Do you dream of a sunnier, safer and livelier everyday life for your family? Wondering if Dubai can really offer all that?
You've come to the right place. In this article, you'll find out why more and more French families are choosing Dubai, and how to make your move a success, step by step.
With its fine year-round weather, international schools and safe environment, Dubai attracts thousands of French families every year. Obtaining the necessary visas is the first step to settling in Dubai as a family. Working parents need a work visa, while the rest of the family need a residence visa.
But moving abroad with your children is an ambitious project that requires organization and clarity. Where to live? Which visa to apply for? Which school to choose? How much will it cost? These are all essential questions to which it's crucial to have clear answers before packing your bags.
In this guide, you will discover :
- Why Dubai appeals so much to French families
- Essential administrative procedures (visa, sponsorship, banking...)
- The best neighborhoods to live in with children
- The school system and French-language schools
- Cost of living, health, culture and integration
Ready to set up home in the Gulf's most coveted emirate? Then let's dive into this comprehensive guide to successfully setting up your family in Dubai.
Why move to Dubai with your family?
Moving to Dubai with your family means choosing security and a modern lifestyle. In addition to the sunshine, the schools are excellent and the city is very clean.
You benefit from a stable economic climate, with no income tax. Healthcare is of the highest quality, with modern hospitals.
The city is very international, so your children will grow up in an open, multicultural environment. There are plenty ofactivities for families, too: beaches, parks and leisure centers.
Administrative formalities for moving to Dubai with your family
Dubai is attracting more and more French families in search of a better quality of life, professional opportunities and a safe environment. We guide you through the key steps to a successful family move to this dynamic city.
1 Obtaining a residence visa
Here's how to get a Dubai residency visa, step by step:
- Find a sponsor: This could be an employer, a company you're starting up, or your spouse who is already a resident.
- Entering on a tourist visa: You first come on a regular visa, then convert it to a residence visa.
- Applying for a residence visa: The sponsor submits the application to the immigration authorities (GDRFA).
- Pass a medical test: This is mandatory. It includes an X-ray of the lungs and a blood test.
- Apply for the Emirates ID: This is the identity card you need to live in Dubai. It is linked to your visa.
- Receive your residence visa: Once accepted, it is stamped in your passport. It lasts between 2 and 10 years, depending on your situation.
2. family sponsorship
Family sponsorship means you canbring your family to live with you in Dubai. Here's how it works:
- Valid residency visa: You must already be a resident of Dubai.
- Sufficient monthly income: In general, you need to earn at least AED 4,000 to 10,000 per month (around €1,000 to €2,500).
- Providing accommodation: A rental contract or deed of ownership is required.
- Make a separate application for each member: spouse, children... Each will have their own file.
- Pass the medical test (adults only): As for you, it's compulsory for adults.
- Get your Emirates ID and residence visa: Once approved, you'll also get your card and visa.
With the right documents, everything goes smoothly!
3 Opening a bank account
Here's how to open a bank account in Dubai, step by step:
- Having a residence visa: This is also essential for opening an account.
- Obtaining your Emirates ID: The local identity card is compulsory.
- Choosing a bank: There are local banks (Emirates NBD, Dubai Islamic Bank...) and international banks (HSBC, Standard Chartered...).
- Go to the agency with your documents: Passport, visa, Emirates ID, work or rental contract.
- Filling in a simple form: the agent helps you fill in everything quickly.
- Your account is opened in 1 to 3 days: You receive your bank card quickly.
You can manage your money easily via a mobile application, in English or French.
Choosing the right neighborhood for your family in Dubai
Choosing the right neighborhood in Dubai is essential for your family's comfort. Here are the criteria to consider:
- Proximity to schools: Choose a neighborhood close to a French or international school.
- Calm and safe: All neighborhoods are safe, but some are more peaceful and family-oriented.
- Access to transport: If you don't already have a car, check out the metro and bus routes.
- Nearby services: Look for a neighborhood with supermarkets, pharmacies, parks and clinics.
- Green spaces and leisure: Choose a place where your children can play, run and have fun in complete freedom.
- Your housing budget: The cost of rent varies greatly from one neighborhood to another.
