Moving To Dubai From The United States
US citizens moving to Dubai will become part of a large expat community. Today there are more than 40,000 US citizens living in Dubai, making up one of the largest expat groups in the UAE. Find out more about moving to Dubai as an American expat in this guide.
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In this Pacific Prime article, we’ll answer all your questions and concerns and provide a comprehensive guide on the things you will need before you head off on your journey to the desert jewel. This Pacific Prime article also serves as part of a comprehensive guide to moving to Dubai.
Visa Requirements
Applying for the UAE visa requires medical fitness test results, proof of valid health insurance, and a set of U.S. authenticated documents that must be submitted to the UAE authorities.
The visa types for US citizens planning to make their way to Dubai are as follows:
Retirement visas:
Retirement visas are for those over the age of 55 with a minimum of $272,255 in either savings or property value, or a monthly income of $4,080 or more.
Employment visas:
Employment visas for those who work in the private sector or free zone under a company registered in Dubai. The typical duration of this visa is 2 years.
Investor visas:
Investor visas are for those who intend to invest USD $19,600 or more in a company based in the UAE, either through the purchase of shares or the formation of their own company.
Property owner visas:
Property owner visas are for real estate investors that own properties with a value equivalent to USD $204,190 or more. The typical duration of this visa is around 2 years.
Remote work visas:
For those who wish to relocate to Dubai to work remotely, they can apply for remote work visas, which typically last for 1 year.
Dependent visas:
Dependent or family visas are a must, especially if you’re planning on moving to Dubai with your spouse or children. In this case, you must have a monthly income of at least USD $1,090 with accommodation for your stay in Dubai.
General Documents Required
When applying for a visa, there are a set number of documents that you must submit, such as:
These documents include:
- Health certificates
- Education certificates
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Passport-sized photos
Please note that you must also have all these documents authenticated by the US Department of State.
Medical Fitness Tests
Before moving to Dubai, you’ll need a medical fitness test and proof of compliant health insurance as part of the visa application process. The medical test involves a blood test and chest X-ray to determine whether you are positive for communicable diseases such as the following:
- Tuberculosis
- HIV/Aids
- Syphilis
- Hepatitis B
Mandatory Health Insurance
Since August 1, 2011, the UAE government has mandated that UAE visitors applying for a new visa have medical insurance coverage. Generally, companies that you work for in Dubai will provide you with health insurance to cover your needs.
Please note, however, that in most cases, expatriates looking to live and work in the UAE are recommended to get covered by international health insurance for more comprehensive coverage.
International Health Insurance
International health insurance provides U.S. expats with portability and comprehensive medical coverage in Dubai, back home, and any other locations around the world. These plans offer direct billing, lifetime renewability, access to the best healthcare, and inpatient and outpatient coverage.
Family Health Insurance
Family health insurance plans provide comprehensive international medical coverage for every member of your family. Whether you’re in need of the highest quality healthcare, financial protection against unforeseen medical costs, maternity coverage, or wellness services for your children, these plans are a must for those moving to Dubai with their families.
What to Do If I Fail the Dubai Medical Exam for a Visa?
If you fail the medical exam, your visa will either be denied or revoked, or you may even face deportation, depending on whether you are an existing resident or applying for a new visa. Thus, it is crucial to monitor your health status in order to ascertain whether or not you satisfy the UAE’s medical fitness requirements.
Visa Rejection
The UAE authorities outright reject visa applications if an individual fails the medical fitness test in order to prevent the spread of communicable diseases in Dubai. This is enforced as part of the UAE’s strong community health-oriented policy.
Visa Revocation
If a visa holder is found to be physically unfit, their visa may be revoked, and they may be detained in order to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. This can happen during and after the visa renewal process.
Deportation
In serious situations where an individual is found to have a serious health condition or tested positive for a highly contagious disease that poses a threat to public health, such as tuberculosis, they may be subject to deportation.
