The UK to UAE guide that starts where others stop: leaving UK tax properly, the 2026 National Insurance and inheritance tax changes, visas, attestation, schools, housing, pets and your first 90 days.
Many UK to UAE guides are published by businesses that specialise in one part of the move, such as removals, business setup, property or currency transfers, and naturally focus on that part. This guide brings the useful parts together, checks them against UK and UAE government sources, and adds the pieces nobody sells: the 2026 changes to National Insurance, the new inheritance tax rules that follow you for up to ten years, and the difference between holding a UAE visa and actually leaving UK tax.
Every factual claim carries a source tag so you can see how much weight it will bear.
| Tag | What it means |
|---|---|
| Law | Set by UK or UAE legislation. Stable until the law changes. |
| Official | Published by a government body (GOV.UK, HMRC, u.ae, ICP, GDRFA, RTA, KHDA, MOCCAE). |
| Market | Current market practice or pricing, checked across several listings or providers. Moves with the market. |
| Reported | Reported consistently by reputable secondary sources but not yet confirmed on a primary government page. |
| Verify | Rules differ between sources or change often. Confirm with the named authority before you act. |
| Estimate | Our own worked estimate. Useful for planning, not a quote. |
This guide is general information only. It is not financial, tax, legal, immigration, medical or investment advice, and it does not take your personal circumstances into account. Relocate2UAE is not regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority or any UAE financial regulator and does not give personal recommendations. Rules, thresholds and fees change often and can differ between emirates and between the published rule and how an authority applies it. Before acting, check the current position with the relevant authority and take advice from a suitably qualified and, where required, regulated professional. Contacting us does not create an adviser relationship. Relocate2UAE accepts no responsibility for any loss arising from reliance on this guide. Some organisations mentioned are Relocate2UAE partners and may pay us fees. Please read the full Legal notice at the end.
Some organisations named in this guide are Relocate2UAE partners, and each is labelled "a Relocate2UAE partner" where it appears. Relocate2UAE may receive fees, commission or other benefits from partners, including where you use their services after reading this guide. A mention is not a recommendation that a partner is right for you. You are free to use any provider, and we encourage you to compare several and to check each provider's licensing, regulation and terms yourself. Other businesses named in this guide are mentioned for information only. No endorsement is implied and trade marks belong to their owners.
The UK and the UAE side by side, for the things that change most.
| United Kingdom | United Arab Emirates | |
|---|---|---|
| Tax on salary | 20% to 45% income tax plus 8% employee NI (2% above the upper limit) Law | 0% personal income tax Official |
| Capital gains tax | 18% and 24% since 30 October 2024 Law | None on individuals Official |
| Inheritance tax | 40% above allowances Law | None, but UK IHT can follow you for up to 10 years (Section 6.8) Law |
| VAT | 20% Law | 5% Law |
| Healthcare | NHS, free at point of use | Insurance-based. No reciprocal agreement with the UK Official |
| Working week | Monday to Friday | Monday to Friday for most private employers. Federal government works a shorter Friday. Sharjah government works Monday to Thursday Official |
| Time difference | GMT / BST | GMT+4, no daylight saving. 4 hours ahead in winter, 3 hours in summer |
| Plugs and voltage | Type G, 230V | Type G, 230V. Your UK plugs work Reported |
| Driving | Left | Right. UK licences exchange without a test Official |
| Flight time | — | About 7 hours London to Dubai or Abu Dhabi |
| British residents | — | Around 240,000 in Dubai alone, a long-standing estimate Reported |
A UAE visa does not end your UK tax residence. UK residence is decided each tax year by the Statutory Residence Test (SRT), not by your Emirates ID Law. Section 6.
"Under 16, 46 or 91 days depending on ties" is wrong. Those numbers mix up different parts of the SRT. The test most employed movers actually rely on is the full-time work overseas test, which many guides leave out Law. Section 6.2.
The cheap way to protect your State Pension has gone. Voluntary Class 2 National Insurance for periods abroad was abolished from 6 April 2026. Class 3 now costs £18.40 a week, and new applicants need 10 years of UK residence or contributions Official. Section 6.10.
