A moving to Dubai from Pakistan step-by-step guide in 2023

For quite some time now, Dubai has been widely considered the best city on Earth. The East-West synthesis in terms of culture and way of life is well-known across the globe, as are the lovely compliments that have been established between commerce, generating money, and enjoyment. Due to Dubai’s openness to immigrants from all over the globe, many Pakistanis have made the city their permanent residence.

Making a big life change like relocating to a new area might raise many questions and perhaps some fears. We owe gratitude to Dubai for providing a haven for tens of thousands of travellers every year. Dubai is home to a sizable Pakistani community. Here, we’ll look at the documentation you’ll need to get a visa to travel from Pakistan to Dubai, as well as moving to Dubai from Pakistan step-by-step guide.

What kind of visa will you need for moving to Dubai from Pakistan?

Many Pakistanis have made Dubai their permanent home in recent decades. One-fifth of Dubai’s population, or 400 thousand of people, are Pakistanis. The finest and most crucial thing for a Pakistani seeking to relocate to Dubai or anyplace else is to research the various immigration visa options accessible to them.

Most significantly, Pakistani nationals do not need visas to visit the UAE. To sum up, if you’re a Pakistani citizen and you want to visit Dubai, you’ll need either a Tourist visa or a sponsor who can get a visiting visa for you.

Long-term visit visas to Dubai allow visitors to stay there for longer than 90 days. Please see below for a list of visa options available to Pakistanis who want to extend their time in Dubai.

Employment visa

Your recruiter is responsible for obtaining a Dubai work Visa and permit, which allows Pakistanis to work in Dubai. Visa fraud has occurred, so verify that your employer is legitimate before accepting their sponsorship. If you’re interested in working in Dubai but need more information, check out our complete guide on how to get a job in Dubai.

Freelance visa

You can apply for a freelance visa in the UAE if you are not willing to take part in working for a company and instead want to live and work independently in Dubai. The International Media Production Zone, Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone, Dubai Media City, and Dubai Knowledge Village are just a few examples of visa-granting free zones in Dubai.

Fees and procedures will vary greatly depending on the free zone that is issuing your visa. Then, make sure you get the most up-to-date information on freelance visas in Dubai from the proper authorities.

Dependent visa

Anyone with a current or former Dubai resident status, as well as their spouse, minor children, and parents, are eligible for this visa category. Your spouse must show that he earns at least 4,000 dirhams per month, or 3,000 dirhams if he also provides housing for you.

Retirement visa sponsorship requires a minimum annual income of 20,000 Dirhams from the child. Finally, parents may continue to sponsor their children until they are 18 (or, in the case of females, until they get married).

Student visa

Students admitted to a university or other educational institution in Dubai are eligible for this sort of residency visa. There have also been announcements concerning longer-term visas for graduate students.

Investor visa

People who have established businesses in Dubai are eligible for this visa category.

Property owner visa

Can a UAE resident visa be obtained by purchasing a home in Dubai? To qualify for this visa, applicants must have bought real estate in Dubai or the United Arab Emirates. When applying for this visa, the amount of money spent on the property is considered. When making the click that gives you a purchase to qualify for this visa, be cautious and choose a trustworthy real estate agent like AlKhail Real Estate.

In most situations, you will need to have a medical exam after you are permitted entry into the country and before you can register the residency stamp in your passport.

Prepare documents to move to Dubai from Pakistan

However, you will be responsible for preparing the necessary paperwork, and the organization will handle the rest of the visa application procedure.

You should apply for a National ID card outside of Pakistan after you get a letter of offer from the firm. If you choose expedited service, you may have this procedure done in only seven days. A month is the average time frame if it doesn’t choose a faster route.

If you are a Pakistani national seeking employment outside of Pakistan, your passport must include a Protector’s stamp. You’ll need to bring in some paperwork and visit the Protectorate office to get one. The necessary paperwork includes the following:

• Make two photocopies of your passport
• Visa or entry permit
• NICOP( or a slip verifying you have paid for NICOP)
• Pictures that fit in a passport
• A letter of offer
• A copy of your guardian’s CNIC

Don’t forget about the university degree

A degree from an accredited college or university is also a need. Attestations from the UAE Embassy in Pakistan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFA/MOIAC) follow those from the Higher Education Council (HEC) in Pakistan. The next step is to obtain it authenticated by the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) after you get to Dubai. Though some places will do this for you, we recommend that you complete it yourself to ensure that everything is properly certified.

Ensure the airline dealership completes all necessary steps before the sponsor or corporate provides you with the ticket information. If you’re going to reserve your own ticket, be sure you will need it to get on the plane.

