate and a modern lifestyle, Dubai is a sought after destination for Australian expats. Both Dubai and Australia share a vibrant, multicultural and outdoor-oriented way of life, making the transition easier for many Australians. However, moving to a new country requires meticulous planning to ensure a smooth relocation process. Use this detailed guide and checklist for moving to Dubai from Australia to navigate the process efficiently and confidently.

 

What to know before moving to Dubai from Australia

Before embarking on your Dubai adventure, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the city’s culture and laws. Dubai welcomes people from all over the world, including a growing number of Australians. It embraces a wide mix of cultures and lifestyles but remains rooted in the traditions and values of the UAE. Understanding and respecting local customs and laws is essential to settling in smoothly and avoiding misunderstandings.

While the city offers a modern, expat friendly lifestyle, it’s important to be mindful of social expectations. Public behaviour, dress codes, and interactions are influenced by cultural norms that may differ from what you're used to in Australia. Modesty in clothing, restrictions around alcohol consumption, and avoiding public displays of affection are all worth noting.

Cultural awareness is especially important during religious periods like Ramadan, where eating or drinking in public during daylight hours is prohibited. Knowing the expectations around these moments helps you integrate respectfully.

You should also take time to familiarise yourself with the local legal system — certain matters may be governed by Sharia law — and understand key planning essentials such as visa requirements, accommodation options and the cost of living.

 

What are the pros and cons of moving to Dubai from Australia?

Understanding the pros and cons of moving to Dubai from Australia can help you decide whether this exciting city is the right place for you.

Pros

  • Tax-free income: Dubai’s tax-free system allows you to save significantly more money compared to Australia.
  • Sunny weather: Thanks to year-round sunshine, Dubai offers an ideal climate for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Career opportunities: Dubai is a hub for the finance, technology, hospitality and other industries and offers lucrative job prospects.
  • Vibrant lifestyle: The city boasts luxury shopping, fine dining and world-class entertainment.
  • Strong expat community: A large, supportive expat network makes it easier to adapt to life in Dubai.

Cons

  • High cost of living: Accommodation, schooling and healthcare can be expensive.
  • Cultural adjustments: Adapting to stricter local laws and customs might take time.
  • Climate: The extreme summer heat can be challenging for new residents.
  • Transient nature: Many expats stay for short term stints, making it harder to form long term relationships in the city.
  • Distance from family: Being far from family and friends in Australia can be one of the downsides of moving to Dubai from Australia.

 

How to move to Dubai from Australia

Visa and residency requirements

One of the first steps to take when moving to Dubai from Australia is to ensure that you meet the visa and residency requirements. You can move to Dubai with one of three types of visas, namely a work visa typically arranged by your employer, a dependent visa sponsored by a spouse or parent, or an investor visa for business owners or property investors.

The basic steps of the residence visa application process include:

✅ Obtaining an entry permit.
✅ Undergoing a medical test and applying for an Emirate ID.
✅ Submitting required documents including your passport, employment contract and medical insurance.

When it comes to the required documents, it’s a good idea to plan ahead so that you can ensure everything is ready to be submitted. Make sure that your Australian documents, such as certificates or degrees, are attested and translated, if necessary.

Finding accommodation in Dubai

Renting property in Dubai

Some Australian expats who move to Dubai either prefer or can only afford to rent rather than buy property. Some of the areas that are most popular with Australians looking for properties to rent include Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) and The Springs.

Use these two important tips for renting property in Dubai if you are thinking about becoming a tenant rather than a homebuyer: Use reputable estate agents such as haus & haus and make sure you understand tenancy contracts and associated fees.

Buying property in Dubai

For many Australian expats, buying property is a more attractive option, thanks to the benefits it offers. The luxurious properties for sale in Dubai are rewarding long term investments that offer significant potential returns. Becoming a property buyer in the city also makes you eligible to apply for a residency visa.

Healthcare and medical records

Understanding Dubai’s healthcare system and the importance of your medical records is a vital part of knowing how to move to Dubai from Australia. Dubai offers high-quality public and private healthcare services and most, if not all, popular residential areas either have healthcare facilities or are located close to them.