UK inheritance tax can follow you for up to 10 years. Since 6 April 2025 IHT is based on long-term UK residence, not domicile, with a tail of 3 to 10 tax years after you leave Law. Section 6.8.
Your UK State Pension will be frozen. The UAE is not on the list of countries where the State Pension rises each year Official. Section 6.9.
A QROPS transfer from the UAE usually costs 25%. No UAE pension scheme appears on HMRC's recognised overseas scheme list, so the overseas transfer charge applies Reported. Section 6.9.
Your ISA does not lose its tax-free status. It stays open and sheltered. You just cannot pay new money in while non-resident Official. Section 6.11.
Your UK electricals work. The UAE uses the same Type G three-pin plug and 230V supply Reported. Section 13.
Sons can be sponsored to 25, not 18. The UAE family visa covers a spouse, sons under 25, unmarried daughters and children with special needs Official. Section 4.4.
Long absences cancel ordinary residence visas. A standard residence visa can lapse after more than 180 consecutive days outside the UAE. Golden Visa holders are exempt Verify. Section 4.5.
The tax case is real. A UK earner on £100,000 loses about £31,000 of it to income tax and employee National Insurance at 2026/27 rates, nearly a third Estimate. In the UAE the same salary arrives untaxed Official. But the tax saving only works if the rest of the move is priced properly, and the rest of the move is where people get caught.
Most British movers choose Dubai, but it is not the only option and it is not always the best value.
| Emirate | Who it suits | Things to know |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai | Most sectors, international schools at every price point, the biggest British community | Highest rents in prime areas. Housing fee of 5% of annual rent billed through DEWA Official |
| Abu Dhabi | Government, energy, finance, healthcare, families wanting space and a calmer pace | Separate systems: ADEK for schools, Tawtheeq for tenancies, Darb road tolls, DoH health insurance rules Official |
| Sharjah | Lower rents for people working in north Dubai | Alcohol is not permitted. Government works a four-day week. Heavy commuter traffic into Dubai Official Reported |
| Ajman, RAK, UAQ, Fujairah | Lower costs, beaches, mountains, lifestyle movers and remote workers | Fewer British curriculum schools. RAK is growing fast with new resort and casino development Reported |
For the full comparison see our Dubai vs Abu Dhabi property guide and UAE Housing Guide.
British passport holders get a free visit visa on arrival, normally for 30 days Reported. That lets you view homes and schools but not work or rent long-term. To live in the UAE you need a residence visa and an Emirates ID Official.
| Route | Who it suits | Headline requirement | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employment | Anyone with a UAE job offer | Employer sponsorship and work permit | Usually 2 years, renewable Official |
| Green Visa (skilled employee) | Skilled staff who want independence from their employer's sponsorship | Bachelor's degree or equivalent, MOHRE skill level 1 to 3, salary at least AED 15,000 a month Official | 5 years, self-sponsored |
| Green Visa (freelancer / self-employed) | Consultants, creatives, contractors | MOHRE freelance permit and self-employment income of at least AED 360,000 a year for the previous two years, or proof of financial solvency Official | 5 years, self-sponsored |
| Golden Visa | Property investors, high earners, founders, specialists | Examples: property worth at least AED 2 million, or a qualifying professional salary (commonly quoted as AED 30,000 a month) Official Verify | 5 or 10 years, self-sponsored, no 180-day absence rule |
| Remote work (virtual work) | People keeping a UK or other overseas employer | Employer letter, salary of at least USD 3,500 a month, UAE-valid health insurance Official Verify | 1 year, renewable |
| Investor / partner | Founders with a UAE company, often in a free zone | Trade licence with a visa allocation | Usually 2 years Market |
| Property investor (2 year) | Buyers below the Golden Visa threshold | Commonly quoted at AED 750,000 of property in Dubai Reported Verify | 2 years |
| Retirement | Over-55s | 15 years' work history plus a financial test. Thresholds differ between the federal route and Dubai's own scheme (see below) Verify | 5 years |
| Family | Spouse and children of a resident | Sponsor earning AED 4,000 a month, or AED 3,000 plus accommodation Official | Tied to the sponsor's visa |
| Job seeker | People searching for work in person | No sponsor needed | 60, 90 or 120 days Official Verify fees |
The federal portal describes property of at least AED 1 million together with savings of at least AED 1 million, or annual income of at least AED 180,000. Dubai's own programme is widely reported to accept income of AED 15,000 a month, AED 1 million in savings or unmortgaged property, or a combination. Other sources quote AED 20,000 a month or AED 2 million of property Verify. Check the current checklist with ICP or GDRFA Dubai for your emirate before you plan around it.
