Moving To United Arab Emirates (UAE)

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Get a hassle-free move to The United Arab Emirates from the USA

Located in West Asia, United Arab Emirates is a middle east country on the Arabian Peninsula. It is composed of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah. The country is known for its modern infrastructure, high standard of living, and diverse culture.

The United Arab Emirates has experienced rapid economic growth over the past few decades, largely driven by its petroleum resources. However, the country has also diversified its economy, with sectors such as tourism, finance, real estate, and construction playing a significant role.

How International Sea & Air can help for moving to United Arab Emirates

International relocation can be challenging and hiring a professional who has good experience in international moving can provide a lot of comfort. When you are relocating to The United Arab Emirates from the USA for a longer time period, there are many things you need to handle. International moving involves not only obtaining a visa but also packing & moving the household goods, post-move settling down chores and many other responsibilities.

It may create a lot of confusion when you start preparing for your international relocation. There are also mandatory relocation aspects concerning packing of your household goods, their shipping cost, time and safety. At International Sea & Air Shipping we provide end to end specialised services for all types of moving to The United Arab Emirates from the USA. Engaging us at International Sea & Air Shipping will ensure you get a hassle-free international relocation experience.

At International Sea & Air Shipping we understand how complicated an international move can be. That is why we employ highly experienced, insured professionals who will handle your relocation to The United Arab Emirates from the USA from A to Z. You can relax and enjoy moving to a new country and settle down there stress free when you are moving to The United Arab Emirates from the USA with us.

Custom Regulations for United Arab Emirates

  • Passport (two clear copies)
  • Detailed inventory in English (one original and two copies)
  • Residence permit
  • Letter confirming employment
  • Insurance certificate
  • Customer must be present for Customs Clearance
  • All shipments are subject to inspection
  • Household goods and personal effects are duty-free if Customer obtains a Residence Permit
  • All new household goods are subject to duty and taxes which are determined by a Customs official

In the United Arab Emirates, some articles may not be imported in a Customer’s baggage whatsoever. These items include, but may not be limited to:

  • Firearms, weapons and ammunition (including decorative items and toy weapons)
  • Drugs and narcotics (this includes psychotropic medicine and poppy seeds)
  • Pornography (according to the definition of pornography under Islamic law, which also includes political and religious material and items deemed offensive to the UAE government or the faith of Islam)
  • Material that contradicts Islamic teachings
  • Counterfeit items such as counterfeit money
  • Cultural artifacts and objects of cultural importance (engravings, print, lithographs, etc.)
  • Goods from countries with no diplomatic ties to the UAE
  • Goods from Israel or that have Israeli branding on them
  • Items related to gambling (lottery tickets, gambling machines, etc.)
  • Three-layer fishing nets
  • Tires showing usage, tempering or inlaid tires
  • Items, materials and substances polluted with radiation
  • Homemade food

Some articles may have restricted quantities or require special authorization/ payments of duties and taxes to clear customs in the United Arab Emirates. These items include, but are not limited to:

  • Endangered species and products made from parts of or whole endangered species (may be brought in with permission of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora – CITES)
  • Medication (including certain painkillers, no more than a three month’s supply)
    • Must be brought with copy of prescription from a UAE-licensed doctor or prescription and detailed medical report if prescribed abroad
  • Currency (foreign or local money totaling 40,000 AED – including traveler’s checks – must be declared)
  • Plants and plant material (require a Health Certificate)

In the United Arab Emirates, the following rules apply to importing motor vehicles:

  • Can only register a vehicle with a valid United Arab Emirates Residence Vida
  • Duty is applicable for all imported vehicles

For importation, you will need the following documents:

  • Residence permit
  • Registration documents from country of origin
  • The title or deed
  • Purchase invoice (copy)
  • Certificate of origin
  • Passport (copy)
  • Insurance policy
  • Proof of ownership

When importing a pet to the United Arab Emirates (maximum of 2 per Customer), the requirements are:

  • Dogs and cats must be microchipped prior to arrival with a 15 digit pet microchip meeting ISO standards (accompanying number or barcode must be written on vaccination card – needs to be stamped by veterinarian if handwritten)
  • Import permit/paper in advance of pet’s arrival obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries (valid 30 days from date of issue)
  • Vaccination Certificate or card displaying current rabies vaccination (must include vaccine’s manufacturer, batch number and expiration)
    • Vaccination must have been given at least 21 days prior to arrival in UAE but not more than 12 months before
  • A Blood Titer Test (unless coming from country considered by the United Arab Emirates to be rabies-free)
    • Test cannot be administered more than three months before entry
  • Veterinary Certificate from the United Arab Emirates (stamped from government of exporting country)
    • Should come with copy of the Blood Titer Test and Rabies Certificate

The following items are free of import for Customer’s over the age of 18 if they are non-commercial gifts or items for personal use and total no more than 3,000 AED:

  • 400 cigarettes
  • 50 cigars
  • 500 grams of tobacco
  • 4 liters of alcohol (combination of spirits, wine and beer) or 2 cartons of beer
    • For carton of beer, there must be no more than 24 cans in a carton and each can must not exceed 255 milliliters

NOTE – Customs regulations are subject to change at any time. The proceeding information is a brief summary of customs regulations applicable to household goods shipments to this destination and is being provided for general guidance to assist our Agents and Customers. Since such regulations are subject to change without notice, International sea & air shipping cannot be held liable for any costs, damage, delays, or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance. Always double check with your local embassy or consulate.