Health insurance is mandatory. While employers usually provide coverage, you can purchase additional plans if required. Be sure to bring your Australian medical records, including vaccination records, when you move to Dubai.

Banking and finances

Sorting out banking and finances is another important aspect of moving to Dubai from Australia. You’ll need to open a bank account, so choose a bank that caters to expats, such as Emirates NBD or Mashreq Bank. To open an account, you’ll need to bring documents including your Emirates ID, passport and residency visa.  

Keep your Australian bank accounts active for international transfers and make sure you understand the taxation implications and other financial requirements of living abroad. While you won’t pay tax in Dubai, you may still be required to pay tax in Australia.

Education options for expat families

Australian expat families shouldn’t have any trouble ensuring their children receive an excellent education in Dubai. The city’s international schools offer curriculums such as the IB, British and American systems.  

Some of the most popular choices include Dubai International Academy on First Al Khail Road in Emirates Hills near Dubai Marina and JBR, Jumeirah English Speaking School on Sheikh Zayed Road and at Arabian Ranches and GEMS Dubai American Academy on Sheikh Zayed Road in Al Barsha. Tuition fees range from AED 30,000 to AED 100,000 annually. Family friendly areas such as Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Islands, Arabian Ranches and The Meadows are known for their proximity to schools and family amenities.  

Preparing essential documents

Use this checklist to prepare essential documents before moving to Dubai from Australia:

✅ Passports
✅ Birth certificates
✅ Academic records
✅ Medical history
✅ Tenancy agreements
✅ Employment contracts

Ensure that all documents are attested by relevant Australian and UAE authorities.

Your moving to Dubai from Australia checklist

Before leaving Australia

✅ Arrange all work permits and visas (your employer may arrange your visa).
✅ Research and finalise accommodation, whether you’re going to be a tenant or become a homeowner.
✅ Book flights and arrange pet relocation, if applicable.  
✅ Organise health insurance and transfer medical records.
✅Notify Australian institutions such as banks and the tax office of your move to Dubai.

After arriving in Dubai

✅ Register for an Emirates ID.
✅ Open a local bank account.
✅ Set up utilities and internet at your home.
✅ Familiarise yourself with your neighbourhood and neighbouring areas by using reputable resources and by doing some exploring.
✅ Enrol your children in schools and arrange transportation.

 

Should I move to Dubai from Australia?

Moving to Dubai from Australia offers exciting opportunities, from tax-free earnings to a luxurious lifestyle, but it’s not without challenges such as the high cost of living and cultural adjustments. Weigh the pros and cons carefully and research what life is like in the most popular expat areas to decide if moving to Dubai is the right choice for you.  

FAQs: moving from Australia to Dubai

Yes, making the move is worth it if you’re looking for career growth, a tax-free salary and a vibrant lifestyle. 

Yes, Australian citizens can relocate to Dubai if they have a valid work, dependent or investor visa. 

You need a valid visa, attested documents and health insurance. It also helps to organise your finances by doing some financial planning. 

The initial costs usually include visa fees, rent and deposits. AED 50,000-70,000 is a safe starting budget.

Yes, Australians can move to Dubai without a job through investor or dependent visas, but it’s a good idea to secure a job before you move there. 

Yes, Dubai has no personal income tax. However, you should check Australian tax obligations before moving to Dubai from Australia.

A few of the areas that are most popular with Australian expats are Dubai Marina, JBR, Arabian Ranches and The Springs.

Dubai offers a faster-paced, luxury-oriented lifestyle with cultural nuances compared to Australia’s more laid-back vibe.

Australian qualifications and work experience are highly regarded, but some roles may require local certifications.

Yes, you can send money back to Australia from Dubai through international banks and remittance services such as Western Union.

Yes, unless you’re going to enter Dubai on a dependent or investor visa, you need a work visa to move to the city.

Get in touch with the haus & haus team

Moving to Dubai from Australia is an exciting journey and the haus & haus team is here to help. Make a start by learning more about different areas in Dubai and what’s involved in renting or buying property in the city.

Our area guides and our Tenant’s and Buyer’s guides offer a wealth of information on this. Contact the haus & haus team for personalised expert advice and help with finding the perfect home in Dubai for you. 

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