Visa categories, thresholds and fees change regularly, and the final decision always rests with ICP, GDRFA or the relevant authority. Nothing in this guide guarantees eligibility or approval. Our UAE Visa Requirements Guide covers every route in detail. For complex cases, including founders, mixed families and anyone with a previous UAE visa ban or cancellation, specialist immigration lawyers can advise. Davidson & Co. (a Relocate2UAE partner) is one option.
You accept the offer and sign the MOHRE offer letter Official.
Your employer applies for your work permit and entry permit. You travel on the entry permit.
You complete a medical fitness test in the UAE (blood test and chest X-ray) and give biometrics for your Emirates ID Official.
Your residence visa is issued electronically and your Emirates ID card follows Official.
You can then open a bank account, sign a tenancy in your name, and sponsor your family Official.
The whole in-country part typically takes one to three weeks when documents are in order Reported. Most delays come from unattested certificates (Section 5).
UAE offers are quoted as a basic salary plus allowances. The split matters because end-of-service gratuity is calculated on basic pay, and family sponsorship is assessed on your salary certificate Law Reported.
Our Family Relocation Guide includes an "Is this offer actually enough?" calculator built for exactly this conversation.
A standard residence visa can be cancelled automatically if you stay outside the UAE for more than 180 consecutive days. Golden Visa holders are exempt. You can apply for a re-entry permit if you are stuck abroad for longer, for example for medical treatment or study Verify. If your visa is cancelled because you leave your job, you have a grace period to find a new sponsor or leave, which varies by visa type Official.
180 days abroad can cancel your UAE visa. A UAE Tax Residency Certificate generally needs 183 days in the UAE, or 90 days plus conditions. UK non-residence depends on your UK days and ties under the SRT. You can hold a valid visa and still fail both tax tests. Track all three from day one.
The UAE is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, so a UK apostille alone is not enough. Documents need a chain of legalisation Official.
Documents not issued by a public authority, such as degree certificates, need certifying by a UK solicitor or notary first Official.
The FCDO Legalisation Office confirms the signature or seal Official.
The embassy attests the apostille. This is now done digitally, and the result can be verified on the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs site. Allow about 7 to 10 working days Reported.
Some uses need a final attestation by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs after arrival Official.
An e-apostille alone is generally not sufficient for UAE use because of the embassy step Reported. Certified Arabic translation is sometimes required for legal documents such as powers of attorney Reported.
| Document | Needed for | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Degree certificate | Work permit, Green Visa, Golden Visa, professional licensing (teachers, doctors, engineers) | Check your university's name is exactly as on the certificate |
| Marriage certificate | Sponsoring a spouse | Order a fresh certified copy from the GRO if yours is old or damaged |
| Children's full birth certificates | Sponsoring children, school registration | The full version listing both parents, not the short form |
| ACRO police certificate | Some employers, Golden Visa and licensing routes | Often must be no more than 90 days old at submission Reported |
| Driving licence | Not attested, but bring the photocard | Section 12 |
| School reports and transfer letter | School admissions | Last two years of reports. Not attested |
| Vaccination records | School admissions, pets | Keep digital copies |
Start the chain 8 weeks before your planned move. Unattested certificates are the most common reason spouse visas stall, and restarting the process from Dubai adds weeks Reported.
This is the section that saves or costs the most money, and the one where general guidance is most likely to miss something about your situation.
