India to Dubai Relocation

Moving to Dubai from India

Moving to Dubai from India has been a popular trend for many Indians in recent years. There are so many reasons behind this trend. The global city offers the perfect blend of world-class infrastructure, lucrative job opportunities, and a cosmopolitan lifestyle. If you are relocating to Dubai for jobs and career opportunities, the city will not disappoint you. You will have a ton of work opportunities in different sectors like finance, construction, and technology with tax-free yet handsome salaries.

Things to Know Before Moving to Dubai

Relocating to Dubai must be exciting as the city has much to offer. But the process of an international move is not always as straightforward as it seems. You may have to go through many challenges from documentation and preparation to shipping. However, you can make the process less challenging and less stressful with careful planning. Secondly, if you know key information about your destination, you can quickly minimize the stress to a significant extent. Here are the top things that you should know before relocating to Dubai from India.

Job Opportunities in Dubai

Did you know that around 88% of the UAE’s population is expatriates? Most of the immigrants live in Dubai and the capital, Abu Dhabi. Surprisingly, Indians and Pakistanis are dominant communities. Have you ever thought about why expats prefer to live in Dubai? Well, do not stress too much. One obvious reason is the plethora of job opportunities in different sectors. As a global city and hub of tourism and real estate, Dubai attracts skilled workers and professionals from all around the world. There is a huge demand for marketing professionals, architects, engineers, software engineers, cybersecurity experts, teachers, language experts, and financial advisors, particularly in finance, real estate, healthcare, and technology. If you are planning to work and settle in this world city, you can find lucrative work offers via job search resources like Indeed, LinkedIn, Expatriates.com, Gulftalent.com, and Bayt.com.

Housing Options in Dubai

Another important thing that you need to know before moving to Dubai is the housing options available in the city. Whether you are looking for affordable accommodation options or luxurious ones, you will have diverse choices here. If you are looking for accommodation on a tight budget, you can go with apartments. Apartments in Dubai encompass one bedroom to multiple bedrooms. You can also opt for living in a condo if you have more budget. A condo is similar to an apartment but has more space and is more luxurious. The third accommodation option is living in a villa which is a free-standing house with multiple rooms, modern amenities, and a beautiful garden. However, this can be the most expensive option. So, choose the right option that best suits your budget and lifestyle.

You might be wondering, how much will it cost to live in Dubai? Well, here is a quick breakdown of estimated rental prices for living in apartments in Dubai.

• One-bedroom apartment monthly rent (within the city): 8,262.42 AED
• One-bedroom apartment monthly rent (in the suburb): 5,232.89 AED
• Three-bedroom apartment monthly rent (within the city): 16,024.98 AED
• Three-bedroom apartment monthly rent (in the suburb): 10,489.30 AED

Healthcare Facilities

A robust healthcare system is one of the major reasons why so many Indians are ready to follow the trend of settling in Dubai. Featuring public and private options, Dubai gives you access to top-notch healthcare facilities. Needless to say, the overall healthcare standard is better than in India. If you want to have free or low-cost healthcare facilities in Dubai, consider applying for a healthcare card. Additionally, you can also obtain private medical insurance. In most cases, employers offer healthcare insurance to their employees.

Culture and Tradition

The culture of Dubai is predominantly portrayed by its Islamic religion and traditional Arab culture and values. Here you will notice these features in its architecture, music, dress, cuisine, and lifestyle. However, you can also observe the diverse cultures due to expats from different countries residing here. From traditional values to glitzy nightlife and world-class shopping experiences, the cultural mix of modernity and tradition will amaze you. Due to the presence of Indian communities, you may not have issues with following your own traditions and cultures. However, you must respect and value Arab culture here.

Visa and Residency Requirements

Whether you are moving to Dubai to live, work, or study—you will need a residency visa. Without a valid visa, you cannot enter any part of the UAE. Popular visa options for entering the UAE are as follows:

• Green UAE Visa: It is a five-year renewable visa. If you are a skilled worker, freelancer, investor, or entrepreneur, this type of visa might be the best route for you.
• Golden UAE Visa: It is a 10-year renewable visa for long-term residency without sponsorship. If you are a high-net-worth individual, investor, entrepreneur, or professional, go with a Golden visa.  
• Student Visa: As the name suggests, this visa type aims to provide a smooth entry into the UAE for students. If you are a student and planning to study in Dubai, you need to be enrolled in a UAE-based educational institution.
• Business Visa: This specific visa program offers you a residency permit and allows you to work, stay, and run your business.
• Family Visa: If your family members are already living in Dubai, this visa type is the best match.
• Retirement Visa: This is a 5-year long-term visa for retired individuals. If you are a retired person (aged 55 or above) and have a good monthly income (around AED 20,000 or more), you can apply for a retirement visa.

