Moving to UK from the United Arab Emirates

Moving to the UK from Dubai: A Guide for UAE Residents

The UK is a popular destination for UAE citizens looking to relocate or visit for a number of reasons, including business and work opportunities as well as a wide range of world-class educational institutions located across the country.

However, in the UAE the life is very different in comparison to the UK. The UAE is a Muslim country with a contrasting culture and different traditions to here in the UK. This can make the move to Britain seem daunting, but moving to the UK from the UAE can be simple with the right guidance. The country also has large Emirati expat communities, particularly in the city of London, which can make it easier to settle.

If you intend on moving from the UAE to UK to stay for more than six months, you’ll need a relevant UK visa. It is important to consider your options carefully to make the correct decision about which visa you require. There are many categories of UK visa that UAE citizens can be eligible for, deciding which one is best for you will depend on your circumstances and the reason for your intended move.

Understanding Your Immigration Options

UAE residents wishing to immigrate to the United Kingdom can do so through various visa options. These UK visas are designed to cater to the diverse travel purposes of individuals, including working for a UK-based employer, reunifying with a family member, studying, and establishing a business.

Overview of UK Visa Types

The visa types UAE residents can obtain to enter the UK include the following:

Skilled Worker Visa

The Skilled Worker Visa is designed for foreign nationals in skilled occupations who are entering the United Kingdom to take up an eligible role from a UK employer. The Skilled Worker Visa permits you to reside in the UK for a period of 5 years. It provides UAE applicants with a pathway to permanent residency in the UK.

Family Visa

The UK Family Visa enables applicants to reunite with their family members who are already settled in the UK. The Family Visa comes in various types, including Spouse Visa, Civil Partnership Visa, Parent Visa, Child Dependent Visa, Ancestry Visa, and others. The total stay allowable under a Family Visa can be up to 5 years, offering a path to permanent residency in the UK.

Student Visa

The Student Visa enables foreign nationals, including UAE citizens, to enter the UK to further their education. With this visa, individuals can work up to 20 hours per week while studying in the UK. Usually, the Student Visa is valid for the period you’re enrolled in classes. While it doesn’t directly lead to permanent residency, it can enable you to transition to an eligible visa that ultimately leads to permanent residency, such as the Skilled Worker Visa. 

Innovator Founder Visa

The Innovator Founder Visa enables non-UK citizens to establish and launch an innovative, viable, and scalable business in the UK. UAE citizens must qualify for this visa by having a unique business plan approved by a reputable UK endorsing body. The Innovator Founder Visa is valid for up to three years and offers a shortened path to permanent residency in the UK.

Common Eligibility Requirements and Key Documentation

In addition to visa-specific documentation, many UK visas share the following eligibility requirements and documentation:

• A valid passport
• Passport photograph
• Proof of English language proficiency
• Proof of sufficient funds
• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed UK sponsor or Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a UK university.
• Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate if required
• Evidence of a clean criminal history

How to Apply for a UK Work Visa from Dubai: Step-by-Step Guide

If you are planning to move from the UAE to work in the UK, then you’ll need to hold a work permit. There are several UK work visas available to UAE citizens, the one you will need to apply for will depend on the type of work that you’ll be doing and how long you plan to work in the UK for.

The most common UK work visa is the Skilled Worker Visa. To be eligible for this visa, UAE citizens must have a job offer from a registered UK Sponsor company. You’ll also need to meet the minimum salary threshold for your job type.

Unless you’re living in the United Kingdom under a visa that is eligible to switch to the Skilled Worker Visa, then you must apply for this visa whilst you are still living in the UAE. You can apply from the UAE online using the application from available on the gov.uk website. You will also need to book an appointment at a visa application centre. There is one located in Dubai as well as Abu Dhabi.

UK Business Visa from Dubai: Starting Your Business in the UK

The UAE is the UK’s 18th largest trading partner, 14th largest export market and 20th largest import market, this means that there is a vast number of business opportunities in the UK for residents of the UAE. There are a number of UK business visas that are popular in the UAE. They are designed specifically for those wishing to start a business in the UK, as well as those wishing to invest in business in the UK, and they include the:

• The Startup Visa (now closed): for new entrepreneurs who wish to launch a business in the UK, you must be endorsed by an authorised body
• The Investor Visa (now closed): a high-value migration route for those who are able to invest at least £2 million in UK businesses
• The Innovator Founder Visa: for experienced business people who plan to start a business in the United Kingdom.

Each visa has its own specific requirements that you need to meet but our lawyers can tell you all you need to know about how to apply for a business visa and exactly how you can meet the requirements.