UK tax residence, split-year treatment, inheritance tax and pension decisions depend on detailed facts and can have irreversible consequences. This section explains the framework only. It is not tax advice and must not be used on its own to decide your departure date, sell or let property, transfer a pension or stop paying National Insurance. Take advice from a UK-qualified tax adviser (for example a Chartered Tax Adviser or chartered accountant) and, for pensions and investments, an FCA-authorised financial adviser. Figures are for the 2026/27 tax year unless stated and apply to England, Wales and Northern Ireland; Scottish income tax rates differ.
You stop paying UK tax on your UAE salary when you become non-UK resident for a tax year (6 April to 5 April), or for the overseas part of a split year Law. Residence is decided by the Statutory Residence Test in HMRC guidance note RDR3, not by your visa, your address or the forms you file Official.
The SRT is applied in order. Stop at the first part that gives an answer.
You are non-resident for the year if any one applies:
The third test is the one that matters for most people moving on a UAE employment contract. It is why a full-time employee can often visit family in the UK for several weeks a year and stay non-resident, while a self-employed mover or trailing spouse cannot.
You are UK resident if, for example, you spend 183 days or more in the UK, your only home is in the UK, or you work full-time in the UK.
If neither set of automatic tests settles it, count your UK ties against your UK days.
| Days in the UK in the tax year | Leavers (UK resident in any of the previous 3 years): resident if you have | Arrivers (not UK resident in any of the previous 3 years): resident if you have |
|---|---|---|
| 16 to 45 | 4 or more ties | Always non-resident |
| 46 to 90 | 3 or more ties | All 4 ties |
| 91 to 120 | 2 or more ties | 3 or more ties |
| 121 to 182 | 1 or more ties | 2 or more ties |
| 183 or more | Always resident | Always resident |
A day counts if you are in the UK at midnight, with limited exceptions for transit and exceptional circumstances Law. Keep a travel log, boarding passes and your UAE entry and exit report from the start.
Most people leave part-way through a tax year. Split-year treatment divides that year into a UK part and an overseas part, so UAE earnings after you leave fall outside UK tax Law. The three leaving cases are:
Each case has conditions, including limits on UK days and work in the rest of the year. Take advice before you fix your departure date. Leaving a few days later, or keeping a UK home available, can change the answer Law.
If you do not file Self Assessment: complete form P85 and include parts 2 and 3 of your P45 where you have one. You may be due a refund of PAYE for the year you leave Official.
If you file Self Assessment: report your residence position on the SA109 residence pages of your return Official.
Filing does not decide your status. P85 and SA109 tell HMRC what happened. The SRT decides whether you are resident Official.
| Income or asset | Position once non-resident | Tag |
|---|---|---|
| UAE salary | Outside UK tax once you are non-resident, or in the overseas part of a split year | Law |
| UK rental income | Still taxable in the UK. Apply on form NRL1 to receive rent gross; otherwise your agent or tenant deducts basic-rate tax. File a UK return each year | Official |
| UK rental income from 6 April 2027 | New property income rates of 22%, 42% and 47% in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Withholding under the Non-Resident Landlord Scheme is expected to rise to 22% | Law Verify |
| Selling UK property or land | Non-residents pay UK CGT on UK property gains and must report the sale to HMRC within 60 days of completion | Law |
| UK dividends and savings interest | Generally treated as "disregarded income" for non-residents, limiting UK tax to any tax deducted at source | Law |
| Personal allowance | British citizens keep their UK personal allowance as non-residents | Law |
| Returning within 5 years | Temporary non-residence rules can tax some gains and close-company dividends realised while abroad when you come back | Law |
Letting your UK home? Tell your mortgage lender. Consent-to-let is usually a short-term permission and many lenders expect a buy-to-let or expat mortgage for a longer absence Reported.
UK company owners. A UK-incorporated company stays UK tax resident wherever you live. Running a UAE company while staff or decision-making remain in the UK can create a UK permanent establishment. This needs specialist advice Law Reported.
