Moving from Serbia to Dubai is a well-trodden path: Serbian professionals, engineers, cabin crew, hospitality staff and entrepreneurs have built a visible community here, drawn by tax-free salaries, year-round sun and direct travel links with Belgrade. The relocation runs smoothly when you sequence it properly: secure the job or business plan first, let your employer handle the work permit, and only then commit to housing, schools and shipping.
Before You Leave Serbia
Preparation in Belgrade or wherever you live in Serbia saves money later. Work through this checklist:
- Passport valid for at least six months beyond your planned entry, with spare pages
- Degree and professional certificates attested through the legalisation chain if your job requires them
- A job offer in writing, or a clear, funded plan if you are arriving to job-hunt on a visit status
- Medical records, prescriptions and vaccination history for you and your family
- Serbian driving licence and an international driving permit to ease your first weeks
- Digital scans of everything, stored securely in the cloud
Check the current entry rules for Serbian passport holders on the official UAE government portal and with your airline before booking, since visa arrangements can change and your employer or sponsor may need to arrange your entry permit in advance.
Visas, Work Permits and Emirates ID
Most Serbians relocate on an employment visa: the hiring company applies for your entry permit, you enter the UAE, complete a medical fitness test and biometrics, and receive your residence visa and Emirates ID. You cannot legally work on a tourist or visit status, so wait for the permit before starting. Once resident, your Emirates ID becomes your everyday identity document for banking, telecoms, healthcare and government services. Family sponsorship is possible once you meet the salary and housing conditions set by the authorities; verify the current thresholds on the official ICP and UAE government portals, as they are updated from time to time.
Finding Work and Doing Business
Serbian expats cluster in aviation, engineering and construction, IT, healthcare, hospitality, real estate and trading. English is the working language of most Dubai offices, and Serbian qualifications are generally well regarded, though regulated professions such as medicine, law and engineering require local licensing and attested credentials. If you plan a business, compare mainland and free zone licences: free zones offer full foreign ownership and fast setup for many activities, while mainland licences suit businesses trading directly across the UAE. Get professional advice before signing, and budget realistically: licence, visa and office costs together typically run into tens of thousands of dirhams in the first year as a guide.
Housing, Costs and Everyday Setup
Most newcomers rent. Popular areas for Serbian families and professionals include JLT, Dubai Marina, JVC, Business Bay and greener communities further out, while singles often start in shared or studio accommodation near work. As a guide, a one-bedroom apartment in a mid-range area typically rents for around AED 45,000 to AED 85,000 per year, usually paid in one to four cheques, plus a refundable deposit and agency fee. Add these setup tasks to your first fortnight:
- Activate a local SIM and then a bank account once your Emirates ID arrives.
- Register your tenancy (Ejari) so you can connect utilities in your name.
- Set up DEWA electricity and water, internet and mobile contracts.
- Arrange health insurance, which your employer must provide at a basic level for employees in Dubai.
- If you plan to drive, convert or apply for a UAE driving licence through the RTA; check whether your Serbian licence qualifies for direct exchange under current rules.
Family Life, Schools and Settling In
Dubai’s international schools teach in English under British, American, IB and other curricula, with fees varying enormously, so apply early and ask employers about education allowances. The Serbian community connects through Orthodox church life, restaurants and shops selling Balkan products, sports clubs and informal networks, which makes the first months far less lonely. Summers are extremely hot, so plan outdoor life for mornings, evenings and the cooler months from November to March. Most families who thrive here give the move a full year before judging it: the first season is logistics, the second starts to feel like life.
FAQ
Can I move to Dubai without a job offer?
You can visit and explore, and jobseeker or remote-work visa categories exist for some profiles, but most residents relocate on an employer-sponsored work permit. Check the official UAE portal for the category that fits you.
Do I need my Serbian degree attested?
For many professional roles and licensing, yes. Complete the legalisation chain before you leave Serbia where possible, finishing with UAE MoFA attestation after arrival.
How much money should I bring to start?
As a guide, arriving with enough to cover two to three months of living costs, typically AED 20,000 or more for a single person, gives you a safe buffer while salary and paperwork settle.
For more relocation and living guides, visit DXB Talk and explore the Dubai archive.