Please note: A health check at a government-approved facility is required upon arrival. You will need to undertake a medical X-ray to screen for tuberculosis and a blood test to screen for HIV/AIDS.

Top Areas to Live in Dubai for Indians

As Indians, you must have some concerns about living in Dubai, the UAE. However, you do not need to worry much about this because Dubai is a global city with a diverse cosmopolitan culture. Here you will find several suitable neighborhoods that cater to different lifestyles and budgets. Whether you are looking for an affordable area or an expensive one, you can find it here. From affordable and family-friendly areas like Karama and Al Nahda to luxury neighborhoods such as Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina—there are plenty of options. Here is the list of the top areas to live in Dubai for Indian families.

Area	Overview	Highlights	Ideal for
Bur Dubai	One of the oldest and most diverse districts, popular among Indian expats.	- Vibrant Indian community - Proximity to Hindu temple - Indian restaurants and markets (Meena Bazaar) - Affordable rent	Families, middle-income expats, those looking for cultural vibrancy
Karama	Budget-friendly area with a strong Indian presence.	- Indian-owned businesses - Central location - Indian markets and restaurants - Budget-friendly rentals	Budget-conscious individuals, families, young professionals
Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT)	Modern high-rise living with a mix of expats from various backgrounds.	- Stunning lake views - Close to Dubai Marina, JBR - Family-friendly amenities (schools, parks) - Indian restaurants and social spots	Young professionals, families, those seeking a contemporary lifestyle
Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO)	Tech-focused area with affordable living options.	- Growing Indian tech community - Modern, spacious apartments - Affordable rent - Great for tech professionals	Tech professionals, young families, those seeking spacious living
Mirdif	Quiet suburban area ideal for families, with growing popularity.	- Suburban, family-friendly - Mix of villas and apartments - Close to Indian schools and shopping centers - Affordable housing	Families, those looking for suburban tranquility near city amenities
Dubai Marina	Luxurious waterfront area, popular with expatriates, including Indians.	- Stunning waterfront views - Upscale apartments - Close to shopping, dining, entertainment - Strong Indian community presence	Young professionals, singles, families preferring cosmopolitan living
Al Nahda	Affordable area on the Dubai-Sharjah border, popular with Indian expats.	- Affordable housing - Close to Indian markets and services - Many Indian-owned businesses - Proximity to Indian schools and places of worship	Budget-conscious families, students, individuals seeking affordability
Tecom (Barsha Heights)	Business district popular with professionals, especially in media & tech.	- Close to Dubai Media City and Internet City - Mix of apartments and serviced buildings - Proximity to Indian restaurants and events	Media/tech professionals, those seeking a balanced lifestyle
Al Qusais	Established area with affordable living and a large Indian community.	- Affordable housing - Strong Indian business presence - Close to schools and places of worship - Proximity to major roads and airports	Families, blue-collar workers, those seeking a family-friendly area
Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC)	Growing, suburban community with modern amenities at affordable prices.	- Affordable villas and apartments - Family-friendly with parks and community centers - Proximity to Indian stores and schools	Families, those looking for space and quiet living

Cost of Living in Dubai, the UAE

Known for its luxurious lifestyle, world-class shopping malls, tall buildings, and vibrant culture, Dubai is one of the most preferred cities to live in the world. However, the average cost of living in this city can be expensive. According to the My Life Elsewhere website, the cost of living in Dubai is 4.1 times more expensive than in Mumbai and 4.3 times more expensive than in Delhi.

Also, compared to other cities in the UAE, living in Dubai is expensive. If you are wondering what the average cost of living in Dubai is, please refer to the following table. We have prepared this table considering factors like housing, food, transportation, utilities, entertainment, and personal expenses.

Average Cost of Living in Dubai for Singles, Couples, and Families

Cost Driver	Single	Couple	Family
Accommodation	AED 5,000 - AED 8,000 (City Center) AED 3,000 - AED 5,000 (Outside City)	AED 7,000 - AED 12,000 (City Center) AED 5,000 - AED 8,000 (Outside City)	AED 12,000 - AED 20,000 (City Center) AED 8,000 - AED 15,000 (Outside City)
Food and Groceries	AED 800 - AED 1,200	AED 1,500 - AED 2,500	AED 2,500 - AED 4,000
Transportation	AED 300 (Public Transport) Higher with Car	AED 1,500 - AED 3,000 (Car Ownership)	AED 2,500 - AED 5,000 (Car Ownership)
Utilities	AED 100 - AED 1,000	AED 1,000 - AED 1,500	AED 1,500 - AED 3,000
Entertainment & Personal Expenses	AED 1,000 - AED 2,000	AED 2,000 - AED 3,500	AED 3,000 - AED 5,000

Shipping Goods from India to Dubai

If you are concerned about shipping goods from India to Dubai, you do not need to worry much. At Moving Solutions, we offer you the best solutions. As a leading packers and movers referencing portal, we can give you free quotes from the top 3 pre-screened companies. All you need to do is compare the quotes and select the best option.