The UK and UAE have a double taxation agreement, signed in 2016, so the same income is not taxed twice Official. It includes tie-breaker rules for people who are resident in both countries under domestic law, and a pensions article that generally gives taxing rights to the country of residence Official Verify article detail. To have a UK private or workplace pension paid without UK tax deducted, you apply to HMRC using form DT-Individual Official. UK government service pensions are usually treated differently, so check before assuming.
A UAE Tax Residency Certificate (TRC) from the Federal Tax Authority helps you claim treaty benefits and evidence your UAE position to banks and to HMRC Official.
From 6 April 2025 UK inheritance tax stopped depending on domicile. It now depends on long-term UK residence Law.
| Years of UK residence in the previous 20 | Tax years your worldwide estate stays in UK IHT after leaving |
|---|---|
| 10 to 13 | 3 |
| 14 | 4 |
| 15 | 5 |
| 16 | 6 |
| 17 | 7 |
| 18 | 8 |
| 19 | 9 |
| 20 | 10 |
If you were born and raised in the UK and leave in your thirties or later, the tail is likely to be at or near the full 10 years Estimate. The UAE does not levy inheritance tax Official, so "moving to a country with no inheritance tax" does not remove UK IHT exposure for a decade.
From 6 April 2027 most unused pension funds and pension death benefits are due to be included in the value of an estate for UK IHT Official. That is a significant change for anyone who planned to leave a UK pension untouched as an inheritance.
Without a registered will, UAE-situated assets such as a property or bank account can pass under default rules that may not match your wishes, and accounts can be frozen after a death. Non-Muslim residents can register a will through the DIFC Courts Wills Service in Dubai or the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department's non-Muslim wills service, including guardianship wishes for children Official Verify fees.
This is the biggest recent change for British expats, and most existing guides still describe the old rules Official.
Stay open and keep their UK tax shelter. You cannot add new money while non-resident and must tell your provider Official.
The loan follows you. Tell the Student Loans Company you are leaving. You move to direct repayments with an overseas threshold. If you go quiet, you can be put on a fixed monthly repayment Official Reported.
Generally stops when you and your children move outside the UK to a country like the UAE. Tell HMRC Official.
You can register as an overseas elector for UK parliamentary elections. The old 15-year limit was removed in January 2024 Law.
| Date | Change | Tag |
|---|---|---|
| 30 October 2024 | CGT rates rise to 18% and 24%. EEA and Gibraltar QROPS exclusion removed | Law |
| 1 January 2025 | VAT at 20% on UK private school fees | Law |
| 6 April 2025 | Domicile replaced by residence for IHT. Long-term resident test and 3 to 10 year tail | Law |
| 6 April 2026 | Voluntary Class 2 NI abroad abolished. Dividend ordinary and upper rates rise by 2 points | Official Law |
| 5 April 2027 | Deadline for existing Class 2 payers to apply for Class 3 under transitional rules | Reported Verify |
| 6 April 2027 | Property and savings income rates rise to 22%, 42% and 47%. Unused pensions brought into IHT | Law Official |
You normally need a residence visa and Emirates ID to open a UAE personal current account, plus a salary certificate or other proof of income Reported. Many banks set a minimum monthly salary for their standard accounts, commonly between AED 5,000 and AED 10,000 Market. Some British movers choose a bank with a UK presence because linked international accounts can make early transfers simpler. HSBC UAE (a Relocate2UAE partner) is one example. Compare fees, minimum balances and eligibility across several banks before choosing.
Your UK credit history does not transfer. The Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB) builds a new UAE credit record from your first account Official. Expect lower limits on your first credit card.
Some UK banks close or restrict accounts once you register an overseas address Reported. Before you leave:
The dirham is pegged to the US dollar, so against sterling it moves as the dollar does Official. If you keep sterling costs such as a UK mortgage or UK school fees, your income and outgoings are in currencies that drift apart. For transfers, compare the total cost including the exchange rate margin, not just the fee. Regulated money transfer services often beat standard bank wires Market.