Dubai versus USA Culture Customs
For most U.S. expats, they may initially perceive Dubai as westernized. Due to the fact that Dubai is ruled by Sharia law and has different cultural customs, certain actions are prohibited, such as cohabitation between unmarried couples, homosexuality, and being intoxicated in public.
Overarching Sharia Law
The UAE’s official system of law, including the law in Dubai, is based on Sharia law, derived from the holy Quran. This law governs etiquette and behavior in the UAE as a whole. While it’s slightly more relaxed towards westernization, it’s important for U.S. citizens to respect this law while in Dubai.
Cohabitation Between Unmarried Couples
The cohabitation of unmarried couples may result in legal consequences in Dubai if not permitted by the landlord. While there may be no specific law criminalizing the cohabitation of unmarried couples, it is widely considered “haram” or a violation of cultural norms.
The Consumption of Alcohol and Drugs
Despite Dubai’s relaxed attitude towards normalized activities in the West, the consumption of alcohol is heavily regulated and requires a license to buy and sell it. As a result, most people drink alcohol from their homes or within the confines of a bar or club. Please also note that being intoxicated in public is a criminal offense.
Rules Pertaining to the LGBTQ+ Community
In the UAE as a whole, homosexuality is illegal. While the general public’s view of the LGBTQ+ community is more accepting in Dubai, you may need to be more covert in other parts of the United Arab Emirates.
Healthcare in Dubai
The good news for U.S. citizens is that the quality of healthcare in Dubai is of the highest standards, with services in both English and Arabic and over 130 private healthcare facilities across numerous areas of specialization.
Public and Private Healthcare in Dubai
Public healthcare in Dubai is primarily funded and used by Emirati citizens, who make up approximately 15% of Dubai’s population. While the standards of public healthcare are very high, most expats carry private health insurance to maximize time and cost efficiency and access to the 130 private hospitals in Dubai.
What’s more, private health insurance provides expats with coverage and access to specialized care facilities for every imaginable need. This should give U.S. citizens with special treatment needs peace of mind in the event that they require medical attention while in Dubai.
The Best Private Hospitals in Dubai
The best private hospitals in Dubai are Rashid Hospital, Mediclinic City Hospital, the American Hospital Dubai, Aster Hospital, and Al Zahra Hospital. These hospitals are at the zenith of Dubai’s healthcare, with an average healthcare score of 80%. With private healthcare insurance, you’ll receive access to them
Rashid Hospital
Rashid Hospital is a tertiary, academic medical center in Dubai with cutting-edge emergency and trauma care. They offer access to hospitals with approximately 762 beds and advanced medical, surgical, ICU, and operative facilities.
Mediclinic City Hospital
Mediclinic City Hospital is Dubai’s first multi-disciplinary hospital, offering state-of-the-art healthcare facilities. As of today, they continue to dominate Dubai’s healthcare landscape in terms of skilled medical staff, range of services, and standard of equipment.
The American Hospital
When it comes to private hospitals in the Middle East, American Hospital is the first to receive Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation, and its laboratory is the first in the region to receive accreditation from the College of American Pathologists. Additionally, this medical center is the very first affiliate of the renowned Mayo Care Network.
Aster Hospital
Known as one of Dubai’s premium hospitals, Aster Hospital offers the highest quality of treatment under the ICMR and WHO protocols, enlisting world class medical talent as part of their staff and offering access to the world’s best medical facilities.
Al Zahra Hospital
In 2013, Al Zahra Hospital opened in Dubai with the intention of providing high-quality medical treatment. They have state-of-the-art facilities, are staffed by highly trained medical professionals, and collaborate with reputable organizations from all over the world on a case-by-case basis.
The Cost of Living in Dubai
According to livingcost.org, the cost of living in Dubai for an individual is USD $2,597 and $6,100 for a family. Comparatively speaking, the average monthly cost of living in the United States is USD $3,315 for an individual and $7,721 for a family.