To complete your visa and documentation processes in Dubai, you will need several passport images and copies of your passport. Bring these items with you to speed up the visa application procedure.

Find a good house to stay

The condition of the available housing is a crucial factor to consider when relocating to a new nation. The firm often arranges for an apartment hotel or guest home to be the first living place for employees entering Dubai on a work visa. Sooner or later, you’ll need to start looking for a place to call your own. Consider these guidelines as you travel to the United States from Pakistan in search of a new place to call home.

What will the price of a home in Dubai be in the year 2023?

Despite a little uptick over the previous six months, Knight Frank reports that the average price of a home in Dubai is 32% below its 2014 high. Larger houses, especially those with yards, are in higher demand due to the epidemic, just as they are in other major cities worldwide. In the three months ending in June, the median sale price of a property that sold for over USD 1,000,000 rose 5.3% when compared to the same period a year earlier.

Rent or buy; choose based on your budget

Before deciding where to settle down permanently, most migrants first attempt to find an apartment to rent. There is a wide variety of real estate available for rent in Dubai. If you want to choose the right house for you, all these choices might be frustrating.

Before becoming confused with rental apartments in downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina, it’s vital to think about how much of your wage you can regard as a rental. One rule of thumb is to put away up to 35 per cent of your income for housing costs.

High price for renting, but deserve

Because of Dubai’s luxury reputation, only a few reasonably priced housing options are available there. Also, rent may be paid in yearly or quarterly instalments in Dubai. Monthly rentals are more rare and more costly for tenants because of this. At a time, it was so customary that some employers included housing allowances with regular paychecks.

This would make it easier for you to pay your landlord. Even fewer businesses do this now. You should also include in the cost of DEWA utilities (electricity and water), internet and phone lines, bank fees, agency fees, and the Ejari charge, in addition to the cost of renting a home or apartment.

Know the cost of living before moving to Dubai from Pakistan

You should familiarise yourself with the various costs of living in the UAE by knowing the major costs of living in Dubai article. We advise you to calculate all of these monthly expenses to have a firm starting point from which to negotiate a wage with the company’s management. It would be helpful to have some financial backing to help move expenditures.

Find a good place to rent a house when moving to Dubai from Pakistan

Any nationality may easily find a suitable neighbourhood, home, or apartment in Dubai. We’ll introduce you to some of the places Pakistanis frequent in greater numbers.

Pakistani bachelors flocking to Dubai tend to look for housing in Al Barsha, International City, or Deira. Because there are so many best Pakistani supermarkets in Dubai and this region, and maybe because they are cheaper, we feel obligated to respond in the affirmative.

Top places for Pakistani Residents to rent a house

Emirates Hill, the Spring, and the Meadows are popular among ex-pats who want to see familiar sights from back home in their new home of Dubai, such as the dense clusters of homes in Bahria town, Islamabad.

Those looking for a more homey atmosphere than Askarii 11 in Lahore may find the villas in Mirdif or Arabian Ranches to be a good fit. If you’re searching for anything similar to Clifton’s modern and edgy atmosphere in Karachi, you could like Downtown Dubai or Business Bay.

Dubai apartment rental prices in 2023

Rents decreased in 2021 due to decreased demand for housing caused by the COVID pandemic. The median rental price in Dubai fell by 12 per cent from the same period in 2019. Renting a nice apartment in a good area of town may cost as much as £15,000 per year, and that’s before utilities, taxes, or anything else is included in.

Top Pakistani brands for those moving to Dubai from Pakistan

Dubai is a great place to find well-known Pakistani brands and items because Dubai is home to many Pakistani immigrants. They have it all, whether it’s Shan spice mixes, Mitchell’s chutneys, or the latest in Pakistani fashion.

Schools in Dubai for Pakistanis moving to Dubai

Various schools may be found near Dubai’s residential areas, so parents need not worry about sending their children to an unfamiliar institution. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), students may enrol in a wide range of foreign study programmes.

Those who would like to give their children a more traditional upbringing have access to Pakistani educational institutions in addition to the International Baccalaureate, the General Certificate of Secondary Education, and the American school systems. Also, there are many top schools in the Al Barsha district, a well-established region for Pakistanis.

Pay attention to the enrollment process

Some schools need Arabic classes, but don’t panic — there’s usually support available for your kids if that’s the case. Find out as much as possible about your target institution’s admissions process. When inquiring about a school, be sure to inquire about the start of the enrollment period and the school year.

The cost of attending a school may vary widely due to differences in administration and the range of services offered. You should check all the options and enrol your kid in the best school possible. Numerous daycare centres for infants and toddlers may be found near neighbourhoods.

