New to Dubai?
Here’s Everything
You Need to Know.
We’ve helped 10,000+ expats navigate renting, visas, banking, and daily life. This page is your starting point — follow the roadmap below.
The 5 Steps Every New Expat Takes
From landing in Dubai to feeling fully settled — here’s the order that actually works.
Get Your Documents Sorted
Before you unpack, you’ll need Emirates ID, a phone number, and UAE PASS activated. Most other processes are blocked until these are done.
Rent an Apartment (Without Getting Scammed)
Renting in Dubai is nothing like back home. You’ll pay in cheques, register with Ejari, activate DEWA, and deal with agent fees. Here’s how to do it right.
Visas, Residency & Sponsorship
Your employer may handle some of this — but you need to understand what you have, what’s possible, and how to sponsor family if needed.
Open a Bank Account & Start Saving
Pick the right bank, understand WPS salary transfers, set up low-cost money transfers home, and get your credit score started.
Build Your Life in Dubai
Now that the essentials are handled, it’s time to actually enjoy living here. Schools, home maintenance, saving on bills, and making smart purchases.
Three Pillars of Expat Life
Every guide on Sifqa falls into one of these three areas.
Renting &
Housing
Everything about finding, moving into, living in, and moving out of apartments in Dubai.
- Ejari, DEWA & move-in fees
- Tenancy contracts & disputes
- Move-out checklists & deposit recovery
- Area guides & rent calculators
Government
& Visa
Visas, Emirates ID, government apps, labour law, driving — all the bureaucracy, simplified.
- Golden Visa, Green Visa & family sponsorship
- Emirates ID & document attestation
- UAE PASS, DubaiNow & MOHRE fixes
- Driving license, Salik & RTA fines
Money &
Finance
Banking, transfers, credit cards, investing, tax, and building real wealth as an expat.
- Best bank accounts & credit cards
- Cheapest money transfers by country
- Investing: Sarwa, DFSA, gold & crypto
- Tax residency & retirement planning
Quick Wins for New Expats
The guides people read first. Start with any of these.
Ejari Registration: Step-by-Step
How to register your tenancy — documents, fees, common errors and how to fix them.
Read guide →DEWA Move-In: Deposits & Timeline
Activate electricity & water, understand the deposit, and avoid the 3-day wait trap.
Read guide →Golden Visa 2026: Full Eligibility Guide
Who qualifies, how to apply, and whether it’s actually worth it for you.
Read guide →Best Bank Accounts for Expats
Compared by fees, minimum balance, digital experience, and approval speed.
Read guide →End-of-Service Gratuity Calculator
Calculate exactly what you’re owed when you leave — updated for 2026 labour law.
Use calculator →Move-Out Checklist: Get Your Deposit Back
The exact steps and timeline to get your full security deposit returned.
Read guide →Your First 30 Days in Dubai
Tap each item as you complete it. Download the full PDF version below.