Guidance

Checking in: September 2016

Updated 6 November 2018

Welcome to the UAE

Many people need Consular assistance because they do not check in properly when they first get here. Don’t let it be you! Remember, if you’ve just arrived in the UAE there is a lot of paperwork that needs to be completed to ensure you stay legal.

Residency Visa

Your employer is responsible for obtaining a residency visa for you and your family. This may take some time and you will need to surrender your passport temporarily. You cannot travel out of the UAE whilst your visa is in process. You will need 6 months validity in your passport to obtain a residency visa and travel around the region.

Health insurance

All medical services must be paid for in the UAE so make sure you have adequate medical insurance in place when you arrive. If this is not initially provided by your employer you should consider travel insurance from the UK until your employer’s health insurance commences. Bring vaccination certificates and children’s health records (red books).

Emirates Identity Card

Is mandatory for all UAE residents. This website gives information on how to get one. Tip: Have plenty of passport photos available for registration.

Driving Licence Driving in the UAE

A UK driving licence is only allowed if you are a non-resident of the UAE. Therefore once you receive your residence visa you must immediately obtain a UAE driving licence. British nationals with a UK driving licence can apply for an automatic driving licence transfer in the UAE. For more information check here.

Alcohol Licence

You need an alcohol licence if you wish to consume or purchase alcohol. You can apply for this once you have your residence visa. For Abu Dhabi apply online at AUSL and for Dubai apply on-line or at a local MMI or African and Easter. For other Emirates, contact the local authorities for more information. Remember drinking and driving is illegal here.

Salik Tag

If you are driving in Dubai you will need a Salik Tag, More information on Dubai’s road toll collection system at Salik.

Legalisation of your Documents

Legalised and translated marriage and birth certificates may be required by sponsors. The British Embassies in the UAE do not provide any legalisation services. Further information can be found on our Get a document legalised pages.

Attestation of documents e.g Passport.

The British Embassies in the UAE do not provide this service but a list of lawyers who specialise in UAE and UK laws and who provide notarial services is available on our Website.

Educational certificate (UK)

Sponsors may require your school records and/or degree certificates. To have your UK educational certificates legalised, follow the guidance on the British Council.

Shipping

Importing goods such as pork products and pornography into the UAE is illegal. Videos, books, and magazines may be subject to scrutiny and possibly censored. You require prior permission to bring in weapons, ammunition, body protection and related equipment (like cleaning kits, gun belts,), however small the quantity and whatever the intended purpose.

Prescribed medicine

Some prescribed and over the counter medicines that are available in the UK are considered controlled substances in the UAE and can’t be brought into the country without prior permission from the UAE Ministry of Health. If you arrive in the UAE without this permission and the required documentation, the medication will not be allowed into the UAE and you may be prosecuted under UAE law. For further information and specific queries, contact the UAE Embassy to check whether your medication is on the controlled list. You can find a list of registered and controlled medicines and details on import regulations on the UAE Interact.

Accommodation

Finding a new home is an exciting time when arriving in the UAE. If you are thinking of renting a property you may be asked to sign a non refundable lease so consider you options especially if you are on a probationary period. You may be financially liable for the annual rent.

Bank accounts and credit cards

UAE Residents are able to open a local bank account. Visit the website for more information. A range of credit cards are available to residents but do remember that bouncing a cheque is illegal in the UAE. If a cheque is presented without adequate funds to cover the amount, you will face criminal and civil charges. After you have served your jail sentence you will not be able to leave the country until the funds have been paid in full.