Living in Dubai
A city of more than three and a half million people, most of them from abroad. Visas, healthcare, schools, getting around and the cost of living, for anyone thinking of moving.
Short answer
To live in Dubai you need a residence visa: through work, a business, or property -- the Golden Visa from AED 2 million. Residents must have health insurance; schools are private and inspected, with fees that vary widely. The city is safe, English is spoken everywhere, and summers are very hot: most of life moves indoors from June to September.
The essentials
Residence
A visa through employment, your own company, retirement (for those who qualify) or property. With it comes the Emirates ID, needed for almost everything.
Healthcare
Health insurance is compulsory for residents. Private hospitals and clinics are of a high standard, many with English-speaking staff.
Schools
Private schools teach British, American, IB, Indian and other curricula, and are inspected and rated by the education authority, KHDA. Fees vary from modest to very high.
Getting around
Most people drive or use taxis and ride-hailing; the metro runs along the main corridors. Foreign licences from many countries can be converted.
Cost of living
Housing and school fees are the big costs; utilities run higher in summer for air conditioning. There is no income tax, and VAT is 5%.
The climate
Mild, sunny winters from November to March; very hot, humid summers, often above 40°C.
Advice first, then the right project
Dubai has thousands of projects and every developer says theirs is the best. We compare them for you, in your language, and tell you honestly which we would buy.
Many developers compared
Prices, payment plans, service charges and track records side by side, not one developer's sales pitch.
No fee from you on new projects
When you buy off-plan from the developer, the developer pays our fee: the price is the developer's price.
In your language
Contracts, payment schedules and the Land Department's paperwork, explained in English or Turkish.
With you to the keys
Reservation, registration, instalments, snagging and handover: one consultant from start to finish.
Questions buyers ask us
No. Arabic is the official language, but English is used everywhere in daily life and business.
Dubai is regularly rated one of the safest cities in the world, with very low street crime.
Villa and townhouse communities like Dubai Hills, Arabian Ranches, The Valley and Town Square, and apartments near schools and parks in JVC or Dubai Creek Harbour.
Dubai has a retirement visa for those over 55 who meet its savings, income or property conditions; property worth AED 2 million or more can also bring the Golden Visa.
More guides
All guidesBuying in Dubai
Ownership, visas and protection
This guide is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Dubai's rules and fees change; figures are correct to the best of our knowledge on 15 October 2026. Check the latest with the Dubai Land Department or an adviser before you sign or pay.
Thinking of moving to Dubai?
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