FAQs for Foreigners Moving to Paying Taxes Dubai Housing, Jobs.

Central areas, such as Downtown Dubai and Business Bay in Dubai, UAE, grow rapidly in population thanks to an inflow of expats. As demand for real estate in Dubai continues to rise and the amount of available land is rapidly decreasing, developers have begun to use the outskirts of the city for new developments. Each district has unique advantages and a high standard of living, so anyone can find something here to suit every taste.

Below, specialists from Ax Capital have answered the most commonly asked questions that are popular among foreigners planning to relocate to Dubai.

Is it necessary to know the Arabic language to reside in Dubai?

Arabic is the official language of the UAE. It is used mostly on all local signs, TV channels, and newspapers. You can hear many variations of the Arabic dialect on the streets of the metropolis. The Egyptian dialect is particularly famous. That is why foreigners who want to truly integrate into the Emirati culture should learn the language at least at a conversational level.

However, living here will not be difficult for people who do not speak Arabic. Most of the locals are English-speakers. Hospitality and service workers typically speak English, and many businesses use the English language as their main language in the workplace. Also, as the city is very popular with expats. The groups of Indians, Africans, East Asians, French, Germans, Russians, and Spanish speaking their languages can be found here.

How safe is living in Dubai?

Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world. The homicide rate is extremely low in all emirates in comparison with other developed countries. Even petty crimes like pickpocketing and vehicle hijacking are rare in this place.

Expats should keep in mind that a lot of things that are considered normal in the West are considered taboo here and can be actively criminalised. Punishments for certain crimes can be extremely harsh, starting with hefty fines to deportation, imprisonment, and even the death penalty.

The following things are considered illegal:

• shouting, swearing, indecent gestures, and fights;
• drinking alcohol without an alcohol licence;
• drinking alcohol outside or being intoxicated in public places;
• intimate relationships or sleeping in the same bed with someone who is not your legal spouse;
• homosexuality;
• wearing clothes of the opposite sex;
• taking pictures of government buildings or other people without their permission;
• criticising or mocking the Emirati government on the Internet;
• using and distributing drugs.

Job-hunting

There are many websites where foreigners have the opportunity to find a job in this city. The most well-known are Dubai Careers, Dubai Jobs, and GulfTalent. Job-seekers can also contact a recruitment agency such as Perun, Work Emirates, and Global Vision. These companies advise clients on the following matters:

• The list of sought-after specialists;
• Wage ranges;
• Requirements for acquiring a visa and a job offer.

The cost of such agencies’ services can range between AED 700 to 4,000. In some cases, the money spent is returned by the employer.

What to know about corporate culture and salaries in Dubai?

The average working hours are 8 hours a day. Travel and service companies are the only exceptions, with occasional 9 hours working days. The work week starts on Sunday. The days off are Friday and Saturday. The average duration is 30 days a year.

The employee or employer may choose to end the contract after the probation period and after getting a job offer by providing one month’s notice to the other party. In the situation that a contract is cancelled by a worker after less than a year of employment, the employer may ask for recovery of employment-related costs (paperwork, air tickets, etc.).

In the United Arab Emirates, there is no such thing as a minimum wage. The anticipated level of income is influenced by a number of parameters, including education, experience, country, and the employer.

In 2021, the average monthly salary was around AED 14,500-18,500. A maid or nanny can earn between AED 700 and AED 3,000 a month, while an aircraft pilot can earn AED 29,000 to AED 48,000 a month.

How to pay taxes?

Dubai does not levy an income tax or a capital gains tax. This applies to the country’s citizens, foreign residents, and emigrants.

Foreigners may still be subject to their native country’s tax rules, though. For instance, you may be required to pay income tax in your home country if you live in Dubai for less than a complete tax year.

Municipal tax and rental tax must be paid instead of income tax. Every time you purchase anything, you must pay VAT (value-added tax). Tourists must also pay additional fees, such as a departure tax. Therefore, visitors from abroad should be ready to pay these costs.

How to open a bank account?

After arrival, expats should make opening a bank account with a local bank a priority. To do so, five things are needed:

• A passport;
• Documents confirming the employment;
• Letter of no objection from the employer with an indication of position and salary;
• Documents confirming the residence address;
• A document as a recognisable form of identification like Emirates ID.

Do foreigners have to take out health insurance?

Since January 1, 2017, the Dubai government has stopped issuing and renewing visas for residents without medical policies. Employers always cover the cost of their employees’ health insurance. They offer the basic package, which covers up to AED 150,000 per year.However, an employee has the option to accept extended coverage, which would offer more advantages and greater limits.

Currently, employers are not obliged to insure dependents and spouses, so expats will have to take care of this issue themselves. They can use services that offer health insurance plans for families to save money.

How much does Dubai residential property cost in 2022?

Currently, the average price of Dubai real estate is 32% below its peak in 2014. Although there has been a slight increase in the past six months. As in other places around the world, the pandemic has increased demand for large and open-space homes and reduced it for smaller residential units. In 2022, the average cost per square meter is AED 14,328.

How to find housing in Dubai?

The Ax Capital catalogue has a broad range of premium residential properties covering Dubai’s major communities. The assistance of experienced and skills and knowledge will help the client of the agency choose everything he needs, whether it is an apartment with a panoramic view of the city skyline or a villa with a private pool and garden. Additionally, he may rely on complete assistance with the transaction closing procedure and exceptional after-sales care.