Call our International Moving Specialists @ 1 (866) 315-4170

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About the United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates – also known as the Emirates or the UAE – is located at the southeast end of the Arabian Peninsula and sits on the body of water internationally known as the Persian Gulf. The UAE is made up of seven emirates (Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm al-Quwain) and is home to 9.2 million people, 7.8 million of whom are expatriates. Despite this, the national language is Arabic, but English is the most used language since the UAE was a British colony as recently as 1971.

In addition to a wealth of expats, the combined emirates also boasts the second-largest economy in the Arab world behind only Saudi Arabia. The majority of this success is due to the export of natural resources, most of which is oil.

Known for its hot summers and warm winters, temperatures in the UAE can reach up to 113°F, with minimum temperatures ranging between 50 and 57°F in the colder months.

Can’t wait to get started with your overseas relocation to the United Arab Emirates? First, find out what you’ll need to clear Customs.

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Moving to The United Arab Emirates from the USA – What to consider?

Moving to the United Arab Emirates from the USA is a significant change that calls for meticulous preparation. The United Arab Emirates is made of 7 Emirates and the most popular among these are Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharzah. These Emirates also offer good work opportunities.

However, when you are planning to move to The United Arab Emirates the first thing you should consider is the differences in culture between the two countries. There are several factors to consider in this regard. It is important that you research and understand the cultural differences, local customs, and lifestyle in the UAE thoroughly while considering the international relocation to this country. This will help you adapt to the new environment more smoothly.

Next key aspect for your international move is to be aware of the legal requirements for moving to the UAE. Make sure to gather all necessary documents such as your passport, visa, and any other required permits. It is also recommended to familiarise yourself with local laws and regulations to ensure compliance.

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Things to do to relocate to United Arab Emirates from USA

The United Arab Emirates has experienced rapid economic growth over the past few decades, largely driven by its petroleum resources. However, the country has also diversified its economy, with sectors such as tourism, finance, real estate, and construction playing a significant role. Moving to The United Arab Emirates from the USA for a longer duration than that of only vacation will need you to prepare and show proper documents. To obtain a visa for your international location you need to follow proper procedures.

Here is the major information regarding documentation and visa processes that you need to know of.

Look for and secure a job

Even before you apply for a work visa to relocate to The United Arab Emirates from the USA you need to find a suitable job. While many opportunities come from the existing employer’s operation in the UAE where employees are sent to this country, you can look for a new job opportunity in any of the Emirates in the United Arab Emirates, as well.

Note that, there are enough shortages of many skilled workers in the UAE. Some of these are in science & technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) etc. There is also a high demand in the taxation field for highly skilled employees as the UAE has recently introduced VAT.

So, you can try and secure a job first and then move to the next step which is to apply for a work visa.

Work Visa in the UAE

When you secure a job before moving to the United Arab Emirates from the USA the employer in the UAE applies for the work visa or employment visa on your behalf. All the visa process is handled by the UAE employer then after. The duration with which an employment visa is issued can range between 1 to 10 years based on the contract. However, once the employment visa duration ends and you are leaving the country, ensure to cancel the work visa as per the legal procedure.

Other visas available to move to United Arab Emirates from the USA

There are some other types of visas available when you want to relocate to The United Arab Emirates from the USA. Here is a list –

Student Visa

Students will get a study visa if they are above the age of 18. Generally, expatriate students will get this visa however, outstanding students can also apply for student visa. A few things that are needed for student visa approval are –

  • A proof of acceptance/enrollment in educational institution in the UAE
  • You will need to pass a medical fitness test
  • You have to submit a proof of enough funds or a guarantor

Resident Visa

People who are working and have a valid UAE residence visa can then sponsor their families for the residence visas. The only eligibility criteria is that whoever the sponsor is will have to show proof of earning a minimum salary of AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 and need to have accommodation.

Tourist Visa

This type of visa is needed for visitors who are not exempted from having a visa requirement to visit the UAE. However, do note that under the tourist visa it is illegal to work. If found working holding a tourist visa and having no valid work permit will be heavily fined, and even imprisoned or deported.

There are also retirement visa, visit visa available among other visa availability to move to the United Arab Emirates from the USA.

Top reasons to move to United Arab Emirates from the USA

The United Arab Emirates offers a high quality of life. Here are some additional reasons for moving and living in any of the Emirates –

  • United Arab Emirates ranks 2nd in the region in happiness index
  • The natural beauty along with man-made attractions are amazing
  • 88% of the UAE’s population are from outside leading to good company as an expat
  • There are almost no taxes in the Emirates

Now, get ready to tick on the checklist for your international move to the United Arab Emirates from the USA and look forward to a new life!

You can also check out for some of the neighboring countries of United Arab Emirates –