Moving Costs for London Expats Relocating to Dubai
Relocating from London to Dubai requires many costs to be analyzed in depth for success. This guide references the breakdown of expenditures related to the movement of household goods and the creation of a new home.
1. Shipping and Moving Costs
Shipping Household Goods:
- Cost Estimates: Shipping expenses can be determined by the amount of goods and the transport method (air or water). A 20-foot container shipped from the capital of the UK to Dubai could run between £3,000 and £5,000 (AED 14,000 to AED 24,000).
- Air Freight: As for quicker but more expensive alternatives, the price of air freight is a lot higher, normally weighed out per kilogram. The price can be from £5 to £10 per kilogram (AED 24 to AED 48 per kilogram).
Packing and Unpacking Services:
- Professional Movers: The addition of professional movers for the packing and unpacking process can boost the cost. Costs for this service may run between £1,000 and £2,000 (AED 4,800 to AED 9,500), contingent on the number of belongings and the kind of service needed
2. Travel Expenses
Flight Tickets:
- Cost Estimates: The standard expense for economy class flights from London to Dubai amounts to around £300 to £600 (AED 1,400 to AED 2,800) depending on both the airline and the booking time.
- Business Class: The convenience of business class travel carries prices through the range of approximately £2,000 to £4,000 (AED 9,500 to AED 19,000).
Temporary Accommodation:
- Hotels and Short-Term Rentals: As they come into any new area, expatriates will possibly require short-term housing until they can locate long-term housing options. Short-term rentals and hotels come with costs that are quite different, but a moderately priced hotel may cost between AED 300 and AED 700 per night (i.e., approximately GBP 60 to GBP 140).
3. Visa and Legal Fees
Residency Visa:
- Employment Visa: Customarily paid for by the employer, but for understanding, the overall expense might be anywhere from AED 1,000 to AED 2,000 (GBP 200 to GBP 400) for processing, medical tests, and Emirates ID.
- Family Visa: If one intends to travel with family members, their visas may involve additional expenses. Each family member’s visa can cost between AED 700 to AED 1,500 (GBP 140 to GBP 300).
4. Initial Living Expenses
Rent and Security Deposit:
- Initial Rent Payments: Dubai residents can pay their rent either quarterly or annually. Payments at the beginning can consist of rent for a few months beforehand alongside a security deposit usually equaling one month’s rent. In the city center, the average rent for one-bedroom apartments is roughly AED 7,927 (GBP 1,600).
- Security Deposit: Usually on par with this month’s rent.
Furniture and Household Items:
- Furnishing New Home: Dubai is often the choice for those looking to upgrade their homes without breaking the bank. For a basic furnishing of a one-bedroom apartment, you may see prices from AED 10,000 to AED 20,000 (GBP 2,000 to GBP 4,000).
5. Miscellaneous Costs
Car Purchase or Lease:
- Buying a Car: A new car’s cost can vary considerably. As an example, a Toyota Corolla can be purchased at a price of about AED 70,000 (GBP 14,000). Further, leasing options are available that include maintenance and insurance.
- Car Insurance: Typically around 3-5% of the car’s value per year is required if buying a car.
Insurance:
- Health Insurance: The amount of health insurance coverage can change from AED 5,000 to AED 15,000 each year, equivalent to GBP 1,000 to GBP 3,000.
- Home Insurance: Additionally, but encouraged, with a typical price of approximately AED 1,000 to AED 2,000 annually (GBP 200 to GBP 400).
Basically, the following expenses are incurred in the process of relocating from London to Dubai: shipping, traveling, visa and initial living costs. Pre identification of these costs prior to the relocation process will assist in averted any complications. All these factors should be taken into account and expats should ensure they sought for the services of a professional to help them through the process of international assignment.