Save Money When Moving to Dubai — A UK-to-Dubai Relocation Guide

Relocating overseas is an adventure — and doing so while keeping an eye on cost is smart. If you are moving to Dubai, particularly moving to Dubai from the UK, the opportunity is exciting: zero income tax, a vibrant lifestyle, world-class infrastructure. But without the right preparation, the costs can stack up quickly. For expats relocating to Dubai, being legally and financially well-positioned makes all the difference. At MAR Legal, our legal team advises UK nationals on these exact moves, helping you to save money, avoid pitfalls and secure your future with confidence.

In this article you’ll find the top ten considerations (in order of importance) that will help you save money when moving to Dubai from the UK — plus additional sections you’ll find relevant, and a FAQ section to round things out.

Top Ten Considerations (in order of importance)

1. Residency & visa costs

Before you move, ensure you understand the type of visa you will need. Whether it’s an employment visa, investor visa, freelance visa or golden visa — each has different costs, conditions and renewal burdens.

MAR Legal Can help to get the correct category from the outset avoids expensive changes later.

2. Tax residence status in the UK

One of the biggest cost-savers is managing your UK tax residence correctly. If you remain UK resident when you think you’ll be non-resident, you may face unexpected tax bills: income tax, capital gains tax or even UK inheritance tax. Our legal team helps ensure your UK departure is properly supported and your UK tax affairs are closed or structured appropriately.

3. UK pension and savings structuring

Many moving to Dubai will have UK pensions or savings. It pays to get advice early on whether to leave your UK pension as is, transfer it (if eligible), or restructure. The wrong choice can incur additional tax or fees that reduce your savings. Utilise legal and financial planning together.

4. Property decisions: keep, sell or rent your UK home

If you own property in the UK, you need to decide whether to sell, keep as a UK let, or transfer to family. Keeping it has tax implications (UK rental income tax, CGT, inheritance tax) and can tie up funds you might otherwise use in Dubai. Our legal team can coordinate with tax/financial advisers to identify the most cost-effective route.

5. Tenancy and property costs in Dubai

Dubai’s rental market has major variation. From one-year leases paid up front to community fees and DEWA utility costs, you’ll want to negotiate well. Choosing an area that offers value (rather than prestige only) is key. Budget for annual service charges, possible rises in rent, and ensure your tenancy contract is reviewed by legal counsel so you aren’t caught out.

6. Healthcare and insurance costs

While the lifestyle in Dubai is excellent, you must factor in mandatory health insurance, possible medical screening, private healthcare costs, and any family coverage. The legal team can assist to check what contracts mean (for example with employer-sponsored schemes) and help you compare.

7. Banking, money transfer and currency strategy

Expatriates often lose money through sub-optimal currency exchange, transfer fees or not planning for capital repatriation. A good money-transfer strategy and understanding UK/UAE banking mechanics will save you hundreds or thousands. Our legal team works with trusted partners who specialise in cost-effective international transfers.

8. Estate planning and wills across two jurisdictions

If you’re moving to Dubai and have assets in both the UK and UAE, you’ll need estate planning that covers both. Without the right arrangements, you may face delays, higher costs or legal uncertainty. For example, a DIFC Wills & Probate Registry-compliant Will may be necessary to protect your UAE assets. Getting this set up early yields cost savings, peace of mind and ensures your estate is handled efficiently. MAR Legal can provide further information and help on completing this here.

9. Schooling and family living costs

Many expats moving to Dubai from the UK bring families. School fees for private British-curriculum schools, relocation costs for children, extra travel or after-school activities can add up. Early budgeting, choosing the right school, and integrating these costs in your move strategy will reduce surprises.

10. Exit strategy and future flexibility

It’s easy to focus solely on the move-in phase. But you should also plan for exit or further relocation: resale of property, future UK tax or inheritance rules, changes in UAE visa rules, or returning to the UK. Legal advice now can reduce future costs. Building flexibility into your move ensures you don’t end up locked into expensive commitments.

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Quick Move-In Cost Checklist

From an employer’s perspective, a settlement agreement is a strategic business protection tool. Here are the main reasons why employers use them:

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How our legal team supports your move

When you’re moving to Dubai and considering the transition from the UK, having trusted legal advice is more than just a ‘nice-to-have’ — it’s a key cost-saving measure.

Our legal team at MAR Legal offers:

• Full review of your UK tax residence and advice on legal structuring for departure.
• Coordination with tax/financial advisers on pensions, savings and investment.
• Drafting and registration of UAE-compliant wills (including for assets in Dubai International Financial Centre) to ensure your estate is handled seamlessly across jurisdictions. For more information MAR Legal can advise here.
• Review of property leases and purchases in Dubai, ensuring contracts are clear and your rights are protected — helping you avoid hidden future costs.
• Assistance with attestation of UK documents and translation where needed for UAE applications. For More information MAR LEgal can advise here.
• Ongoing advice in case your plans change, helping you adapt without incurring penalties or extra costs.

By engaging specialist legal support early, you often save more than the cost of advice by avoiding mistakes, delays and unnecessary tax charges.

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Common Costing Pitfalls to Avoid

• Ignoring the UK tax residence rules and assuming you are automatically non-resident.
• Signing a Dubai tenancy agreement without checking service charges, renewal terms or hidden fees.
• Delaying estate planning — especially for your UAE assets — meaning guardianship or asset transfer becomes expensive or uncertain.
• Neglecting to compare bank transfer rates or incurring large fees on moving money.
• Over-committing to luxury property or schools without factoring future inflation or currency fluctuations.
• Failing to keep future flexibility — for example being tied to a one-year lease when you may want to move sooner.

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How MAR Legal Can Help When Moving to Dubai

At MAR Legal, our international legal team supports individuals, families, and professionals moving to Dubai or relocating from the UK by providing expert legal guidance that saves time, money, and stress.

We provide:

• Comprehensive relocation advice – helping you understand visa options, residency rules, and essential documentation before you move, ensuring a smooth legal transition.
• Cross-border planning – coordinating your UK tax, property, pension, and estate affairs so your assets and liabilities are correctly managed across both jurisdictions.
• Property and tenancy protection – reviewing Dubai property contracts or tenancy agreements to safeguard your rights and avoid costly misunderstandings.
• Estate and succession planning – drafting UAE-compliant Wills (including DIFC Wills) and aligning them with your UK Will to protect your family and wealth internationally.
• Document attestation and legalisation – managing all required certifications and translations for use in the UAE, reducing delays and administrative costs.
• Ongoing legal support – advising you on employment, family, and financial matters once you’ve settled in Dubai, ensuring continued compliance and peace of mind.

Whether you’re an individual professional, entrepreneur, or family relocating for work or lifestyle, MAR Legal can help you make the move with confidence, clarity, and cost-efficiency.re a small business, multinational company, or startup expanding internationally, MAR Legal’s law team ensures your agreements are watertight, fair, and future-proof.

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Conclusion

Moving to Dubai from the UK is a major life decision, but when done with foresight and the right legal support, it can also lead to meaningful savings and peace of mind. As we’ve seen, from visa and tax planning, through property and estate planning, to educational and banking decisions — each step offers an opportunity to save money and avoid costly mis-steps.

At MAR Legal, our legal team specialises in guiding UK nationals and their families through exactly these moves: ensuring you are compliant, secure and cost-efficient from Day One. If you’re planning your relocation, now is the time to act smartly.

FAQs about Moving to Dubai