worldwideimmigrantsAmidst the boom, the UAE has attracted countless dreamers with its quality living environment, zero personal income tax, strong economic growth and open immigration policies. Dubai and Abu Dhabi, in particular, have become ideal destinations for digital nomads, white-collar expats, freelancers and investors. However, for those who are planning to "put down roots", one of the most important concerns is the following.How much does it really cost to migrate to the UAE?
This article will give youComprehensive analysis of the 2025Emigrating to the UAEThe true cost of theIt covers core areas such as visa types, application fees, living expenses, medical and education costs, etc., helping you to accurately budget and easily plan your move.
I. Different immigration paths have very different costs
There is not just one way to immigrate to the UAE, common routes include:
Visa Type | Suitable for people | Main cost range (dirhams) | note |
---|---|---|---|
work visa | Foreign employees, professionals | 6,000 – 10,000 | Usually borne by the employer |
freelance visa | Teleworkers, freelancers | 7,500 – 20,000 | Includes license, visa, insurance, etc. |
Investment Visa (Real Estate) | real estate investor | From ≥750,000 | Property needs to meet minimum thresholds |
business start-up visa | Startups, entrepreneurs | 10,000 – 50,000+ | Includes company registration, office, etc. |
Golden visa (10 years) | High net worth individuals, business owners, scientists | From ≥1,000,000 | Asset or achievement-based requirements |
family reunification visa | Immediate family members sponsored by the current resident | 2,500 - 6,000 per person | Consistent with the length of the sponsor's visa |
II. Visa application and management class costs in detail (with Dubai as an example)
✅ freelance visa(Popular options)
-
Visa Application Fee: Approximately Dh4,500 (including residence visa, medical examination, Emirates ID).
-
Freelance License (Freelance License): approximately Dh7,500 - Dh9,500/year
-
medical insuranceDh1,500 - Dh3,000/year
-
Office address/shared office space (optional)Dh2,000 - Dh6,000/year
🧮 Total initial cost: approximately Dh13,000 - Dh20,000(Approximately 25,000 - 40,000 RMB)
✅ Real Estateinvestment immigration
-
Minimum investment threshold for real estate: Dh750,000 (2-year visa available)
-
Property value ≥ 2,000,000 dirhams: 10-year Golden Visa available
-
Other costs: title transfer tax, attorney's fees, appraisal fees, etc. totaling approximately 5% - 7%
III. Panorama of the cost of living in the UAE
While Dubai is intimidating with its skyscrapers and luxury cars all over the place, it is actuallyCost of living varies from person to personIt's a great way to find a place to stay, from budgeting to luxury.
✅ Basic monthly living expenses (single)
sports event | economy model | cozy | clarification |
---|---|---|---|
Rent (studio/one-bedroom) | Dh2,500 - Dh4,500 | Dh5,000 - Dh9,000 | Shared or suburban options available |
catering | 800 - 2,000 dirhams | More than Dh2,500 | Low cost of self-cooking |
hydroelectric power plant | Dh400 - Dh800 | 1,000+ | Slightly higher air conditioning costs in summer |
transportation | Dh300 - Dh800 | 1,200+ (including private vehicles) | Convenient public transportation |
medical insurance | Approximately Dh1,500 - Dh3,000/year | statutory requirement | |
Mobile & Web | Dh300 - Dh500 | Du or Etisalat package |
🧮 Average monthly cost for a single person: Dh4,500 - Dh9,000(Approximately RMB 9,000 - 18,000)

IV. Budgetary recommendations for family migration
If you are planning to move to the UAE with your spouse, children or even parents, the expenses will naturally go up:
-
Rental of family housing(two/three bedrooms): Dh7,000 - Dh15,000/month
-
International School Tuition:: Dh20,000 - Dh100,000/year/person (depending on school level)
-
Family medical insuranceDh1,500 - Dh4,000 per person per year.
-
Family Visa Application Fee:: Dh2,500 - Dh6,000 per person
🧮 Starting budget for a family of three (including visas, housing, education, etc.):Approximately 150,000 - 300,000 dirhams per year(approximately RMB 300,000 - 600,000)

V. Hidden Expenditures and Financial Advice
Don't overlook the following **"hidden costs "**:
-
Bank account opening:: Some banks have a monthly maintenance fee for non-salaried customers (Dh25 - Dh100)
-
Car Purchase and Maintenance: New car purchase tax + insurance from Dh10,000 per year
-
Renewal and License Renewal: annual update, remember to keep a budget
-
Tourism or out-of-country travel: Mostly self-financed programs, especially for international families who travel frequently for family visits
financial advice::
-
Rationalize initial 1-year cost-of-living reserve (approximately Dh100,000 - Dh150,000)
-
Save on transfer costs by using multi-currency cards or international accounts (e.g. Wise, Revolut)
-
Watch out for discounts on annual payments for rent, insurance, etc.
VI. Summary: How much money is enough to migrate to the UAE?
2025Emigrating to the UAEThe "entry cost" is not as high as one might think, especially for the middle-class people who have opened up new avenues for freelance visas and remote working visas. For high net worth families or people seeking a more stable status, investing in real estate and applying for a golden visa are more strategic choices.
Below are simple budget suggestions:
-
Single Self-Employed Visa Start: approximately RMB 30,000 - 50,000
-
Start-up payments for couples or families of three: RMB 150,000 - 300,000
-
Investment + settlement family packageThe following is a summary of the results of the survey: From RMB 1,000,000
Choosing the right path for you, matched with clear financial planning thatYour UAE life can be both quality and manageableThe UAE may be just the place for you to start your second life. Take advantage of this new wave of global migration while the policy dividend is still in place, and the UAE may be just the place to start your second life.