Can a US Citizen Move to Dubai?
Yes, a US citizen can move to Dubai, requiring a renewable visa which allows you to stay five or ten years. Other than that, you might want to get to know more about Dubai’s work and societal culture, costs of living, and healthcare services beforehand.
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Dubai is the Middle East’s premier depot, entailing vibrant lifestyles and diverse cultures. Around 40,000 people from the US live in Dubai, making them one of the largest expat communities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Living in Dubai sounds like a dream yet to come true. At this moment, are you able to move to Dubai as a US citizen? What are your options when it comes to moving to Dubai? What needs to be considered thoroughly before making your move? Read on to find out!
This article addresses these questions regarding visa types available, getting employed, costs of living, taxation system, and healthcare in Dubai, to help you make an informed and wise decision before starting your unprecedented journey in the “City of Gold”.
Visa Types Available for US Citizens
If you are planning to relocate to Dubai, then a visa is needed depending on the purpose of your stay. From golden visas and work visas to retirement visas and family visas, there is a wide range of visas available for US citizens listed below.
- Golden Visa: It is a long-term residence visa that enables foreign talents to live, work, or study in the UAE while enjoying exclusive benefits.
- Work Visa: This includes the Green Visa, the standard work visa, and the domestic worker’s visa. The Green Visa is issued for skilled employees for 5 years, the standard work visa is issued for employees in the government and private sectors, and the last type is issued solely for domestic helpers.
- Retirement Visa: Retired expats over age 55 from the US can get a long-term renewable retirement visa for 5 years.
- Family Visa: Employers and employees who have a valid UAE residence visa can sponsor residence visas for their family members. Specific requirements have to be met.
Among the above visas, only the golden visa grants citizenship in the UAE. It is one of the most powerful passports in the world, ranking at 15th and offering 176 visa-free destinations to its holders.
Needless to say, the application requirement for the Golden Visa is stringent. Here is the list of qualified applicants for the visa. Each has specific criteria that one needs to meet.
- Scientists and Researchers
- Exceptional talents in sports, digital tech, art, or culture fields
- Entrepreneurs
- Skilled workers
- Humanitarian pioneers
- Outstanding students and graduates
- Frontline heroes
The above may not be achievable by everyone, but there is a way to get citizenship which is application to all – investment.
| Real Estate Investors | Anyone who invests a minimum of AED 2,000,000/ USD $544,500 in real estate can apply for a 10-year Golden Visa (obtaining a loan from an accredited UAE bank is allowed) |
| Business Investors | Anyone who invests a minimum of AED 2,000,000/ USD $544,500 in real estate can apply for a 10-year Golden Visa (The business can be an existing company or one that you establish) |
Note: A visa is not needed to visit Dubai for US citizens, unlike those from other countries. There is only one criterion that one needs to fulfill to enter the Dubai border – an original US passport signed by the bearer, valid for at least six months from the expected time of arrival in the UAE.
Work Opportunities for US Citizens in Dubai
Getting employed is most likely your way to stay in Dubai. As a global city under rapid development with numerous job opportunities, it is ideal for those who want career advancement and higher pay scales. Foreign job onlookers are rewarded with a tax-free package.
The choice of job depends on your profession and the opportunities available in different sectors such as finance, hospitality, healthcare, technology, and telecom. It is best to consult and work with a professional recruitment agency before you apply for a job to maximize your chances of getting one.
You might be wondering whether Dubai is a good place to work. Like most other places, working in Dubai comes with its own set of ups and downs.
Pros of Working in Dubai
The benefits of working in Dubai include opportunities for career development and advancement, higher net income, and business-friendly infrastructures that are perfect for living a work life in the “City of Gold”.
- Blooming economy: Dubai has a rapidly growing, global-oriented economy centered around finance, real estate, and many other industries. Foreign talents are offered ample opportunities for career development or advancement.
- Competitive salary: Companies in Dubai are generous in terms of offering competitive salaries to attract skilled expat talent. Combined with the perk of not needing to pay any income tax, expats can expect to live a higher quality of life with a higher spending power.
- Modern Infrastructures: If you are looking to work in a breathtaking and modern skyscraper, Dubai is probably your best option. It has a very business-friendly infrastructure with developed transportation, communication networks, and business centers, which makes work life in Dubai very convenient and efficient.
Cons of Working in Dubai
That said, Dubai’s work environment is a lot different from what you have been through in the US, including culture, community, language, and weather. One might take a while to adapt to a totally new work environment.
- Culture: Since Dubai is a cosmopolis, you can find every type of work environment in Dubai. Although you can likely find a workplace that you are comfortable with, this also means more research has to be done before settling in a company to minimize cultural shock.
- Community: Dubai’s population is made up of 15% local Emiratis and 85% expats from over 200 countries worldwide. Expats enjoy cultural diversity but at the same time, expats tend to socialize, meet, and interact with those from the same country.
- Language: Although most Emiratis speak English and that English is probably enough for you to be employed in Dubai for most occupations, anyone who is bilingual in both English and Arabic has an absolute advantage over English-only speakers in client-facing occupations.
- Weather: The weather might not be a concern for some but for most, as the temperature can be unbearably hot, reaching up to 40oC/104oF. Those who are required to be active outdoors for work have to play safe and take extra precautions to beat the heat.
Cost of Living in Dubai versus the US
According to livingcost.org, the average cost of living in Dubai is 27% less expensive than in the US and the average after-tax salary is sufficient to cover living expenses of at least two months. You are spending less on rent, food, and medicals, except for transport.
As long as you are employed in Dubai, you should have no problem with providing for yourself (and your family) considering the lower cost of living when compared to that in the US. We also have a more detailed comparison of living costs in terms of housing, food, transportation, and healthcare.