Apply for a UK Study Visa from Dubai: Your Path to Studying in the UK

The UK is the most popular destination for Emirati students, with around 3,400 students from the UAE studying in UK universities.

If you want to start the process of moving from the UAE to UK for a period of study, then you’ll need to make a Student Visa application. You must already have an offer for an educational course in the UK, and provide evidence that you have the funds to pay for both your expected course and your living costs during your stay.

You must have been granted your UK Study Visa before you enter the country. The process usually takes around three weeks, so we recommend applying three weeks before your course begins. Once approved, you can usually enter a week before your course starts.

Preparing for the Move – Legal & Administrative Essentials

This step-by-step guide can help you move to the UK from the UAE:

• Choose a UK visa based on your trip purpose. For example, a Study Visa is intended for study purposes, and a Skilled Worker Visa is for work purposes in the UK.
• Set up an account on the UK government’s immigration website.
• Complete the online application form and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) and visa fee.
• Gather all the required documents for your application.
• Schedule a biometric appointment with your nearest UKVI visa application centre in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
• Attend the appointment on time with the documents.
• Submit your application in the required format.
• Await a decision, which will be communicated via email, or you can contact UKVI directly for support.

Legal Residency Status Once in the UK and Conditions to Maintain It

After your visa is approved, you’ll receive a UK visa vignette in your passport, valid for the period specified by your visa type. You must access your eVisa (your online immigration status) upon arrival in the UK. Ensure you comply with your visa conditions, which may include maintaining full-time study or working only for your approved sponsor for a specified period. As a UAE citizen, violating your UK visa conditions may result in its cancellation, and can affect your future immigration status.

Financial Planning and Cost of Living

While the UK (especially London) has a higher cost of living than the UAE in areas such as childcare and housing, groceries and transportation may be more affordable, depending on your lifestyle and location. Our concierge relocation services can help you with all details of your move  We can assist you in obtaining an estimate of your potential financial commitments in the UK, whether you are a single person, a couple, or a family. This should cover your currency exchange, transportation costs, childcare, housing, legal fees, and other related expenses.

Setting Up in the UK – Banking, Taxes & Insurance

After entering the UK as a new immigrant, you would need a bank account to carry out your financial transactions. The following procedures can help you open a bank account:

• Choose a bank: You can choose an online bank like Wise, Revolut, or a traditional bank like Barclays, Lloyds, etc.
• Gather all the required documents, such as your passport, driver’s license, proof of address, and proof of employment (if applicable).
• Complete your online application form and upload the scanned copies of the necessary documents.
• Identity verification: You may be required to upload a photo of your passport and a selfie to verify your identity.
• Account opening and access: After completing the account registration process, you’ll receive a message confirming that your account is ready for use. The bank will send you your account details and sort code, enabling you to start using your account.

After setting up your account, you can now fulfil certain financial obligations as a UK resident, which include:

• Income tax: The amount you pay in earnings above a specific threshold. For employees, this is usually deducted automatically through Pay As You Earn (PAYE).
• National insurance: National insurance is a mandatory contribution for pensions, benefits, and healthcare. It is also deducted through PAYE.
• Council tax: The council tax is a local tax you pay monthly to the local authority based on your property’s location and value.

Registering with HMRC

If you’re self-employed or a business founder, you must register with His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) within 3 months of starting business. To register with the HMRC, you must obtain a National Insurance number.

Health Surcharge and Private Insurance

The type of UK visa you’re applying for will determine whether you should pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). This grants you access to NHS services. You may opt for private health insurance for specialised or supplementary healthcare for dental or optical coverage.

Finding a Home in the UK

Before arriving in the UK, you must have secured short-term accommodation, such as a hotel room or an Airbnb. You can stay in that accommodation while searching for a more permanent one. Be aware that most UK landlords require tenancy agreements, a deposit, and references from your previous landlords. In the UK, tenancy payments are usually made monthly and in advance.

To find a place to live in the UK, you can consult our Relocations team at IAS for guidance and assessment of your accommodation preferences. You can call us at +44 (0)333 414 9244 or contact us through our online chat box for immediate response.

Accessing Healthcare in the UK

To access the National Health Service (NHS), which is the UK’s publicly funded healthcare system, you must register with a local General Practitioner (GP) to receive primary healthcare. The GP is your initial point of contact for non-emergency medical issues. If necessary, the GP may refer you to specialist healthcare providers. While the UK healthcare is often free for residents at the point of use, visitors are charged for it. 