Here are just a few of the neighborhoods popular with French families:
- Mirdif: Very quiet, close to schools, good value for money.
- Arabian Ranches: Residential, with spacious villas and plenty of green space.
- Dubai Hills Estate: Modern, green, with schools, parks, shopping center and hospital nearby.
- The Greens & The Meadows: very green neighborhoods, with a community feel.
- Jumeirah: A chic neighborhood close to the beach, popular with expatriates.
The education system in Dubai
The education system in Dubai is varied, modern and highly international. Here's what you need to know:
- Several school systems are available: French, British, American, IB (International Baccalaureate), Indian...
- French schools are well represented:AFLEC and the Lycée Français International Georges Pompidou are very popular.
- Education is multilingual: children often learn English, French and Arabic from an early age.
- Private schools: tuition fees are required (between €4,000 and €15,000 per year, depending on the school).
- Academic standards are high: schools follow solid curricula, with teachers who are often expatriates.
- They can explore their passions: sports, music, theater, robotics... There's something for everyone.
- The schools are well equipped: modern classrooms, libraries, laboratories, swimming pools...
You can visit the schools before making your choice - it's even advisable!
The healthcare system in Dubai
The healthcare system in Dubai is modern, fast and very well organized. Here's what you need to know:
- hospitals and clinics are of the highest quality, with the latest equipment and internationally-trained staff.
- Doctors are often French- or English-speaking: you can consult with confidence.
- Fast care, no long waits: Appointments are easy to book, either online or by phone, and waiting times are often very short.
- Compulsory health insurance: All residents must have medical coverage, often provided by their employer.
- You can choose your own private insurance: There are several formulas to suit families.
- Easy-to-get medications: Many are available in pharmacies, with or without a prescription.
- Well-organized emergencies: Fast ambulances, hospitals open 24 hours a day.
- Cost control with good insurance: Care can be expensive, but well reimbursed.
Cost of living in Dubai
The cost of living in Dubai varies according to your lifestyle. Here are the key points to remember:
- No income tax: You earn more without being taxed, which is a big advantage.
- housing: Your biggest monthly expense, especially in working-class neighborhoods. Renting an apartment or villa costs between €1,200 and €4,000 per month, depending on the area.
- Private schools: Expect to pay between €4,000 and €15,000 per year per child.
- Food shopping : A little more expensive than in France, especially for imported products.
- Transport: Inexpensive gasoline, but a car is often necessary. Metro and cabs are affordable.
- Leisure: Beaches are free, but outings, restaurants and theme parks can get expensive.
- Health: Expensive without insurance, but very well reimbursed with good coverage.
- Home help: More accessible than in France, and very common among expatriate families.
Living in Dubai can be comfortable, especially if you manage your budget well.
Cultural integration and daily life in Dubai
Integrating in Dubai is easier than you might think. The city is very open and welcoming. Here's what you need to know:
- Dubai is a multicultural city: English is spoken everywhere and everyone comes from different backgrounds.
- The expatriate community is very large: you'll be surrounded by other French and international families.
- Emiratis are respectful and discreet: they appreciate people who are polite, open and respectful of their culture.
- Respect for local traditions: proper dress in public places, no alcohol in public, no excessive affection in public.
- Religion: Islam is in the majority, but all religions live together peacefully.
- Modern daily life: giant shopping malls, restaurants from all over the world, fast deliveries, efficient online services.
- Lifestyle: It's warm during the day, so life is busier in the evenings and at weekends.
- Family events: Festivals, markets, children's activities all year round.
You'll find that adapting to Dubai is often much easier than you think.
Why not start building your new life in Dubai?
We've come to the end of this article.
Now you know why so many French families choose Dubai: quality of life, safety, professional opportunities and international schools. You've also learned how to organize your departure, obtain the right visas, choose a suitable neighborhood and enroll your children in school.
You have in your hands all the keys you need to make a success of your move, stress-free and with complete peace of mind. Dubai is no longer just a dream. It's a real project, feasible and well supervised.
Why not take action now?
At Dubai Real Estate, we support French families at every stage of their move to Dubai. You're no longer on your own!
→ Book your free consultation today to take stock of your project and ask your initial questions.
