Your practical guide to United Arab Emirates

1. 11. Confirm category and emirate with the sponsor or employer; Dubai may use GDRFA rather than the same channel as other emirates.
2. 22. Complete the category requirements, medical screening and required health cover.
3. 33. The authorised party submits residence through the competent authority, linked to the ID application as required.
4. 44. Review the application and attachments, pay official fees and track residence and ID issuance.

This is a residence route, not a visit visa; eligibility and channels depend on the emirate and circumstances.

1. 11. Open ICP New Identity Card Issuance and select citizen, GCC or resident category.
2. 22. Provide the details and attachments; resident ID is linked to residence under the unified application.
3. 33. Complete biometric enrolment if requested and pay the displayed fees.
4. 44. Track status and delivery through ICP and check name and details on receipt.

GCC and non-GCC resident requirements differ. Select your actual category rather than assuming document exemptions.

1. 11. Choose your emirate’s licensing authority and check whether you need training or qualify for exchange.
2. 22. Open the traffic file and complete eye testing and documents through authorised providers.
3. 33. For a new licence, complete the training and tests set by the authority.
4. 44. After approval, pay fees and follow the emirate-specific issuance and collection process.

Exchange depends on issuing country, nationality and local conditions; do not assume visitor driving arrangements continue after residence status changes.

1. 11. Choose a salary or minimum-balance account and review product eligibility and tariff.
2. 22. Check the bank’s document list and whether digital or branch application is available.
3. 33. Complete the official application, identity checks and customer/income information.
4. 44. After approval, keep the IBAN, review fall-below charges and activate the required channels.

The Emirates NBD page is a specific product example; approval and balance conditions vary across products.

1. 11. Choose emirate, activity and mainland or free-zone setup before comparing costs.
2. 22. Check legal form and ownership eligibility, then request the trade name and initial approval as required.
3. 33. Complete formation documents, premises and sector approvals needed for the activity.
4. 44. Apply for the licence with the competent authority, then review separate operational, tax and employment obligations.

The Dubai guide is emirate-specific; it does not represent every emirate or free zone’s costs or process.

1. 11. Identify your applicable programme and who arranges cover with your employer or sponsor.
2. 22. Use the government guide to find the healthcare authority or insurer relevant to your emirate.
3. 33. Check policy validity, provider network, co-payments and family coverage before booking care.

A health card does not automatically equal comprehensive insurance; programmes and eligibility vary by emirate and category.

1. 11. Review the lease, deposit, instalments and included utilities, and identify the local registration system.
2. 22. In Dubai, complete Ejari then review the property’s DEWA Move-in request.
3. 33. Submit or complete utility activation and deposit with the local provider; outside Dubai use your emirate’s authority.
4. 44. Track activation and keep account numbers, meter readings and deposit receipts.

DEWA and Ejari are Dubai-specific and should not be applied to Abu Dhabi, Sharjah or other emirates.