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Free tool
UAE Setup Cost Calculator
Estimate your one-off and first-month costs of moving to the UAE. Toggle items on / off and adjust values to match your situation.
Estimated total setup cost
AED 52,060
≈ £11,077 at AED 4.7/£
Who's moving?
Visa & legal
AED 6,990Range: AED 2,500-5,000
Range: AED 270-470
Range: AED 250-450
Range: AED 2,000-4,000optional
Range: AED 80-160optional
Housing
AED 36,220Range: AED 5,000-20,000+
Range: AED 10,000-60,000+
Range: AED 180-280optional
Range: AED 5,000-40,000optional
Transport
AED 600Range: AED 300-600optional
Range: AED 20,000-80,000+optional
Range: AED 100-300optional
Banking
AED 3,000Range: AED 0-10,000
Health
-Range: AED 3,000-15,000/yroptional
Telecoms
AED 250Range: AED 150-400
Shipping
-Range: AED 12,000-28,000optional
Schools
-Range: AED 1,500-5,000optional
Range: AED 800-2,000optional
Other
AED 5,000Range: AED 3,000-10,000optional
Cost summary
Visa & legalAED 6,990
HousingAED 36,220
TransportAED 600
BankingAED 3,000
TelecomsAED 250
OtherAED 5,000
TotalAED 52,060
Approximate GBP equivalent: £11,077 (at AED 4.7/£)
These are estimates only. Costs vary significantly by emirate, employer, lifestyle, and timing. Many employers cover visa fees, health insurance, and sometimes school fees — always negotiate these as part of your package. Rent advance and deposits are the biggest first-year cash burden: budget AED 30,000-80,000+ upfront depending on where you live.
Want to negotiate setup costs into your package?
A strategy session covers what to negotiate, how to ask, and what UAE employers expect — from school fees to housing allowances.
Book a strategy session