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Moving Abroad
Travel Documents Needed
When you are moving abroad from the UAE, the travel documents needed are an essential part of your journey. Therefore, preparing ahead can make your move way more enjoyable. Here is a list of the main documents needed for an overseas relocation:
- Passport – Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your planned move date.
- Emirates ID – You’ll need this to cancel services, close accounts, and finalize residency procedures
- Driving license – Keep your UAE license with you. Some countries let you swap it for a local one without redoing tests.
- Vaccination card – If you’ve had vaccinations in the UAE, request an official vaccination certificate (online via DHA or SEHA).
- Academic certificates – Bring your degrees or transcripts, preferably attested by the UAE Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Marriage or divorce certificate (if applicable)
- Birth certificate (yours and/or children’s) – Keep certified copies ready. These are needed for registration, school enrolment, and sometimes health insurance abroad.
- Medical records – Ask your UAE clinic or hospital for a printout of your medical history, prescriptions, allergies, and chronic conditions.
- Work experience letters – Request a letter of recommendation or employment verification from your UAE employer. It’s often required by overseas employers or immigration offices.
Visa Requirements
The visa requirements and types of visas for moving abroad from the UAE depend solely on the destination country. What you are advised to do is to investigate the official governmental websites designated for visa applications.
However, these are the most common visa types you can expect:
- Work visa: You’ll typically need a job offer, and your employer will sponsor your visa. Some countries ask for proof of qualifications, too.
- Student visa: You’ll need an acceptance letter from a university or school, and you might have to show that you can cover your expenses.
- Family or spouse visa: If you’re moving to join a family member abroad, you’ll need documents to prove your relationship.
- Permanent residency: Some countries let you move long-term if you invest or qualify under specific programs.
Request International Moving Quotes
To get price offers from international home removals, you can request up to 5 free international moving quotes from Sirelo.
International Pet Relocation
If you are also carrying out an international pet relocation, there are some things you need to know. Firstly, the technical aspects:
- Vaccination record (Rabies is mandatory)
- Microchip certificate
- Veterinary health certificate (issued within 7–10 days before travel)
- MOCCAE export permit (from the UAE Ministry of Climate Change & Environment)
- Import permit (required by many destination countries)
- IATA-compliant travel crate (mandatory for airline approval)
Secondly, you may be interested in the pet relocation costs. See the table below for a breakdown of estimated costs:
| Destination | Estimated Cost (AED) |
| GCC / Middle East | 3,000 – 6,000 |
| Europe (e.g., UK, Germany) | 7,000 – 15,000 |
| USA / Canada | 10,000 – 16,000 |
| Australia / New Zealand | 12,000 – 20,000+ |
Note: These are mere estimates.
Things to Do Before Moving Abroad
Before you take off towards your new destination, there are some things you need to take care of to have a stress-free relocation:
- Cancel or transfer subscriptions and utility bills: Close accounts for electricity, water, internet, phone, and any local apps or memberships to avoid extra charges after you leave.
- Sort out your housing: Notify your landlord about your move and return the keys. Make sure you get your security deposit back.
- Close or update your bank accounts: Inform your bank of your move, and cancel unused cards.
Moving Furniture Overseas
Moving furniture overseas can be easily done by hiring international relocation services. They handle all your moving needs from packing to loading and even storage solutions.
As a pro tip, calculate the volume of your household goods. This will help you inform the international moving companies in the UAE about the size of your move, which will help you receive moving quotes faster.
International Moving Companies in UAE
The next step in your moving process is finding the best international removal companies. Don’t worry! We collaborate with trusted household removal companies in the UAE:
1 ratings as "Professional"
Check out our article about international moving companies in the UAE for more information.
Living in Another Country
When moving to another country, you must arrange some technicalities, such as mail redirection, updating your postal address, and more.
Checklist Before Moving
Before departure, you should research the country where you plan to move. This will prepare you for a possible cultural shock. Here is what you should look for:
- Research culture differences and customs.
- Jobs and Accommodation abroad: Have everything settled before you start moving.
- Look into the cost of living.
- Check education options.
- Check for medical facilities and healthcare.
- Find out if vaccinations are required.
- If you are moving on a tight budget, compare multiple offers from international movers in the UAE.
Mail Redirection
Once settled in the new location, make sure you complete the following steps:
- Change your address: You must register with the local municipality to officially become a resident.
- Phone subscription: Inform your phone provider about the address change so that you don’t miss out on communication.
- Cancel utilities: Contact your providers and cancel all services that cannot be transferred to the new house.
Health Insurance Abroad
Having health insurance while living abroad is a must, especially when moving overseas from the UAE. As UAE health insurance usually does not offer coverage overseas, you must look into different options:
- Set up health insurance: Most countries require local coverage. UAE plans usually don’t apply abroad. Look into global health insurance or register with a local provider once you arrive at your new home.
- Sort out medications: Bring a medical note and stock up on prescriptions if possible. Check if your meds are allowed and available in the country you’re moving to.
- Understand the healthcare system: Rules vary significantly, and some countries need you to register with a public clinic or GP. Coming from the UAE’s private model, this might take getting used to, so it’s advised to plan ahead.
Moving Money Abroad
When moving internationally from the UAE you will likely encounter a new currency. Moreover, you will need to take care of a few financial things:
- Open a bank account: Once you arrive at your destination, it is advised to set up a local bank account. This will make everything much more accessible.
- Research the tax obligations in the country of your destination.
We recommend you keep an amount of cash with you in case of emergencies.
Best Countries For Foreigners
We prepared a list of the best countries for foreigners to move to, specifically for UAE citizens:
- Canada: Friendly people, and many career opportunities. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a stable and family-friendly environment.
- Australia: Known for its relaxed lifestyle and strong job market, especially if you’re in healthcare, tech, or engineering. English-speaking and easy to settle in.
- USA: Big on opportunity and energy. Great for building a career, exploring new cultures, and starting fresh in a fast-moving, diverse country.
- United Kingdom: Popular with UAE expats thanks to cultural ties, top schools, and global job opportunities. There’s also a strong expat community, which makes the move feel less overwhelming.
How to Pack for an International Move
This step requires significant attention to detail and organization. Luckily for you, we prepared a list of things you need to do to have a relaxed process:
- Packing materials: Some international movers offer packing materials at extra costs. These are necessary to avoid damage.
- Pack everything in boxes: Organize all your furniture based on size, high-value, and fragility. Carefully put them in boxes and seal them tightly.
- Label all items: After putting everything in boxes, label each box so you don’t lose track of your belongings.
- Keep a record: Make a list of all your household goods. This will be necessary for customs clearance.
- Sell your excess: If you have stuff that does not serve you, sell it and earn extra cash.
Moving Abroad Checklist
Follow these final steps for a smooth relocation overseas:
- Research your destination (culture, taxes, cost of living, etc.)
- Calculate the volume of your move. Use our Furniture Volume Calculator for free.
- Request moving quotes from international movers in the UAE.
- Declutter your belongings and start packing ASAP.
- Prepare all your documents and store them safely.
- Have some cash prepared in case of emergencies.
Ready for Moving Abroad?
We hope our article helped you prepare for your international move. For more information, check the FAQ section below.