Cultural Considerations in Dubai
The culture in Dubai is different from that in the US in terms of mentality, communication, socializing, and lifestyle. Some of them are local cultures to be accepted and respected, and some are laws that require you to strictly follow.
Below are the major differences that you need to take into account:
- Individualism vs. Communalism: In the US, citizens are more independent and self-reliant. People mind their own businesses without bordering their neighbors. Whereas in Dubai, citizens are more interdependent and reliant on each other, it would be inevitable to maintain a healthy and stable relationship with others in the same community.
- Direct vs. Indirect communication: US citizens are generally more expressive and blunt when conversing with one another and are not considered rude. It might not be the same case in Dubai. Citizens communicate in a more indirect and subtle style. They may be irritated or offended by boldness.
- Equality vs. Hierarchy: The current US society emphasizes equality, where everyone should be treated the same. However, in Dubai, a robust hierarchy system is in place with the necessity of showing respect to those with more power than you.
- Liberal vs. Conservative: Americans are generally more liberal than Emiratis in terms of marriage, partying, sex, and dress. Adaption to and respect for the city’s conservatism is needed. For example, cohabitation of unmarried couples, public consumption of alcohol, and clothes that are too revealing must be avoided.
Taxation in Dubai vs. USA
The good news for all expats is that many recognize Dubai as a tax haven. Virtually no taxes are levied on citizens or foreign residents – such as income, withholding, and capital gains tax. You only need to pay the value-added tax (VAT) when making purchases.
Below are the criteria that you need to fulfill to qualify as a tax resident:
| Residency Status |
|
| Length of Stay |
|
| Visa Status |
|
*VAT applies when individual/business taxable supplies and imports exceed AED 375,000 (USD $102,100)
Despite not needing to pay tax in Dubai if you hold duo citizenship (The UAE and the Americas), you need to file at least one US tax form even if you don’t end up needing to pay any US taxes, such as:
- IRS Form 1040: Individual Income Tax Return
- IRS Form 8938: Statement of Specified Foreign Financial Assets (FATCA)
- FinCEN Form 114: Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR)
Are you concerned about having to pay for social security contributions on both sides? Worry not! US expats in the UAE are not obligated to make any social security contributions to the country.
You can also enjoy tax reductions through the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) provision of such services for expats.
Healthcare in Dubai
Healthcare in Dubai is top-of-the-line in the world, providing world-class services along with state-of-the-art medical facilities. The healthcare system has been divided into two sectors – public and private healthcare.
Public versus Private Healthcare
The public sector is operated and monitored by the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). Public healthcare services are free for Emiratis, expats can also access the public healthcare system by obtaining a health card, costing up from AED 120 (US $32) to AED 320 (USD $87).
Although the price is inexpensive, it might not be the best choice for expats due to the lack of English-speaking staff, along with overcrowded spaces and long wait times, it is difficult for non-Arabic-speaking people to communicate with hospital staff, or even access timely treatment.
On the other hand, the private sector is twice as widespread as the public counterpart, funded by private insurance through local or international insurance companies. Despite it being a mandatory requirement for visa application to the UAE, it also allows access to private medical facilities.
Private Healthcare offers unparalleled medical services, equipped with cutting-edge medical amenities and facilities, and with skilled practitioners and specialists. Unlike public healthcare, you won’t have any problem navigating through the healthcare system using only English.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the employment opportunities for US citizens in Dubai?
Employment opportunities in Dubai span various sectors, including finance, hospitality, healthcare, technology, and more, offering a wide range of options for US citizens. Foreign talents are needed in the city to support its rocket-fast development.
What are the requirements for obtaining an employment visa in Dubai?
To obtain an employment visa in Dubai, US citizens need a job offer from a Dubai-based employer who will act as their sponsor. The process involves medical exams, a residence permit, and documentation.
Is it necessary to speak Arabic to live and work in Dubai as a US citizen?
Dubai is an international city residing a large number of expats and immigrants. While Arabic is the official language, English is widely spoken in Dubai, making it feasible for US citizens to live and work without knowing Arabic.
How is the cost of living in Dubai compared to the US?
The cost of living in Dubai can be higher than in the US, particularly regarding housing and healthcare. However, factors like tax-free income and affordable transportation can offset the expenses.
Are there any cultural considerations that US citizens should be aware of?
Dubai has a unique cultural blend. It’s important for US citizens to respect Islamic traditions, adhere to modest dress codes in public, and be mindful of local customs and practices.
Conclusion
US citizens are more than welcome to move to Dubai, but before that, careful considerations such as costs of living, income, cultural differences, and health insurance are needed to ensure you are going to relocate with confidence.
Pacific Prime, as a global insurance broker, takes pride in assisting you with insurance matters. From offering unbiased expert advice to comparing premium prices across various top insurance companies around the globe to help you secure the best insurance plan for your needs and budgets.
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Since joining Pacific Prime, Eric was exposed to a new world of insurance. Having learned about insurance products extensively, he has taken joy and satisfaction in helping individuals and businesses manage risks and protect themselves against financial loss through the power of words.
Although born and raised in Hong Kong, he spent a quarter of his life living and studying in the UK. He believes his multicultural experience is a great asset in understanding the needs and wants of expats and globe-trotters.
Eric’s strengths lie in his strong research, analytical, and communication skills, obtained through his BA in Linguistics from the University of York and MSc in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from the University of Bristol.
Outside of work, he enjoys some me-time gaming and reading on his own, occasionally going absolutely mental on a night out with friends.
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What are the best neighborhoods for expats to live in Dubai, and what factors should be considered when choosing where to live?
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