The Average Cost of Rent in Dubai
The average monthly rent in Dubai’s downtown area is around USD $1,861 for a one-bedroom and $3,836 for a three-bedroom apartment. Outside of the downtown area, the monthly rent for a one-bedroom is USD $1,320, and the monthly rent for a three-bedroom apartment is $2,755.
For your convenience, we have provided a summary table of rental prices:
| Apartment Type | The monthly rent |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in the City Center | AED 6835.17 (USD $1,861) |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside the Center | AED 4,848.20 (USD $1,320) |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Center | AED 14,089.68 (USD $3,836) |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside the Center | AED 10,119 (USD $2,755) |
The Average Cost of Public Transportation in Dubai
The cost of public transportation for taxis is calculated at USD $1.66 per kilometer. For buses, it costs $2.07 for a ticket. Lastly, for a liter of gasoline, it costs approximately $1.13.
Here is a summary table of public transportation costs for your convenience:
| Cost Type | Fares/Prices | Average Cost |
| Taxis Fares (per 1 km) |
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| Single Ticket for Buses |
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| Monthly Ticket for Buses |
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| Petrol |
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Before Making the Move to Dubai
Moving to Dubai comes with a lifetime’s worth of experiences and opportunities for both you and your family. Whether it is to progress in your career, seek better investment opportunities, send your children to better schools, or become a citizen of the UAE, you’ll find everything you need in this desert jewel.
However, if you’re Canadian, you should learn more about moving to Dubai from Canada. Learning how to obtain a Dubai work visa is also worth reading up on for those planning to further their careers in the UAE. These resources should keep you up to date on what’s required visa-wise and also what it’s like to work there.
Lastly, it’s important to consult with a broker to learn more about your individual healthcare needs and requirements, including the healthcare requirements of your family members.
Pacific Prime can assist you by providing recommendations based on your unique needs, pre-existing conditions, and budget.
For more information, check out our blog section or contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dubai safe for U.S. citizens?
While Dubai is considered one of the safest cities in the world, the risk of terrorist, drone, or missile attacks still looms as a major threat to the UAE as a whole, with the U.S. travel advisory placing the UAE at level 2, warning U.S. citizens to exercise increased caution if they choose to travel there.
Can an American citizen settle in Dubai indefinitely?
This UAE residence visa, popularly known as the Golden Visa, allows foreign talents to relocate to the UAE and take advantage of a plethora of special privileges. The visa allows multiple entries within the six-month validity period. Moreover, a residence permit can be renewed for up to ten years at a time.
Is it possible for a US citizen to purchase a home in Dubai?
Foreigners are permitted to purchase real estate in the UAE. But there are some restrictions on where you can do that. The only areas where foreigners are allowed to buy property are those designated as “freehold zones,” and you will find the vast majority of them in Dubai.
Serena earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia, Canada. As such, she is an avid advocate of mental health and is fascinated by all things psychology (especially if it’s cognitive psychology!).
Her previous work experience includes teaching toddlers to read, writing for a travel/wellness online magazine, and then a business news blog. These combined experiences give her the skills and insights she needs to explain complex ideas in a succinct way. Being the daughter of an immigrant and a traveler herself, she is passionate about educating expats and digital nomads on travel and international health insurance.
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What are the banking and financial services like in Dubai for American expats? Are there specific banks that cater to expats?
Dubai offers a robust banking and financial services infrastructure tailored to its large expat population, including Americans. Banks such as Emirates NBD, Mashreq Bank, HSBC, and Citibank are popular among expats and provide services like multi-currency accounts, international transfers, and financial planning. Additionally, specialized services such as expat-focused accounts and mortgage options make these banks especially accommodating for expats settling in Dubai.
If you’re moving to Dubai, don’t forget to consider comprehensive international health insurance—contact Pacific Prime for a free plan comparison today!
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