Moving from Vietnam to Dubai is a well-trodden path: Vietnamese residents work across the city in hospitality, beauty and wellness, restaurants, retail, logistics, construction and professional services, and there is an established community to land in. The move still rewards careful staging — secure your visa route first, understand the real cost of the first three months, and have your documents ready before you fly. This guide takes you through the process in practical order.
Your Route In: Visa Before Everything
Most Vietnamese newcomers arrive on an employment entry permit arranged by a Dubai employer, through family sponsorship, or on a visit arrangement booked through an airline, hotel or licensed travel agency while they explore opportunities. Working on a visit status is not permitted, so a genuine employer will process your entry permit, medical test and Emirates ID before you start. Entry requirements for Vietnamese passport holders can change, so confirm the current position on the UAE Government Portal, the ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security) and GDRFA websites, and with your airline, before booking. Keep printed and digital copies of your passport, photos, offer letter and qualifications, and be cautious of any agent asking for large fees to arrange a job — legitimate employers do not charge workers for their work permits.
Finding Work in Dubai
Vietnamese workers are particularly visible in nail and beauty salons, spas, Vietnamese and Asian restaurants, tailoring, hospitality and retail, and increasingly in sales, customer service and tech support roles where language skills help. Practical search routes include:
- Major UAE job portals and LinkedIn, filtering for employers offering visa sponsorship
- Community networks — Vietnamese social media groups in Dubai share genuine vacancies regularly
- Walking business districts such as Deira, Bur Dubai, Al Barsha and International City, where many salons and restaurants hire directly
- Recruitment agencies registered in the UAE — and never pay an agent who demands placement fees from the worker
English is the workplace language in most of Dubai; even conversational English noticeably widens your options and pay. If you arrive job-hunting, set a strict budget and watch your permitted stay — overstay fines add up daily.
Housing and What the First Months Cost
Many single newcomers start in shared accommodation: as a guide, a bed space or shared room typically costs around AED 800 to AED 1,800 a month, a private room in a shared flat around AED 1,500 to AED 3,000, and a studio of your own around AED 2,500 to AED 4,500 depending on area. Popular starting areas for the Vietnamese community include International City, Deira, Bur Dubai, Al Nahda and Al Qusais — all with workable Metro or bus links and Asian supermarkets nearby. For a tenancy in your own name, expect a security deposit, agency fee and Ejari registration, with rent usually paid in a few cheques across the year. Budget, as a guide, around AED 2,500 to AED 4,000 a month for food, transport and essentials while you settle, and always view a property and verify the agent before paying deposits.
Emirates ID, Bank Account, Health and Transport
After your residence visa is issued you will take a medical fitness test and give biometrics for your Emirates ID, the card needed for banking, phone contracts, tenancies and government services. Banks typically ask for your passport, Emirates ID and employer salary letter to open an account. Employer-provided health insurance is mandatory in Dubai, with at least a basic plan. For getting around, a Nol card covers the Metro and buses; whether a Vietnamese driving licence can be exchanged or requires lessons and a test should be checked on the official RTA website, as eligibility lists change — many residents simply use public transport for their first year.
Bringing Family and Building a Life
Residents meeting the salary and accommodation thresholds in force can sponsor a spouse and children, with attested marriage and birth certificates required — arrange attestation in Vietnam early, as the chain takes time. School fees, as a guide, typically range from around AED 10,000 a year at modest schools to much more at premium ones, so research before relocating children. Give the adjustment time: the heat, the working week and the distance from home all take getting used to, but the Vietnamese community’s restaurants, groceries and friendship networks make Dubai feel familiar faster than most newcomers expect.
FAQ
Can I job-hunt in Dubai on a visit visa? You can attend interviews, but you cannot legally work until an employer issues your employment residence visa. Confirm current rules on official UAE portals before you travel.
How much should I save before moving? As a guide, enough for two to three months of housing, food and emergencies — many single newcomers aim for the equivalent of around AED 12,000 to AED 20,000 depending on their housing choice.
Do I need my Vietnamese certificates attested? For professional roles and family sponsorship, usually yes. Begin the legalisation process in Vietnam early and verify each step through official channels.
For more practical guides to living and working in the city, visit DXB Talk and browse the Dubai category archive.