Our partner movers offer two options to ship your goods: sea cargo and air cargo. There will be different prices for these two different modes. Air cargo shipping will be faster but costlier. On the other hand, sea (ocean) cargo shipping will be cheaper than air freight but will take several weeks. So, make the correct decision correctly.

Sea Freight Shipping Services

For shipping goods from India to Dubai, sea freight (container) shipping is a popular choice among many businesses and individuals. After all, this is a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective method to ship goods globally.

Our partner movers specialize in a diverse range of container moving services. Whether you need FCL shipping services or LCL shipping services, the movers will execute the shipping process with expertise and efficiency.

If you have a very tight budget and looking for an affordable option to ship your belongings from India to Dubai, sea freight shipping will be the cheaper option. But this service will take time for several days to ship your cargo.

Air Cargo Shipping Services

If the budget does not bother you, go with the air freight shipping option. It is because it is the fastest way to ship goods from one country to another. A cargo plane will carry your belongings. This option will take just two or three days to ship your belongings to Dubai.

But if you choose this option, you must be prepared with heavy charges. If you want to ship your belongings on a budget, this is certainly not the best option for you. You must choose sea cargo shipping to save money.

Types of Containers for Shipping from India to Dubai

There are several types of container options available for shipping goods from India to Dubai, the UAE, or other countries. The choice of shipping containers depends on the specific goods you need to transport.

Different types of cargo require different types of containers, such as temperature-controlled or open containers. The options range from sealed containers to specialized containers, and everything in between.

Common types of shipping containers used by our partner moving companies include 20 ft containers, 40 ft containers, and car shipping containers. Other types of shipping containers are as follows:

Container Type	Size (ft)	Door Type	Roof Type	Floor Type	Empty Weight (tons)
Dry Container	20, 40, 40HC	Double Doors	Solid	Wooden or Steel	2-4
Refrigerated Container	20, 40, 40HC, 45HC	Double Doors	Insulated	Wooden or Steel	4-6
Open Top Container	20, 40	Double Doors	Open	Wooden or Steel	2-4
Flat Rack Container	20, 40	Open Sides	Open	Wooden or Steel	2-4
Platform Container	20, 40	Open Sides	Open	None	2-4
Transportable Tank	20, 40	Top and Bottom	Closed	None	4-6
High Cube Container	40HC, 45HC	Double Doors	Solid	Wooden or Steel	4-6
Side Loader Container	20, 40	Side Doors	Solid	Wooden or Steel	2-4
Double Door Container	20, 40	Double Doors at both ends	Solid	Wooden or Steel	2-4
Tunnel Container	20, 40	Double Doors at both ends	Solid	Wooden or Steel	2-4

Freight Shipping Costs from India to Dubai

The cost of shipping goods from India to Dubai (UAE) is not fixed. It depends on many factors, mainly on the weight & dimension of goods and the shipping methods. Other factors may also influence the overall shipping charges. In short, no one can let you know the price of international shipping. However, you can know the ballpark figures of the approximate shipping costs. Please refer to the following price table to learn about charges for India to Dubai shipping services.

Shipping Method	Container Size	Approximate Cost (USD)
Air Freight	Per kilogram	Varies widely based on weight and destination
Sea Freight	20 ft Container	Around 1500-2000 USD
Sea Freight	40 ft Container	Around 2500-3000 USD
LCL (Less than Container Load)	Per cubic meter	Around 500-800 USD
FCL (Full Container Load)	20 ft Container	Around 1500-2000 USD
FCL (Full Container Load)	40 ft Container	Around 2500-3000 USD

Factors That Affect India to Dubai Shipping Costs

The above price chart shows approximate costs and can vary based on the following factors:

• Shipping methods
• Container size and type
• Weight and dimensions of items
• Nature and types of goods
• Desired delivery time
• Current market conditions
• Fuel surcharges
• Port charges,
• Specific items being shipped
• Customs duties and taxes
• Transit insurance coverage
• Handling charges (loading, unloading, and transportation within ports)

Customs Rules and Regulations

Shipping goods from India to Dubai involves customs clearance. Not unexpectedly, your shipment will have to pass a series of rules and regulations. However, you can save your time and make the process less stressful by preparing for the process and having the documents ready that will be needed.

