Moving from Seychelles to Dubai is a shift from a small island nation where everyone seems connected to one of the world’s most international cities. The good news is that Dubai is built for arrivals: most processes are online, English is widely used alongside Arabic, and employers who hire from abroad usually guide new staff through visas and medical steps. Planning your job, budget and paperwork before you fly makes the landing far smoother.
Start with the right entry and work route
Do not plan to job-hunt indefinitely after arrival without checking the rules first. Most Seychellois residents move for a confirmed job, a business setup, study or to join family. Your employer normally applies for your work permit and residence visa, followed by a medical test and Emirates ID. If you are coming to look for work, check the official UAE portals — the UAE Government Portal and ICP Smart Services — for the current jobseeker and visit visa options for Seychelles passport holders, and confirm details with your nearest UAE or Seychelles consular service before booking. Rules change, so never rely on a friend’s experience from a previous year. Keep your passport valid for at least six months beyond travel, and bring attested education certificates if your role requires them.
Jobs, money and what Dubai costs
Seychellois professionals find work in tourism and hospitality, aviation, finance, healthcare, education and marine-related services moving into logistics. Salaries are paid in dirhams and there is no personal income tax, but Dubai living costs are higher than Mahe for rent and schooling. As a guide:
- Shared room or bedspace for a first month: typically around AED 800 to AED 1,800
- Studio in an outer area: often around AED 25,000 to AED 40,000 a year
- Monthly Metro and bus pass with a nol card: as a guide, around AED 350 for regular zones
- Basic groceries for one person cooking at home: typically around AED 800 to AED 1,200 a month
Open a UAE bank account once your Emirates ID arrives — your employer or bank will list what is needed — and keep an emergency buffer while you settle. Send money only through licensed UAE exchange houses and banks.
Housing and choosing an area
Most newcomers start in a monthly hotel apartment or shared flat while they learn the city, then sign a yearly tenancy registered through Ejari. Areas like Deira and Bur Dubai offer lower rents and strong transport links, International City and Discovery Gardens are budget-friendly, while Al Barsha and JVC balance price and amenities. Always view in person, confirm who pays agency and utility deposits, and check the commute to your workplace — a cheap flat far from the Metro can cost more in taxis and time. Landlords usually ask for post-dated cheques or monthly payments agreed in the contract, your passport, visa and Emirates ID copies.
Shipping, packing and what to bring
- Carry documents, medication and two weeks of clothing in hand luggage.
- Ship only essentials — furniture is easy to buy new or second-hand in Dubai.
- Bring adaptors in mind: the UAE uses Type G plugs, the same three-pin style used in Seychelles, so most chargers work.
- Leave prohibited medicines behind and check UAE rules for prescription drugs via official health portals.
- Photograph valuable items and keep shipping receipts until delivery is complete.
The climate is the biggest packing surprise: lightweight clothes work most of the year, but offices, malls and the Metro are strongly air-conditioned, so bring layers. From June to September, outdoor heat is far more intense than an Indian Ocean summer, so plan errands for mornings and evenings.
Settling in during the first month
Once your Emirates ID is issued, everyday life unlocks: a local SIM, bank account, tenancy and driving licence conversion or lessons. Seychelles driving licences are not automatically exchangeable in every case, so check the RTA website for the current list and process. Register with a clinic under your health insurance, learn your nearest hospital, and save emergency numbers. Island habits still serve you well — patience, friendliness and respect for different cultures go a long way in a city of nearly two hundred nationalities.
FAQ
Do I need a job before moving from Seychelles to Dubai? It is strongly recommended. Most residence visas are tied to employment, family sponsorship or business setup. Check official UAE portals for any jobseeker visa that applies to you before travelling.
How much money should I bring for the first month? As a guide, many newcomers budget around AED 5,000 to AED 8,000 for initial housing deposits, transport and food if a job is not providing accommodation, though needs vary widely.
Can I drive in Dubai on my Seychelles licence? Visitors may have limited options depending on licence and status, while residents usually need a UAE licence. Confirm the current conversion rules on the official RTA site.
Dubai rewards people who arrive organised and stay patient through the paperwork weeks. For step-by-step help with visas, housing and daily life, visit DXB Talk and explore our Dubai archive.
