Living in Dubai: what you need to know
No income tax, a safe city, sun all year and a large French-speaking community. Before moving, three things need sorting: the visa, housing and school. Here is how it works, with the numbers.
Living in Dubai means living with no income tax, in a city of over 3.8 million people where nearly 9 in 10 are foreigners. To settle you need a residence visa — employment, company set-up, remote work, property purchase or Golden Visa — health insurance and a home: budget AED 55,000 to 75,000 a year for a studio or 1-bed in a sought-after area.
- Official UAE portal (u.ae)
- Dubai Statistics Center
- Rents: Ejari contracts and RERA index
Visas to settle in Dubai
A French citizen can visit without a visa. To live there, you need a residence visa, and there is one for each situation.
| Visa | For whom | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Work visa | Employee of a UAE company, which applies for you | 2 years, renewable |
| Remote work visa | Employee of a foreign company, earning at least $3,500 a month | 1 year, renewable |
| Business owner visa | Founder of a company, often in a free zone | 2–3 years depending on the zone |
| Property investor visa | Owner of a property worth at least AED 750,000 | 2 years |
| Golden Visa | Owners of property worth AED 2M+, investors, talent | 10 years, renewable |
Where to live in Dubai for your profile
Rent is paid yearly, often in several cheques. The lease is registered with Ejari, required for the visa and utilities.
| Profile | Areas | Indicative rent |
|---|---|---|
| Young professional, single or couple | Dubai Marina, JLT, Business Bay, Downtown | AED 55,000–75,000/yr for a studio or 1-bed |
| Family with children | Dubai Hills Estate, Arabian Ranches, Mirdif, Jumeirah | AED 190,000–280,000/yr for a 3-bed townhouse |
| Tight budget | JVC, Al Furjan, Dubai Silicon Oasis | From AED 42,000/yr for a studio |
| Beach life | Palm Jumeirah, JBR, Bluewaters | Much higher, beachfront |
Indicative rents from recent contracts. To rent: apartment in Dubai, villa in Dubai.
Everyday life
Taxes
No income tax. 5% VAT, and a 5% municipal fee on rent for tenants, paid with the power bill.
Language
Everything runs in English. Arabic is the official language, and French-speaking doctors, lawyers and shops are easy to find.
The weekend
Saturday and Sunday, as in Europe, since 2022. Friday afternoon is often off.
Climate
Over 40°C from June to September, 20 to 30°C the rest of the year: winter is high season.
Health
Health insurance is mandatory for Dubai residents, and private clinics are of a high standard.
French schools
Lycée Français International Georges Pompidou, Lycée Français Jean Mermoz, Lycée Libanais Francophone: book places early.
Settling in Dubai in 6 steps
- 01
Get the visa
Through the employer, your company, or a property purchase. Entry and the medical test happen locally.
- 02
Get the Emirates ID
The resident ID card, asked for everywhere: bank, lease, phone.
- 03
Find a home
Rent first, often for a year, to learn the city before buying a home.
- 04
Register the lease
The contract is registered with Ejari; water and power (DEWA) depend on it.
- 05
Open a bank account
With the Emirates ID and lease, it takes a few days.
- 06
Exchange your licence
A French licence is exchanged for a UAE one, without retaking the test.
When to buy your home in Dubai
Rent of AED 75,000 a year is AED 750,000 over ten years, gone. Many families buy after a year there, once they've picked the area.
Above AED 2 million, buying also brings the Golden Visa for the whole family, independent of an employer. Prices by area are on our Dubai property prices page, and the tax side on taxation.
Frequently asked questions
A more specific question? Our team answers within an hour during the day.