How is Dubai’s international education system?

Dubai is home to several private, international institutions of education. The National Curriculum of England is used by certain schools that adhere to the British educational model. Some schools use the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, while others use the public school curricula of the United States, India, or the United Arab Emirates. You can also find the best British schools in Dubai.

Children attending foreign schools in Dubai will also have the option to take courses in Arabic, Islamic studies, and United Arab Emirates (UAE) history and government since these are part of the local curriculum.

Top Pakistani restaurant for Pakistanis

You may readily discover Pakistani eateries in Dubai, and it’s worth noting that Pakistani food is a favourite of other migrants there. In Dubai, ex-pats may get authentic Pakistani cuisine at The Daily Restaurant, Spinzer, Karachi Darbar, and other eateries. You can also send your child to the best schools in Al Qusais Dubai.

Don’t stress if you want to cook your favourite Pakistani dishes at home since you won’t need any special ingredients because you can find Pakistani stores.

Hospitals and health rules for Pakistanis in Dubai

Insurance covering medical expenses is mandatory for obtaining a resident visa in the United Arab Emirates. The firm that sponsored your work visa in Dubai is legally obligated to pay for your medical coverage while you are working there.

If your spouse is willing to act as your sponsor in Dubai, you and your dependents are eligible for coverage under the same health insurance plan as your spouse. But if you’re in Dubai on one of those visas, you must ensure you’re covered. You should exercise caution and investigate all the possibilities covered by your insurance. If you want to avoid unpleasant financial surprises, taking care of any uninsured choices is a good idea.

Medicine and pharmacies in Dubai

After issuing your health insurance, you’ll get a health insurance card from one of these centres. Bring this card with you to the hospital so that you may be properly reimbursed for your medical services. Aster, Mediclinic, Medeor, and Saudi German are just a few of Dubai’s excellent medical facilities.

In and surrounding neighbourhoods, you may find a lot of reliable pharmacies. A headache is not your concern just because you bought some medicines. It’s important to be aware of the medications that are prohibited in the United Arab Emirates.

Don’t bring every kind of medicine

Even if a doctor back home has given you the green light to take a certain medicine, doing so is against the law in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), no matter how legitimate the prescription may be. It is a good idea to know all the Do’s and Don’ts of visiting Dubai to have safe travel to this city.

Move to Dubai from Pakistan and get around the city

Travelling about Dubai and from one neighbourhood to another is a breeze for everybody, not just Pakistanis. With Dubai’s extensive bus and taxi system, the Dubai Metro allows you to travel between the city’s neighbourhoods easily.

The NOL card may be used to buy cannabis and metro rides. You have a few alternatives if you choose to take a cab to your destination in Dubai, and the RTA, Uber, and Careem are all rather popular. However, if you want to save money on taxi rides, RTA is your best bet.

Get your driving license in Dubai

You must take and pass a written test to get your driver’s licence in Dubai. You may be excluded from certain requirements to study in Dubai if you already possess a valid driver’s licence from your native country. An automobile purchase requires registration, which can only be done after acquiring a driver’s licence.

If you have to travel daily to work, it’s important to choose a location to stay where you will avoid getting stuck in traffic.

Lifestyle and entertainment for Pakistanis in Dubai

Dubai is always busy because of the constant stream of events that take place there. Many Pakistani immigrants are eager to attend concerts featuring musicians from their own country. The names of Arif Lohar, Atif Aslam, and Rahat Fatih Ali Khan were formerly warmly received due to their great singing.

Enjoy top sports and Super League

If you’re a cricket enthusiast, you may be interested to hear that Dubai hosted a significant number of the most recent Pakistan Super League. As a result, during PES season, you may see your favourite players all around town. Also, you can attend the best cricket academies in Dubai and learn this sport.

For shoppers, Dubai has several malls stocked with every major international brand. In addition, we are obligated to mention that you may find the Pakistani clothing brand Khaadi, Nishat linen, and J J in Dubai if you are interested in authentic Pakistani fashion.

How much does it cost to transport my stuff to Dubai from Pakistan?

The cost of shipping household goods to a foreign nation is high in general, and since Dubai sits at the very tip of the Arabian peninsula, shipping them by van or truck is only possible.

Therefore, consider shipping your stuff via air or water. Depending on how much you’re transporting and how much stuff you’re bringing, this may cost several thousand dollars.

Because of this, many ex-pat families in Dubai choose to lease completely equipped properties.

Will living in Dubai need Arabic?

In Dubai, Arabic is spoken as the main language. Standard Arabic is used on most public displays and in the media. Yet, many distinct Arabic dialects are spoken on the streets, with Egyptian Arabic among the most numerous.

