What Contractors & Freelancers Should Know About Relocating Their Family to Dubai

Author

Emma

Professional Development Specialist

Relocating to Dubai offers a great balance of career opportunities, cultural immersion, and an excellent quality of life. This has helped the UAE become an attractive place for independent consultants and their families.  

However, relocation to a foreign country, especially with children, comes with careful planning. Timing is crucial. Particularly if your children will be starting school in September. 

If you’re a freelancer planning to relocate to Dubai with your family, this article walks you through key considerations. From cost of living in Dubai to schools, permits for dependents, work opportunities, and in-country support. 

Planning a family relocation to Dubai: what to expect

Timeline considerations

Most families try to move before September. This is because the school term begins around this time. Moving in advance gives children time to adapt to the new environment. It also allows parents to settle in before the busy school term. 

Cultural adjustment

Dubai is a cosmopolitan melting pot, and people visit and relocate from all over the world. It may take a little time for consultants and their families to adapt to the mix of traditions and cultures. Observing the regulations of dress in public, for instance, is part of showing respect to local customs. 

At the same time, the city boasts a great lifestyle for families. There’s an abundance of green spaces, beaches, and shopping centres to take advantage of. Plus, lots of community events to help expats meet new people. 

Overview of major decisions

Before contractors relocate to the UAE, it’s essential to address a few key areas:

Housing:

Would an apartment or villa suit your family better? You also need to think about location. Somewhere close to schools or your workplace will save time on commutes. Do some research on rental costs since some areas are more expensive than others.

Schools:

It’s wise to research and explore schools in advance. 

The waiting lists at most schools are lengthy, and early registration is a bonus. Research curriculum and school ratings to decide on the most appropriate school for your household.

Health Insurance:

This is mandatory in the UAE, and being self-employed, you’ll need to arrange it for yourself and your family. Look at different plans to choose the best option that also meets legal requirements.

Legal procedures:

A relocation to Dubai includes a whole lot of legalities and a mountain of paperwork. Permits and visas are required. You need to arrange these for family members, too.

The cost of living in Dubai with a family

Housing costs

Dubai has its fair share of top-end housing options. Thankfully, it has a great amount of choice, and there are plenty of affordable homes too.

For a family of three

The average monthly cost for a central 3-bed apartment is AED 14,937 (circa £3,200). Outside of the centre, it’s AED 10,435 (£2,200). 

For a family of four

Average rental costs range from AED 8000-20,000 (£1,640 – £4,100). 

Education

Public schools in Dubai teach solely in Arabic, so private school fees should be factored in for consultants relocating with their family. 

Aetna reports that Dubai school fees range from: 

AED 12,723 (£2,674) per year to AED 64,093 (£13,475). 

For freelancers with younger children, the annual average fees for nurseries range from: AED 27,640 (£5,800) to AED 33,658 (£7,150).

On top of this, parents should factor in costs for uniforms, textbooks, and school supplies. After school activities, such as sports or music. And potentially transport costs to and from school each day. 

Healthcare and insurance for freelancers

All Dubai residents and expats are required to have health insurance. 

As a family, it’s important to find adequate cover, ensuring you all have access to healthcare services when needed. 

The annual average UAE medical insurance price varies from AED 525 to 750 (£115 – £160) per person. 

Tips for budgeting effectively

With new outgoings to keep on top of, budgeting for family life as a consultant in the UAE can feel daunting. Here are some tips for planning and budgeting: 

Track your expenses:

List all your monthly costs to help you see where your money goes.

Set priorities:

Focus on essential outgoings like rent, school fees, and groceries first.

Plan for savings:

Aim to set aside a portion of your income each month. Over time, you’ll build a useful emergency fund.

Limit unnecessary spending:

Try to avoid impulse buys and overspending on non-essentials. 

Understanding schooling options in Dubai

Overview of curricula

There are several curricula available in Dubai to suit different educational needs. A few of the popular ones include British, IB (International Baccalaureate), American, French, and Indian systems. Each one has its own teaching method, focus areas, and assessment methods. Contractors should research each one to identify the best option for your child.

