PE Teacher (Primary & Secondary)
Relocating to United Arab Emirates
Official UK Government guidance for British nationals
Everything you need to know about moving to United Arab Emiratesâ from visas and healthcare to tax, pensions, and daily life. This information is sourced directly from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
Getting help with living in the UAE
Help from the UAE governmentÂ
For any questions about moving to or living in the UAE, you may be able to get help from the:Â
The UK government and the British Embassies in Dubai and Abu Dhabi cannot give personalised advice on moving to, living or retiring in the UAE.Â
Professional help in the UAEÂ Â
You can also get help from English-speaking professionals in the UAE, including:Â Â
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lawyersÂ
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translatorsÂ
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notaries Â
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funeral directors Â
Help from the UK government Â
Read the travel advice for the UAE to understand the risks you may face if you live in or visit the UAE. This includes the latest information on:Â Â
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visas and entry requirements Â
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laws and cultural differencesÂ
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safety and securityÂ
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. Â
Get help from the UK government abroad, including in an emergency. Â
Visas, residency and citizenship
Make sure you meet the entry requirements for the UAE before you travel. Â
Visas and residence permits Â
Check which visa or residence permit you need to live in the UAE. Â
You can get a visa to:Â Â
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work Â
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studyÂ
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retireÂ
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invest or do business Â
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live with family Â
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search for a jobÂ
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get medical treatmentÂ
If you want to extend your visa, read guidance on UAE residence visas.  Â
For more information:Â Â
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read the UAE governmentâs frequently asked questions about UAE visas Â
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use the Ask UAE serviceÂ
Registering as a residentÂ
All residents in the UAE must have an Emirates ID card. You should receive this along with your residence visa. Â
If you have any problems or questions about getting your Emirates ID, contact the:Â Â
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Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port SecurityÂ
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relevant UAE Customer Happiness CentreÂ
Permanent residency Â
You can apply for long-term residency in the UAE if you meet the eligibility criteria. For more information, read guidance on UAE residence visas. Â Â
To find out if youâre eligible and how to apply, contact the:Â Â
Citizenship Â
The UAE recognises dual citizenship in certain cases. This means that you may not have to give up (renounce) your British citizenship to become an Emirati (UAE) citizen. Â
To find out if youâre eligible for Emirati citizenship:Â Â
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read guidance on Emirati nationality Â
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contact the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port SecurityÂ
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contact the Embassy of the UAE in LondonÂ
Help with visa, residency and citizenship applicationsÂ
The British Embassies in Dubai and Abu Dhabi cannot help with UAE visa and residency applications. Â
For any questions or issues, contact:Â Â
Passports
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:Â Â
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apply for a British passport from abroadÂ
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travel urgently without your British passportÂ
Dual citizens travelling to the UKÂ
When travelling to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. Read guidance on dual citizenship.