Therefore, you should acquire at least enough Arabic for basic conversation to immerse yourself in Arabic culture fully. However, you must learn basic Arabic words and phrases in Dubai.

English language in Dubai

However, English is widely spoken and understood across Dubai, so this is fine. Workers in the hospitality and service industries are trained to communicate with customers in English, and many firms speak English well. In addition to the usual suspects of French, German, and Spanish, you may also hear speakers of languages from India, Africa, and East Asia.

The process of opening a bank account in Dubai when moving to Dubai from Pakistan

While opening a bank account in Dubai is easy, it should be one of your first priorities once you get there.

There are five requirements for opening a bank account.

A passport

• Employment Verification
• A work role and compensation letter from your company
• Identification and verification of residence
• One acceptable local ID, such as an Emirates ID.

Is it safe to move to Dubai from Pakistan?

In a word, yes. When it comes to violent crime, Dubai is surprisingly quiet. Overall, the United Arab Emirates has a low crime rate compared to other wealthy countries. Petty crimes like pickpocketing and car theft are uncommon in Dubai. A staggering 92% of Dubai’s population is made up of foreign nationals.

It’s not the criminals that provide a problem, but rather the local legislation. It’s common knowledge that many practices that are accepted in the West are not just illegal but actively criminalized in Dubai. Several crimes carry the death penalty or life in prison without parole as a minimum punishment.

How important is a job offer in getting Pakistanis to Dubai?

To sustain yourself in Dubai, you won’t have to be working, but you should try to get a job there before you go there.

In addition to helping you pay for the unexpectedly expensive rentals in Dubai, having a job also means your employer is responsible for paying for your visa and health insurance. Many local services, like opening a bank account, will also want evidence of work.

Ways to apply for a Dubai visit Visa from Pakistan

Just as there are several visa options, there are also numerous methods to apply for a visa. An aspect that sets the Dubai Tourist Visa for Pakistanis apart is that it may be obtained via various channels.

You may apply for a Visit Visa from a hotel or travel agency, or you can use Atlys to receive a 30-day Tourist Visa for Dubai on your own. You may get a tourist visa to Dubai in a number of different methods, including:

Tourist Visa for Dubai Via Airline

You must fulfil the requirements of your specific airline before they can arrange your visa. Flying with them is a must. You may apply for a visa on their websites once you have purchased your plane ticket. These airlines can help you get a visa:

• Etihad Airways
• Emirates Airline
• Fly Dubai
• Air Arabia

Dubai tourist Visa through agencies and hotels

Tourist visas for Dubai may be arranged for nationals of Pakistan via authorised UAE travel agencies and hotels. You may only do this if you buy your plane ticket from them and always stay at the same hotel.

Tourists interested in learning more about the vacation packages offered by Pakistani travel companies in conjunction with UAE-based tour operators may do so by contacting such businesses directly. This will guarantee that you have the funds for your whole vacation and that all of the necessary arrangements have been made in Pakistan before you leave for Dubai.

Dubai tourist Visa through Pakistan’s travel agencies

Pakistan’s travel agencies are also a good resource for help or to apply for a visa on your behalf. Pakistanis must provide the appropriate paperwork to apply for a tourist visa to Dubai.

Verifying the legitimacy of a travel agency’s website is a must. Only send money or copies of your identification to the trip operator if you are certain of their legitimacy.

Apply for a tourist Visa yourself

There are a few options available to you when applying for a Tourist Visa. The majority of these are conducted solely online, making it convenient to apply from the convenience of your own home.

How to apply for a tourist Visa to move to Dubai from Pakistan?

You may apply for a visa from the convenience of your own home using Atlys or one of the other methods listed above. You may easily apply for your Tourist Visa on your own, without the help of the airlines. You don’t need any help from anybody else to do this.

If you follow my simple instructions, you’ll obtain your visa in no time. We will be concentrating on airline-based applications for this blog.

Select your Visa

You must choose which kind of Dubai tourist visa suits your travel plans and requirements for Pakistanis. Next, you’ll need to compile the necessary paperwork to submit electronically or mail to the appropriate government, depending on the visa you’re applying for.

Moreover, your visa application requirements may change, so be sure to check with the consulate or embassy ahead of time.

Specify your application method

Pick the best method for you in terms of time and effort. You may apply for your visa in a variety of ways, including via the UAE embassy’s website, a visa agent, or a travel agency.

Submit the visa application and papers

To apply for an Emirates visa, you must first choose your nationality, submit supporting papers, and fill out an application form. When applying online, you’ll need to provide details like your email address, the reason for your trip, and the planned departure and arrival dates.