Admission requirements and timelines

Every school has its own admissions procedure. Most ask parents to send in previous school reports, identification, and, for some, entrance test results. Admissions often start months in advance, especially for the September intake. 

It’s best to contact schools directly for their specific procedures and deadlines.

Age group equivalents and enrolment periods

Education in Dubai commonly runs one year behind UK schools. For example, a 14-year-old would be year 10 in the UK and year 9 in the UAE. Enrolment times vary, but early application is advised since spaces fill up quickly.

Tips for applying before the September intake

• Begin researching schools one year ahead of time.
• Include all relevant document preparation in advance, such as academic documents and passports.
• Go to schools, if possible, to experience the atmosphere.
• Apply in advance to avoid missing deadlines.

Key considerations for choosing the right school

Keep your child’s learning style, strengths, and interests in mind. Location matters, too, and choosing a school nearby may reduce commuting time. Consider the long-term worth of the curriculum and its compatibility with future educational or professional goals. 

Last but not least, seek advice and suggestions from other parents. It is an enormous choice, so don’t hesitate to take your time and make a decision for what’s best for your family.

What about your partner? Dual-career family considerations

Moving to Dubai for better career opportunities can be life-changing for freelancers. But for everything to go smoothly, it’s crucial that your partner is equally happy. 

Think about how the move will influence not just your career, but your spouse’s professional growth. Frank communication about goals and priorities can help to complement both career paths.

Here are some key considerations: 

Can a spouse work on a dependent visa?

They can, but they also need a work permit, as a residence visa alone is not enough. Some other documents may also be needed. For example, your spouse might need a no-objection letter from you or their company. Make sure you look over the rules carefully to stay compliant.

Options for spouse employment or freelancing

Start looking into local job markets, remote work opportunities, and freelancing options in advance. This can help to get a feel for the possibilities early on and make the transition smoother. 

Childcare availability and costs

If both partners plan to work, childcare is a significant consideration. Access to good and affordable childcare is necessary to balance work and family life. Research childcare provision early and include the availability and cost. Planning and budgeting early on is a good way to avoid unexpected financial strain.

Balancing work and family life in Dubai

It’s a big decision to relocate to another country to work and live. It can be overwhelming at times and cause stress to home life. Time must be found for the family activities you enjoy, and boundaries put in place so a healthy balance is achieved.

Visas and permits for dependents: what you need to know

How to sponsor your spouse and children on a Freelance Visa

Sponsoring dependents on a freelance visa usually requires a valid residence permit, proof of income, and the appropriate legal documentation.

Required documents, process, and timelines

Have your dependents’ passports, marriage and birth certificates, and financial proof at hand. Processing times can be variable, so apply well ahead of time.

Health insurance requirements and residency formalities

Comprehensive health insurance is mandatory. Ensure all policies meet residency requirements to avoid issues

Common challenges and how to avoid delays

Inadequate forms or lost documents cause delays. Double-check for requirements, and seek professional assistance if necessary

How Hightekers supports consultants relocating with their families

Relocating to Dubai as a family is no mean feat. There are many important considerations, coupled with a huge amount of paperwork and various legal hoops to jump through.

But when you partner with Hightekers, you don’t have to do it alone. 

We support consultants and their families at every step of relocation, taking the hassle of visas, permits, and in-country setup off your plate. 

This includes help with document preparation and the coordination of paperwork. Plus, support with local onboarding, advice on schools, and helping you settle in as a family unit. 

With the right support in place, the process doesn’t have to be overwhelming. 

With Hightekers, you can look forward to a smooth transition and a bright future for the whole family in the UAE. 

Simplify your relocation to Dubai

Author

Emma

Professional Development Specialist

A seasoned career development specialist based in Bristol, where she helps international professionals manage the complexities of establishing their independent careers in the UK. With over a decade of experience in talent management and professional mobility, she leads initiatives to support freelancers and independent consultants across various high-skilled sectors. When she's not advising professionals on their career journeys, you might find Emma exploring Bristol's street art scene or cheering on her beloved Bristol City FC!