Sequence per the official u.ae portal ('Moving to the UAE'). Specific fees and timelines per step sit with the relevant authorities (ICP, GDRFA, DEWA, RTA, banks); we give the route and links, not invented numbers.
Official authorities
Direct links to the relevant government departments.
Relocation sequence
- 1
Residence visa and Emirates ID
The base of legal residency: sponsorship/grounds → entry permit → medical (18+) → Emirates ID. Without it you can't open an account or sign an Ejari.
Documents:PassportGrounds/sponsorMedical (18+) - 2
Housing and Ejari
Rent or buy a home; the tenancy contract is registered in Ejari. Ejari is needed for DEWA, visa steps and opening an account.
- 3
Utilities and connectivity
Activate DEWA (electricity/water), gas via the building supplier if present, and set up internet and mobile (etisalat/du).
- 4
Banking and driving licence
Open a bank account (needs Emirates ID/visa) and, if you'll drive, exchange or obtain an RTA licence. See our dedicated guides for each.
Fees and timelines may change — verify with the official source.
Who provides this service in Dubai
Real companies from Google Maps — live ratings and reviews.
HelpXpat Relocation
4.9(86)The Icon Tower - Nadd Hessa - Industrial Area - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
E-Movers UAE (Since 2003) | Important Alert: Beware of Lookalike Names
4.8(3267)Warehouse # B1 6A St - Al Qouz Ind.first - Al Quoz - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Desert Movers
5.0(537)alfahad 4 building - Office no 150 - Damascus Street - Al Qusais - Al Qusais Ind. Second - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Syed Hope Furniture Moving Service
4.9(71)The Onyx - Tower - 2 1st St - Al Thanyah Third - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
We run your whole relocation end-to-end
Visa, Emirates ID, housing, Ejari, DEWA, banking, licence — we assemble your move into one managed plan and take the routine off your hands. Leave a request.
Help me relocate →Tools for this topic
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3–5 properties with an honest DLD-based yield calculation — free, no middlemen.