Jump to phase
12 Months Before
Big decisions and early groundwork
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Research & Planning
Research UAE visa optionsEmployment, Green, Golden, or Retirement — figure out which applies to you
Research target cityDubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah — compare cost of living, lifestyle, commute
Research neighbourhoodsMarina, JVC, Downtown, Arabian Ranches — match to your family size and budget
Create a UAE budget planUse our cost of living calculator to compare your current city to Dubai
Research international schools200+ schools in Dubai — apply early, popular ones fill up 6–12 months ahead
Financial Planning
Consult a cross-border tax advisorUnderstand Canadian exit tax, deemed disposition, and RRSP implications
Review your Canadian pension plan (CPP/OAS)Understand how it's taxed as a non-resident — different rules apply
Decide what to do with Canadian propertySell, rent, or hold? Each has different tax implications as a non-resident
Start building UAE emergency fundAim for 3–6 months expenses in CAD as a buffer for the transition period
Career
Start job search in UAELinkedIn, Bayt.com, GulfTalent.com — update your profile for UAE market
Research your industry in the UAEFinance, tech, healthcare, and construction are booming sectors
Connect with Canadian expats in UAEFacebook groups, Reddit r/UAE — invaluable first-hand advice
6 Months Before
Documents, paperwork, and serious preparation
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Documents & Attestation
Renew passport if neededUAE requires min. 6 months validity — renew if expiring within 18 months
Get birth certificates attestedNotarize → Global Affairs Canada → UAE Embassy in Ottawa. Takes 4–8 weeks
Get marriage certificate attestedSame process as birth certificates — required to sponsor spouse in UAE
Get educational certificates attestedRequired for most UAE employment visas — university degree + transcripts
Get police clearance certificateRequired for UAE residency visa — apply through RCMP or local police
Get driving licence documents readyCanadian licence can be converted to UAE licence — keep original + certified translation
Schools
Apply to shortlisted UAE schoolsApply to 3–5 schools — popular ones fill fast, especially Year 7 and Foundation Stage
Request school transfer letters from current schoolYou'll need academic transcripts and teacher references for UAE school applications
Housing
Research UAE rental marketBayut.com and PropertyFinder.ae — browse by area and budget
Connect with a UAE real estate agentMost charge 5% commission — look for RERA-registered agents in Dubai
Decide: rent first or buy?Most expats rent for 1 year first to find their preferred neighbourhood
Canada Wrap-Up
Give notice at workStandard Canadian notice is 2–4 weeks — check your contract
Notify CRA of departure dateFile T1161 and NR73 forms — important for non-resident tax status
Decide on Canadian bank accountsKeep one Canadian account active — useful for Canadian expenses as non-resident
3 Months Before
Logistics, bookings, and final arrangements
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Shipping & Moving
Get quotes from international moving companiesSea freight takes 4–6 weeks, air freight 1–2 weeks — compare costs
Decide what to ship vs sell vs storeElectronics work on UAE voltage (220V) — Canadian 110V appliances need converters
Book moving companyConfirm UAE customs requirements — some items restricted (pork products, certain medications)
Book flightsEmirates and Air Canada both fly Toronto–Dubai direct (14hrs). Book early for best prices
Insurance
Arrange international health insuranceNeeded for gap period before UAE employer insurance kicks in
Cancel or convert Canadian provincial health insuranceOHIP etc. — notify your provincial health plan of departure date
Arrange shipping insurance for belongingsMoving company insurance is often minimal — consider separate policy
UAE Prep
Sign UAE rental contract (if arranged remotely)Most Dubai landlords accept remote signing with bank transfer — use trusted agent
Research UAE mobile carriersEtisalat (e&) and Du are the two main carriers — SIM available at airport on arrival
Join Canadian expat groups in your UAE cityFacebook: "Canadians in Dubai", "Expats in UAE" — invaluable community support
1 Month Before
Final Canadian wrap-up and UAE readiness
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Canada Wrap-Up
Cancel subscriptions and membershipsNetflix, gym, magazines, Amazon Prime Canada — audit all recurring charges
Redirect or stop Canada Post mailSet up mail forwarding or use a trusted family member's address
Notify Canadian banks of moveUpdate address, check non-resident account options, set up international transfers
Sell or donate unwanted furniture and belongingsFacebook Marketplace, Kijiji — start early as it takes longer than expected
Transfer or cancel Canadian utilitiesHydro, gas, internet — give proper notice periods (usually 30 days)
Update address with important institutionsCRA, Service Canada, banks, investment accounts, insurance providers
Travel Prep
Pack essential documents in carry-onPassports, attested documents, job offer letter, school acceptance letters, insurance cards
Get AED cash for arrivalAim for AED 2,000–3,000 (~CAD 750–1,100) for first few days before bank account
Download essential Dubai appsRTA Dubai (transit), Careem/Uber (rides), Talabat (food), Dubai Now (government services)
Arrange airport pickup in DubaiBook in advance — Uber/Careem available at airport, or employer may arrange
Arrival Week
First things first — get settled and legal
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Immediate Priorities
Get UAE SIM cardAvailable at Dubai Airport — Etisalat or Du. Prepaid works until you get residency
Start visa processing with employerYour employer initiates — you'll need to submit documents and do medical test
Complete medical fitness testRequired for residency visa — chest X-ray and blood test at approved UAE clinic
Register for Emirates IDDone as part of visa process — biometrics taken at ICP centre or typing centre
Set up UAE bank accountEmirates NBD, ADCB, FAB — most require residence visa or entry stamp + employer letter
Home Setup
Set up DEWA (electricity & water)Dubai residents — register online at dewa.gov.ae. Need tenancy contract and passport
Set up internetEtisalat or Du — book installation appointment, usually 3–5 days wait
Register tenancy contract with EjariDubai requirement — register at RERA typing centre or online. Needed for many services
First Month
Get fully settled and enjoy your new home
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Admin & Legal
Convert Canadian driving licence to UAE licenceCanadians get direct conversion — no test needed. Visit RTA with Canadian licence + passport
Register children at UAE schoolSubmit attested birth certificates, vaccination records, and previous school transcripts
Register with Canadian Embassy in UAERegister at travel.gc.ca/travelling/registration — important for emergency consular services
Set up NOL card for public transitDubai Metro and buses — top up at any metro station or online
Healthcare
Register with employer health insuranceHealth insurance is mandatory in Dubai — employer must provide it
Find a family doctor / GPAster, Mediclinic, and Cleveland Clinic are popular with expat families
Transfer children's vaccination recordsUAE schools require up-to-date vaccination records — get translated if in French
Enjoy Your New Life
Explore your neighbourhoodFind your local supermarket, café, gym, and park — make it feel like home
Book a desert safariA Dubai rite of passage — do it in your first month while the excitement is fresh
Connect with local expat communityInterNations, Facebook expat groups, your building community — friendships form fast here
You made it. Welcome to Dubai! 🎉You've done something extraordinary. Enjoy every moment of your new adventure.
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