• HS Code: The items you want to ship to Dubai must have an HS code in their import/export declarations. This is a specific code that categorizes the goods for traffic purposes.
• Duty & Taxes: Your goods will not pass customs without paying duty fees. A standard duty of 5% is applicable on shipments entering the land of the UAE.
• Prohibited and Restricted Goods: Beware of shipping prohibited and restricted items from India to Dubai. You cannot ship narcotics, gambling tools, and goods that contradict Islamic morals at any cost. Although, you may send some restricted items but will have to pay heavy taxes and duty fees. For example, you may have to pay a 50% duty fee for sending alcohol from India to Dubai.
• Compliance with UAE Regulations: Your shipment must comply with the UAE’s law regarding prohibited and restricted items.
• Customs Clearance Process: Once your goods arrive in Dubai, your shipments will go through the customs clearance process. The officials will check the shipment and review all documents. Any discrepancies or missing information can lead to delays or fines.

Documents Required for Customs Clearance

To ship your goods, you will need the following documents.

• Commercial Invoice
• Bill of Lading/Airway Bill
• Packing List
• Certificate of Origin
• Import Permits
• Health Certificates for Certain Items
• Bill of Entry
• Shipper’s Export Declaration (SED)

Please Note: You will get faster customs clearance and total support in documentation with our partner movers.

Documents Need for Moving to Dubai from India

• A valid visa that has at least 6 months of validity.
• A completed and signed visa application form as per the type.
• A job offer letter for employment
• A letter of sponsorship for family sponsorship
• Passport-sized photos as per the UAE visa specifications
• Academic records or certificates for employment or specific visa types
• Medical certificates to provide you are feet and healthy
• Proof of income such as bank statements or other financial documents
• Lease agreement proof of accommodation
• A hotel booking receipt for the initial stay
• Birth certificates or marriage certificates for family or dependent visas

Process of India to Dubai Moving and Shipping

If you plan your India to Duba move with one of our partner movers, you will have a streamlined process. The process will/may include the following steps.

Pre-Move Planning and Assessment

Movers discuss your specific needs, timeline, and budget. Then, they create a detailed inventory of the items you want to ship. Thereafter, they will estimate the value of your items so that they can cover any loss with the appropriate insurance coverage. In addition, they will provide information on customs regulations and documentation.

Packing and Unpacking

The expert packers will pack your goods. They will use specialized packing materials and techniques. They will take extra care of your fragile items when packing. After finishing the packing and carting, they will label and document packed items. At your destination (Dubai), they will also help with unpacking and setting up your belongings at your new destination.

Transportation and Shipping

Our movers use the appropriate methods for transporting and shipping your belongings. Also, they will handle all necessary customs procedures and documentation. To protect your belongings, they will also offer insurance coverage. Plus, they will provide you with real-time tracking of your shipment.

Additional Services

Apart from the aforementioned services, our movers may also offer you storage facilities for your goods if you need them. Other additional services you can get from our partner movers include pet relocation, car shipping, temporary accommodation, and cultural orientation.

Top Shipping Ports in India

Port Name	Location	Key Features
Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Nhava Sheva)	Mumbai, Maharashtra	Largest container port in India, handles over half of India’s container cargo.
Port of Mundra	Gujarat	Largest private port in India, known for high cargo handling capacity.
Port of Chennai	Tamil Nadu	Oldest artificial port in India, handles diverse cargo including containers, bulk, and liquid cargo.
Port of Visakhapatnam	Andhra Pradesh	Major port on the eastern coast, handles iron ore, coal, and container cargo.
Port of Kolkata	West Bengal	Oldest operating port in India, serving as a gateway for trade with Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan.

Top Shipping Ports in the UAE

Port Name	Location	Key Features
Jebel Ali Port	Dubai	Largest man-made harbor and the busiest port in the Middle East, major global hub for container transshipment.
Port of Fujairah	Fujairah	Only multi-purpose port on the UAE’s eastern coast, strategic location on the Gulf of Oman.
Port Rashid	Dubai	Important hub for cargo and cruise ship operations, close to the city center.
Khalifa Port	Abu Dhabi	Advanced deep-water port, part of Abu Dhabi Ports, handles container, bulk, and general cargo.
Port of Khor Fakkan	Sharjah	One of the most important transshipment hubs, known for its deep waters and strategic location.

Why Moving Solutions to Hire International Relocation Services?

Moving Solutions has established itself as a leading relocation service booking platform in India. Whether you want to move within a city in India or from a city in India to a global city, we can help you select the best relocation service for your budget. Here are the top reasons you can count on.

• Have been in the relocation industry since 2006.
• Partnered with top-notch domestic and international movers.
• Verified credentials like license, registration, reputation, and experience.
• No obligation, free quotes from the top 3 best-matched moving companies.
• Top-notch customer support and fast grievance redressal.
• Total transparency in what we do.
• Easy and fast booking of the best and most affordable moving company.