Customs rule: cash or equivalent over AED 60,000 must be declared on arrival in the UAE Official.
| Cost | Compared with the UK | Tag |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | Similar to London for central areas, higher than most UK cities. Paid a year ahead | Market |
| School fees | The biggest new cost for families moving from UK state schools | Market |
| Groceries | Similar overall. Imported UK brands cost more, local and regional produce less | Market |
| Eating out | Wide range, from cheap local restaurants to very expensive hotel dining | Market |
| Petrol | Cheaper than the UK. Prices are set monthly | Official |
| Utilities | Not usually included in rent. Summer air conditioning bills can be high, especially where district cooling is charged separately | Market |
| Alcohol | More expensive than the UK | Market |
| Domestic help | Widely available and far cheaper than UK childcare, with visa and contract obligations for the employer | Market |
For current figures see our UAE Cost of Living Guide 2026.
Illustration for a Dubai apartment at AED 120,000 a year, unfurnished Estimate. Figures are indicative only, are not quotes, and will vary by landlord, agent and property:
| Item | Typical amount | Tag |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (first cheque, if paid in 4 cheques) | AED 30,000 | Market |
| Security deposit (5% unfurnished, often 10% furnished) | AED 6,000 | Market |
| Agency fee (commonly 5% of annual rent plus VAT) | AED 6,300 | Market |
| Ejari registration | About AED 220 | Reported |
| DEWA connection and refundable deposit (apartment) | About AED 2,000 plus connection fees | Official Verify |
| Housing fee (5% of annual rent, billed monthly through DEWA) | AED 500 a month | Official |
| Temporary accommodation for the first 2 to 4 weeks | Varies widely | Market |
| Furniture, white goods, car deposit | Varies widely | Market |
Some landlords give a discount for fewer cheques. Paying in one cheque can save money but ties up a large sum. Since 2022 most bounced-cheque cases are no longer criminal, but a bounced rent cheque still has serious civil and credit consequences Law.
Many newcomers rent for their first year, so they can learn commutes, schools and communities before committing to a purchase Market. Serviced or short-term furnished rentals, such as those offered by Maison Privée (a Relocate2UAE partner), bridge the gap while you wait for your Emirates ID and view properties in person.
| Profile | Dubai | Abu Dhabi |
|---|---|---|
| Families wanting villas and British schools nearby | Arabian Ranches, Dubai Hills Estate, The Springs and Meadows, Jumeirah Park, Jumeirah Golf Estates, Mudon | Khalifa City, Al Raha Gardens, Yas Island, Saadiyat Island |
| Couples and singles | Dubai Marina, JBR, JLT, Downtown, Business Bay | Al Reem Island, Al Raha Beach, Corniche area |
| Value with a longer commute | JVC, Al Furjan, Motor City, Town Square, Mirdif | Al Reef, Mohammed Bin Zayed City |
Indicative Dubai rents, September 2026, based on published listings and market reports. These are not valuations or offers, and actual rents vary widely Market:
| Home | Typical annual rent |
|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment, JVC | AED 50,000 to 65,000 |
| 1-bed apartment, Dubai Marina or JBR | AED 90,000 to 120,000 |
| 2-bed apartment, citywide average | Around AED 95,000 |
| 3-bed villa, Arabian Ranches | AED 160,000 to 220,000 and above |
| 3-bed villa, Dubai Hills Estate | Around AED 200,000 and above |
| Dubai villa average (all sizes) | Around AED 285,000 |
Many families choose the school first and the neighbourhood second. For buying, including mortgages for non-residents and Golden Visa property rules, see our UAE Housing Guide. Altura Property (a Relocate2UAE partner) is one adviser covering both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Always check that any agent is licensed by the relevant land department (RERA in Dubai, ADREC in Abu Dhabi) Official Verify.
British curriculum schools follow the National Curriculum for England and lead to GCSEs or IGCSEs and A Levels, so children can move back into the UK system at the same stage Official Reported. Many teachers are UK-trained.
British curriculum fees in Dubai range from around AED 30,000 a year at the value end to more than AED 100,000 at premium senior schools Market. Registration fees, deposits, uniforms, buses and trips come on top.
