Three months before moving to Dubai: what to do now
Use the three-month mark to resolve the assumptions behind your move and start the tasks that need a longer runway.
A Dubai move is easier to manage when each decision unlocks the next one. Use this guide as a working sequence, then confirm route-specific requirements with your employer or the relevant authority.
Confirm the foundations of the move
Set an arrival window, visa route and first place to stay
Write down the likely arrival period, sponsor and visa route, plus a temporary-stay option. Before finalising travel or a long-term commitment, check the documents and timing those decisions depend on.
Count the adults and children, note each child’s age and grade, and record work start dates and conditions. These details affect school enquiries, visa steps and the requirements you set for a home.
Start the tasks with the longest lead time
Contact schools and begin applications where the dates and fit are clear
Ask each school about eligible grades, application dates, current availability, documents, tuition and mandatory fees, and the admissions contact. Confirm opening status and the academic year directly with the school and KHDA before relying on a listing.
Make practical decisions about belongings, housing and cash
Compare selling, storing, shipping and replacing household items
Create an inventory with quantities and compare shipping, insurance, customs, transit time and the cost of buying replacements in Dubai. Send the same inventory to multiple movers so the quotes are comparable. Keep the items you will need immediately separate from anything being shipped.
Use the final month for confirmation, not guesswork
Schedule medical and residency appointments around confirmed travel
Ask your sponsor and the relevant centre when each medical or biometric step can start, how to book and what to bring. Set firm appointment dates once your travel window is clear and the process permits it.
Separate confirmed bookings from estimates and placeholders
Keep the owner, documents, target dates and task dependencies in one plan. Label paid or confirmed bookings separately from quotes, tentative dates and items that still need an answer. This makes it clear what can move if a school, employer or visa date changes.
Visa and medical requirements can change. Confirm the rules for your route with the authority handling your application.
Give the next three months a clear direction.
Bring your visa, home and family preparations together in one personal move plan.
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