Moving to UAE — Financial Checklist

Week 1: Essentials First

Day 1–2:

• ☐Collect Emirates ID (if not already) from GDRFA/typing centre
• ☐Get a UAE SIM card (Etisalat or du) — need passport + Emirates ID receipt

Day 3–5:

• ☐Open a bank account (Mashreq Neo or ADCB for fastest digital onboarding)
• ☐Activate online banking immediately
• ☐Set up salary transfer with your employer's HR

Day 5–7:

• ☐Connect DEWA (electricity/water) — need Emirates ID, tenancy contract, Ejari
• ☐Register Ejari if not already done (AED 155–220 at a typing centre)
• ☐Get health insurance (confirm with employer or purchase individually)

Week 2–4: Financial Setup

• ☐Apply for a credit card (wait until salary has transferred once)
• ☐Set up auto-bill payments (DEWA, telecom, credit card minimum)
• ☐Open a savings account for emergency fund (target: 3–6 months of expenses)
• ☐Download your bank's app and set up transfer limits

Month 2–3: Optimise

• ☐Compare credit cards — you've now been in UAE 60+ days, more options available
• ☐Set up a remittance service (Wise, Remitly, or Al Ansari) for home country transfers
• ☐Start investing — STashAway or Sarwa accept UAE residents with no minimum
• ☐Review health insurance — does employer's basic cover meet your needs?

Estimated Setup Costs

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