If your children are currently at a UK independent school, the comparison has shifted. UK private school fees have carried 20% VAT since 1 January 2025 Law, while UAE school tuition is generally zero-rated for VAT Law Verify.
See our Dubai International Schools Guide and UAE School Holiday Calendar 2026-27.
UK university fee status ("home" fees versus international fees) depends partly on where a student has been ordinarily resident in the three years before the course. There are exceptions for families temporarily abroad because of a parent's employment, but the rules are detailed and vary between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland Official Verify. If university in the UK is likely, keep evidence that the move is temporary employment and check UKCISA guidance early.
Some medicines that are routine in the UK are controlled in the UAE, including some painkillers containing codeine, some sleeping tablets, strong opioids and some ADHD medication. You may need approval before travelling with them, and carrying controlled medicines without it can lead to arrest Official. Check the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention guidance and the FCDO travel advice before you pack, and speak to your GP or pharmacist. This section is not medical advice and the list of controlled medicines changes.
Large private groups such as NMC Healthcare (a Relocate2UAE partner) operate across several emirates, which helps if you move between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Check any provider is in your insurer's network. For the full picture see our UAE Healthcare Guide.
Full details, costs and a licence exchange checker are in our UAE Driving and Vehicle Guide.
UK electricals (same Type G plug and 230V), bedding, children's familiar things, good-quality furniture you love, documents and photographs Reported.
Very large or dark wood furniture, heavy winter wardrobes, and anything cheaper to replace than to ship Market.
Passports, original certificates, medicines with prescriptions, jewellery and valuables.
There is no UK duty on your used personal belongings, but goods leaving Great Britain need an export declaration on HMRC's Customs Declaration Service. Your remover normally files it under their own EORI number Official. Choose a remover with FIDI-FAIM or equivalent accreditation and get a written survey-based quote Market.
Taking a UK car abroad for 12 months or more is a permanent export: notify the DVLA using your V5C Official. The UAE charges 5% duty on the car's assessed value, and right-hand-drive cars face practical and registration hurdles Official Reported. Many movers sell in the UK and buy locally.
Most families use a specialist pet relocation company for the UK export and a Dubai or Abu Dhabi agent for clearance.
The UAE is welcoming and cosmopolitan, but some rules differ sharply from the UK. The FCDO travel advice for the UAE is the best single summary and is updated regularly Official. The points below are a non-exhaustive summary, not legal advice. Penalties vary and the law can change. If you are unsure whether something is permitted, ask a UAE-licensed lawyer.
Non-Muslims aged 21 and over can drink in licensed venues and at home. Drinking in public and being drunk in public are offences. Sharjah does not permit alcohol. Dubai removed the alcohol licence fee and the 30% sales tax in 2023 Official Reported.
Zero tolerance Law.
Zero tolerance, including traces found in blood or urine that may have come from use abroad Official.
Unmarried couples living together was decriminalised in 2020 Law.
Posting insulting or defamatory content, or photographing or filming people without consent, can be criminal offences Law.
Including online and in traffic, can lead to fines or worse Law.
Be discreet about eating and drinking in public during daylight hours, dress more conservatively and expect shorter working hours Reported.
Beachwear is fine on the beach and at the pool, not in malls or public areas Reported.
Using a VPN is not illegal in itself, but using one to commit an offence or to access blocked services such as unlicensed calling apps can be Law Verify. Use licensed streaming where you can.
Most private employers work Monday to Friday. Some sectors still work Saturdays Official Market.
For more see our UAE Culture and Customs Guide.
The British Business Group in Dubai and the British Chamber of Commerce Abu Dhabi run professional events. Sports clubs, school parent networks, church and community groups, and neighbourhood social media groups are where most newcomers find their people Reported.
If you are a founder, consultant or freelancer, compare three routes: a Green Visa with a MOHRE freelance permit, a free zone company with an investor visa, or a mainland company Official.
Business setup specialists such as Creative Zone (a Relocate2UAE partner) can compare free zone and mainland options for your activity.
