Relocation · Moscow → Dubai

Moving to Dubai from Moscow: 2026 Relocation Guide

By SETTRA · Checked November 2026

Moscow to Dubai is one of the most travelled relocation routes of the last few years. The move itself is simple; what takes time is the order of things — visa, Emirates ID, bank, lease, schools. This guide sets out that order, what to prepare before you fly, and where families from Moscow tend to settle.

1. Before you fly

Russian citizens can currently enter the UAE without a pre-arranged visa and receive a visit stamp on arrival. That stamp lets you look at homes and schools, but it does not let you work, sign most long-term contracts in your own name or open every type of bank account — for that you need residence.

Direct flights between Moscow and Dubai run daily with several carriers, at roughly five hours. Book flexible fares if your residence or lease dates are not yet fixed.

• Passports valid for at least six months, for every family member.
• University diplomas, apostilled in Russia and ideally translated — needed for some employment visas and professional licences.
• Marriage certificate and children's birth certificates, apostilled — required to sponsor family residence visas.
• School reports for the last two years and vaccination records for children.
• Bank statements and proof of income (salary letters, tax documents, company records) for banks and landlords.
• Driving licence; check whether you will need to convert it or take a test.

Apostilles are much easier to obtain in Russia before you leave than from Dubai afterwards.

2. Residence options

Most families from Moscow use one of four routes. Which one fits depends on how you earn, whether you buy property and who you need to sponsor.

• Employment visa — sponsored by a UAE employer; the simplest route if you already have a job offer.
• Free zone company visa — you set up a company in a free zone and receive residence as its owner or manager; common for entrepreneurs and consultants.
• Investor visa — linked to a shareholding in a UAE company or a qualifying investment.
• Golden Visa — a long-term residence, including a property route for owners of real estate worth AED 2 million or more.

Rules change — we confirm the current requirements for your case.

3. Banking and money

Russian citizens can open UAE bank accounts, but banks apply enhanced checks. Expect to show a residence visa or Emirates ID application, proof of funds, a clear source of income or wealth, and a UAE address (usually a tenancy contract).

Checks often take longer than for other nationalities — sometimes several weeks — and a bank may ask for additional documents mid-process. Plan to keep enough accessible funds for the first month while the account is opened.

We do not advise on moving money around sanctions or restrictions. For anything beyond a standard account, speak to a licensed adviser.

4. Where Russian-speaking families live

There is no single "Russian" district, but these areas are popular with families from Moscow:

Dubai Marina

Waterfront towers, walkable, lively — suits couples and smaller families.

JLT

Next to the Marina, better value, many cafés and a growing Russian-speaking community.

Dubai Hills

Green, villas and townhouses, close to schools and a large mall — a family favourite.

Palm Jumeirah

Beachfront apartments and villas for those who want privacy and the sea.

JVC

Quieter and more affordable, with townhouses and newer buildings.

5. Schools

Dubai has a handful of schools offering Russian-language programmes or Russian as a subject, alongside a wide choice of international schools following British, IB, American and other curricula. Many Russian-speaking families choose an international school and keep Russian through after-school lessons.

Private schools are regulated by the KHDA. In brief: shortlist schools by curriculum, area and KHDA rating; apply directly to each school; your child may sit an assessment; the school confirms a place; you then submit the documents (passport, residence visa, previous school reports, transfer certificate where required). Good schools fill early, so start before you move.

6. The first 30 days

In roughly this order:

1. UAE SIM or eSIM for every adult.
2. Residence visa application and medical test.
3. Emirates ID biometrics.
4. Bank account — start as soon as you have the visa or ID application.
5. Tenancy contract and Ejari registration; DEWA and internet connected.
6. Car rental, purchase or driving licence conversion.
7. School applications, assessments and enrolment documents.

7. How SETTRA helps

SETTRA co-ordinates the move end to end in Russian or English: the order of steps, licensed partners for visas and company setup, the home, utilities, schools and the first weeks on the ground. You get one contact instead of ten.

Questions