What to Do in a Medical Emergency

If you get into a life-threatening emergency in the UK, dial 999 for ambulance services. Or you may go directly to your nearest Accident and Emergency (A&E) department. However, dial 111 if the emergency is not life-threatening, call 111. UK residents can use these emergency services regardless of their immigration status.

Enrolling Children in School or University

The UK operates state-funded and independent school systems. While the local council handles state school applications, independent schools have their own application processes. The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) oversees undergraduate admissions applications, whereas Postgraduate applicants apply directly to their preferred schools.

As a UAE citizen coming to the UK, when enrolling your children in a UK school, it is essential to understand the school’s starting age and age requirements for compulsory education. The following is the structure of the UK education system:

• Primary education (ages 4 to 11): The start of formal education.
• Secondary education (ages 11 to 16): Ends with GCSE exams.
• Further education (ages 16 to 18): This includes vocational qualifications, A-levels, and apprenticeships.
• Higher education: Involves university education and leads to a bachelor’s degree and postgraduate studies.

Transferring School Records from the UAE

You should bring your children’s official transcripts, attendance records, and letters of reference from their schools. These documents must be in English. You must provide official English translations of any document in Arabic. The UK schools may assess your children’s academic performance and place them in their appropriate learning levels.

Employment & Career Opportunities

The UK offers various opportunities across sectors, including Information Technology (IT), education, engineering, finance, and hospitality. As a skilled UAE resident entering the UK, can contribute to the UK workforce to help grow the country’s economy. While working in the UK, you’ll be protected by laws covering working hours, minimum wage, maternity/paternity leave, and other perks.

Recognition of UAE Qualifications and Credentials

The UK recognises many UAE professional and academic qualifications, especially those awarded by UK professional bodies and by nationally recognised higher education institutions. However, you may be required to obtain UK-specific licences if you’re a doctor, lawyer, or teacher (for regulated professions). The ECCTIS may also assess your qualifications to determine their authenticity.

Cultural Integration & Lifestyle Adjustments

As a UAE resident, you will need to adjust to life in the UK, which requires an understanding of cultural differences. To settle in, it is essential to understand British etiquette, communication styles, and social customs. Be aware that the climate in this area is cooler and wetter than in the UAE.

English is widely spoken, but adapting to local accents can be challenging for newcomers. Familiarising yourself with common British dishes and adapting to the local foods can be helpful. You can also participate in local traditions and events to learn more about British culture.

Weather and Clothing – What to Expect

The UK experiences colder temperatures than the UAE. You can expect warm summers, cool and rainy weather, and cold winters. You must get waterproof clothing for year-round rainfall. Winter temperatures can be freezing at times, requiring scarves, coats, gloves, and thermal layers. However, summers can be mild and sometimes warm. Hence, you may consider lightweight, breathable clothes for the warm season.

Shipping Your Belongings from UAE to the UK

You can move your items from the UAE to the UK via air freight, which is faster but more expensive, or sea freight, which can be more affordable and better suited for heavy loads, but slower. You can consult our relocation team, who understand UK customs regulations. We can assist you with concierge services, ensuring your belongings are shipped to the UK from the UAE. Our end-to-end immigration and relocation support can help you avoid delays and issues with customs while moving your property to the UK.

Life After the Move – What Comes Next

After entering the UK and setting up your eVisa, you must also establish essential services, such as utilities, internet, and mobile phone services, using local providers. If you’re on an eligible visa leading to permanent residency, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after meeting all the conditions, within 3-10 years, depending on your visa. If you meet the requirements, you can also bring your dependents from the UAE to join you in the UK. After staying in the UK for the required period on your ILR status, you can apply for and obtain British citizenship.

How can IAS help with UK Visa from Dubai?

Moving from the UAE to the UK is a life-changing event. The UK immigration system is notoriously complex, and this means that making the move can be stressful, time-consuming and complicated. Our immigration lawyers are dedicated to assisting people all over the world with their immigration journey and are passionate about making the move as stress-free as possible.

By seeking the assistance of one of our professional immigration lawyers, you’ll have someone their to help you throughout your move from Dubai to the UK. Our immigration lawyers can inform you of all you need to know about the UK immigration system. They offer reliable immigration advice and can assess your eligibility for the many UK visas.

Getting the help of a good lawyer is one of the most important things when it comes to applying for a UK visa, and will greatly increase your chances of success. Although we are based in the UK, our lawyers can still assist you whilst you’re in the UAE. They offer appointments over the phone and via skype call in which they can assist you with immigration applications.

For more information about how our lawyers can help you to move from the UAE to UK, contact us today on 0333 363 8577.