The questions British movers ask most often, answered plainly.
We also reviewed publicly available guides published by relocation, removals, financial advisory, property and business setup companies. We treated them as leads, not sources, and checked their claims against the primary sources above. Where published sources disagree, we say so in the text.
Written and verified by the Relocate2UAE editorial team. Last verified 24 September 2026. Next review 1 December 2026, after the UK Autumn Budget. If you spot something out of date, tell us at info@relocate2uae.com and we will check it.
Please read this notice carefully. By using this guide you accept it.
This guide is published by Relocate2UAE, operated by Relocate 2 FZC LLC ("Relocate2UAE", "we", "us"). This notice applies in addition to our website Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
This guide provides general information about moving from the UK to the UAE. It is not financial, tax, legal, immigration, medical, investment, pensions, insurance or property advice, and it is not a personal recommendation. It does not take into account your objectives, circumstances or needs. You should not act, or refrain from acting, on the basis of this guide without first obtaining advice from an appropriately qualified and, where required, regulated professional who knows your circumstances.
Relocate2UAE is not authorised or regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority, the Dubai Financial Services Authority, the UAE Central Bank, the Capital Market Authority or any other financial regulator. We are not a law firm, tax adviser, immigration consultant, estate agent or healthcare provider. Nothing in this guide is an invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity, buy or sell any financial product or property, or transfer a pension. Reading this guide, downloading it, or contacting us by WhatsApp, email or any other channel does not create a client, adviser, fiduciary or professional relationship between you and Relocate2UAE or any contributor.
You are responsible for your own decisions and for checking information with the relevant authority before relying on it. Official authorities decide every application, and nothing in this guide guarantees any visa, licence, approval, tax outcome, price or timescale.
We aim to check information against official sources at the "last verified" date shown, but we cannot guarantee it. Laws, policies, fees, thresholds and market conditions change frequently, sometimes without notice, and may be applied differently in practice. Information tagged [REPORTED], [MARKET], [VERIFY] or [ESTIMATE] has not been confirmed on a primary government source or is indicative only. The guide is provided "as is", without any warranty or representation, express or implied, as to accuracy, completeness, currency or fitness for any purpose, and we are under no obligation to update it.
Tax calculations, costs, rents, fees, salaries, timelines and examples are illustrative estimates based on stated assumptions. They are not quotes, valuations, forecasts or offers, and your actual position may differ significantly. Exchange rates and tax figures are indicative.
This guide mentions and links to government bodies, businesses and websites that we do not control. We are not responsible for their content, availability, accuracy, products, services, conduct or advice. Organisations labelled "a Relocate2UAE partner" may pay us fees, commission or other benefits. Any arrangement you make with any third party, including a partner, is solely between you and that party, and you should carry out your own checks before using any provider.
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Relocate2UAE and its owners, directors, employees and contributors will not be liable for any loss or damage of any kind, whether direct, indirect or consequential, and whether arising in contract, tort (including negligence), under statute or otherwise, including loss of income, profit, savings, tax relief or opportunity, and any tax, penalty, fine, fee or charge, arising from or in connection with the use of, or reliance on, this guide, any linked website, or any third party mentioned in it. Nothing in this notice excludes or limits any liability which cannot lawfully be excluded or limited, such as liability for fraud or for death or personal injury caused by negligence, or any rights you have as a consumer that cannot be excluded.
Any quotation or personal account in this guide reflects only the named person's own experience and views, is published with their permission, and is not advice from them or from us.
We may change, update or remove this guide at any time without notice. Printed or downloaded copies are not updated; always check the online version and its "last verified" date.
© 2026 Relocate 2 FZC LLC. All rights reserved. You may share a link to this guide and print or download one copy for your own personal, non-commercial use. You may not copy, reproduce, republish, adapt or distribute any part of it for commercial purposes without our written permission. Crown copyright material is used under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Third-party names and trade marks remain the property of their owners and are used for identification only.
If any part of this notice is found to be unenforceable, the rest remains in effect.