You’ll also have to provide an ID picture, passport scan, and national photo ID. If you’re applying via a service, they’ll handle every step of the visa process for you. You should just submit the proper paperwork to them.

Verify information

The next step is to review the data you entered into the website. If you made a typo or missed an important detail, you need to fix it. When applying via a third party, you can verify all information and communicate with the proper party.

Pay for the visa cost

The last step in applying for a visa to the United Arab Emirates is to pay the visa cost. If you want to apply for a visa, you’ll have to fork up money according to the sort of visa you want.

Let’s pretend you’re applying with the help of a middleman. In such a situation, you may be required to pay for extra services in addition to the visa application expenses.

Visa acceptance

Your visa application will be processed, and you will get an email notification after it has been accepted. When your visa is accepted, the agent or tour company you applied through will contact you.

Online Visa status check for moving to Dubai from Pakistan

If a Pakistani citizen or their family member in the UAE applies for a visa online, they may check the status of their application via one of the provided websites. Pakistanis interested in checking the status of their Dubai visitor visa may do so at one of the following locations.

“ICP Smart Services”

Friends and relatives may use a file number to verify the visa status on the ICP eChannel website.

Emirates visa website

Pakistani nationals may use the emirates visa website to track the progress of their visa application. You’ll need the reference number to see where your visa application stands.

Atlys

The whole application process will be communicated to you via Atlys. Obtaining a visa is another service that can be completed almost entirely inside the Atlys app.

A Pakistani citizen must go to that airline’s website to check the status of a visa for Dubai submitted by a different airline.

How Long does it take to get a tourist Visa to move to Dubai from Pakistan?

You probably want to know how long it will take to have your visa application processed. While every situation is unique, visas typically take three to four working days to complete before being issued (not including weekends or UAE holidays). Also, the turnaround period for expedited visa applications is only 36 hours (Monday through Friday, except Saturdays, Sundays, and UAE holidays).

Remember that the visa processing period may vary based on the application method. If you apply for a visa via Emirates, you can get it within 48 hours.

When should you get a Dubai visit Visa in Pakistan?

In order to get a visa, you need to plan beforehand. If Pakistani nationals are applying for a visa via the embassy’s Consular division, they should begin the procedure at least 14 days before to their departure date. Monday through Friday, in Pakistan, the embassy’s Consular Section is open from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.

You should apply for your Dubai tourist visa as early as you have all the documentation since the Emirates online application procedure might take more than three business days. The Visa Section must receive all visa applications during the following times:

UAE Pakistanis applying for a UAE visa after 1 PM would have to wait until the next business day for their application to be completed.

Can a Pakistani tourist Visa be extended in Dubai?

Yes. Visa extensions for Pakistani nationals may be obtained in Dubai. Visitor visas of either 30 or 90 days may be extended twice. The first extension period is 30 days, and the second extension period is 20 days from the original visa’s expiration date.

Tourists and visitors may extend their visas by filling out an application and paying the standard fee of AED 850 for each renewal. Those who overstay their visas without renewing them will be subject to a fine of AED 100 per day beginning ten days after their visa has expired.

Tips to know for moving to Dubai from Pakistan

Read on for some advice before moving to Dubai from Pakistan:

• While Dubai is known for its scorching heat, indoor areas like malls actually stay rather cool.
• It’s a good idea to pick up the rudiments of the language in each nation you visit. But if you want to live in Dubai, you won’t need to know Arabic.
• Never provide your passport to your employer, no matter how tempting it may seem.
• Your UAE ID card is necessary for most government-related activities, so keep it with you at all times.
• Have your automobile insurance card with you at all times when driving; if an accident occurs, the police will need it.
• Most neighbourhoods in Dubai also have a mosque. Dubai is also home to a small number of churches and temples.
• Umm Hurair, Bur Dubai, is home to the Pakistani consulate. You may reach them at +971-4-397-3600.

Conclusion

We appreciate your sticking with the article until the very end. This article offered a moving to Dubai from Pakistan step-by-step guide as well as the daily lives of Pakistanis living there. Given the large population of Pakistanis living in Dubai, the city provides a welcoming environment.

Whenever you decide to relocate, simply make sure you have the assurance of international health insurance.

FAQs

It’s time to answer some of the most frequently asked questions:

How long does it take to go from Pakistan to Dubai?

The flight time from Pakistan to Dubai is around 2 hours.

How much does a Pakistani trip to Dubai cost?

The fees depend on the cost you pay for the tickets and where you want to stay. The typical cost might be between 50,000 and 100,000 PKR. If you want it to be less pricey, you may take tours in Pakistan for Dubai.