Healthcare in the UAE
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:Â Â
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plan your healthcareÂ
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take medicine abroadÂ
The UAE does not have a reciprocal health agreement with the UK. Â
Make sure you have appropriate health insurance to cover any healthcare costs. You can get insurance through your employer, or from UAE or international providers. Â
Employers in Abu Dhabi and Dubai are legally required to provide health insurance to their employees. Â
To find out how to get medical treatment:Â Â
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contact your insurance provider Â
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read the UAE governmentâs guidance on health and fitness in the UAEÂ
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read guidance on health in the UAEÂ Â
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find English-speaking medical facilities and doctors for British nationals in the UAEÂ
Working in the UAE
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers working abroad, including documents you may need from the UK government.Â
To work in the UAE, you need a visa or residence permit. The UAE government explains the different visas and residence permits available to you. Â
The retirement age for expatriates working in theâŻUAEâŻprivate sector is 60. However, you can apply for 2-year extensions to work up to the age of 65 through theâŻMinistry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.Â
Recognition of qualificationsÂ
If you want to work in the UAE, you may need to get your foreign qualifications recognised. You can check with the âŻBritish Council in theâŻUAE⯠if yourâŻUKâŻqualifications are recognised.Â
Driving in the UAE
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:Â Â
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drive abroad legallyÂ
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take your UK vehicle abroad Â
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get driving licence lettersÂ
Read about road travel in the UAE, in safety and security in the travel advice for the UAE. This covers driving in the UAE, including driving licence rules.Â
The UAE government provides information on transportation in the UAE, including:Â Â
Disabled driversÂ
You may be able to apply for a UAE disabled parking card. For more information, read guidance on accessible transport and parking in the UAE.Â
If you have a UK Blue Badge and live in the UAE, you must return it to the original UK issuing authority. Â
Tax
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers tax, including paying UK tax and National Insurance.   Â
The UK has a double taxation agreement with the UAE so that you do not pay tax on the same income in both countries.Â
The UAE does not have income tax on salaries or wages. Depending on the Emirate, there may be:Â Â
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taxes on some services and goodsÂ
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municipal taxesÂ
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customs dutiesÂ
Contact theâŻMinistry of Finance for any questions about corporation tax. Â
Consider getting professional advice on paying tax in the UAE. To do this, find an English-speaking lawyer in the UAE. Â
Pensions
Claiming your UK pensionÂ
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers:Â Â
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how to claim your UK State PensionÂ
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where the UK government pays an annual increase in the State PensionÂ
Claiming a UAE pensionÂ
Only UAE citizens can claim a UAE pension. You may be eligible for end of service benefits if you have worked in the UAE. Â
Benefits
Claiming UK benefits Â
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to claim UK benefits abroad, including Child Benefit.  Â
Claiming UAE benefits Â
Only UAE citizens are eligible to claim social welfare benefits. Â
Buying and renting property in the UAE
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers buying and renting property abroad.   Â
You can also read guidance on:Â Â
Contact an English-speaking lawyer in the UAE if youâre considering buying property or land.Â
Studying in the UAE
If you plan to study in the UAE, you must meet all visa requirements before you travel. Â
For more information:Â Â
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read the UAE governmentâs information on higher education in the UAEÂ
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read guidance on travel grants for students studying abroad or on placements (England)Â Â
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contact your higher education provider in the UK or the UAEÂ Â
Children
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers moving abroad with children, including:Â Â
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getting permission to take your child abroad Â
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claiming UK Child Benefit abroadÂ
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child maintenance payments if a parent lives abroadÂ
Schools and educationÂ
The UAE government provides information about the school system in the UAE.  Â
All children aged 6 to 18 must attend school or home school in the UAE. Â
For more information, read the UAE governmentâs guidance on:Â Â
Childcare Â
Read the UAE governmentâs guidance on early childhood development and care for information on childcare services. Â
Births, deaths, and marriages
Births Â
If your child is born in the UAE, register the birth with the UAE authorities. Â
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:Â Â
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register the birth with the UK authorities to get a UK birth certificate Â
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apply for your childâs first British passportÂ
Deaths Â
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers:Â Â
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what to do after someone dies abroadÂ
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how to register the death with the UK authorities Â
If someone dies in the UAE, read guidance on:Â
Marriages Â
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to get married abroad.  Â
You can also read our guidance on affidavit or affirmation of marital status forms for the UAE. Â
Divorce Â
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to get a divorce.Â
The UAE government offers guidance on how to get a divorce in the UAE. Â
Consider taking legal advice from an English-speaking lawyer in the UAE. Â
Documents for British people in the UAE
Read our guidance on documents for British people abroad. This covers:Â Â Â
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legalising and certifying UK documents Â
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marriage and civil partnership documentsÂ
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affirmations and affidavits Â
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witnessing signaturesÂ
Lawyers, translators and notaries
To find an English-speaking lawyer, translator or notary in the UAE, read guidance on professional services if youâre abroad.Â
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Last updated: 11 December 2025.
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