“Dubai ki life mein, har sapna gold hai!”
In Dubai’s life, every dream is gold!
That’s what most Indians dream of when considering a move to Dubai. With its tax-free salaries, stunning skyscrapers, and multicultural atmosphere, the United Arab Emirates continues to attract thousands of Indian families and professionals. For thousands of Indians, moving to Dubai from India isn’t just a career shift—it’s a leap into a world where ambition meets luxury, where chai pe charcha happens under skyscrapers, and where your paycheck stays masaledaar (thanks to zero taxes!). But before packing your bags, it’s natural to have a long list of questions in mind. This article aims to answer the top questions Indians ask before moving to Dubai, helping you make an informed and confident decision.
Let’s start with the most frequently asked questions.
I am moving from India to Dubai. Is 35,000 AED a good salary for a family of 3?
Yes, moving to Dubai from India on a salary of 35,000 AED/month puts you in the comfort zone. for a family of three in Dubai. Here’s a basic breakdown:
- Rent: 8,000 – 12,000 AED/month (depending on the area)
- Groceries and Utilities: 2,500 – 4,000 AED/month
- School Fees: 3,000 – 6,000 AED/month
- Transportation: 1,000 AED/month
- Leisure & Dining: 1,000 – 2,000 AED/month
- Savings: Easily 10,000+ AED/month if you budget wisely.
After covering essential expenses, you’d still have a decent buffer for savings or luxuries. Many Indian families find moving to Dubai from India on this salary to be both financially sustainable and comfortable.
What is the basic salary in Dubai for Indians?
The basic salary for Indians moving to Dubai from India varies widely based on industry and experience. Here’s the range of basic salary in Dubai that varies significantly based on the type of job, which is often categorized by “collar color”, a symbolic way to classify occupations:
- Blue-collar jobs: These include manual labor or skilled trade positions such as electricians, cleaners, construction workers, mechanics, drivers, and technicians. Salaries range from 1,200 – 2,500 AED/month. While these may appear modest, many contracts include accommodation, meals, and transport.
- White-collar jobs: These are office-based roles in administration, customer service, human resources, and sales. Entry-level positions typically start from 3,000 – 6,000 AED/month, with growth opportunities over time.
- Gold-collar jobs: These are high-demand and highly specialized professions in sectors like medicine, engineering, IT, and finance. Professionals can expect salaries between 7,000 – 15,000 AED/month, or more, depending on qualifications and experience.
- Platinum-collar jobs: Senior executives, directors, and top-tier consultants fall under this category. Monthly salaries can exceed 20,000 AED, often accompanied by housing, transport, and other perks.
This wide spectrum makes moving to Dubai from India attractive to individuals across different skill levels and career paths. It’s important to match your expectations with your skillset and industry standards in Dubai.
What is the minimum salary required to survive in the UAE for a family of 3?
For moving to Dubai from India to live modestly as a family of three, the minimum salary should be around 10,000 – 13,000 AED/month. This covers:
- Rent: Basic apartments in affordable and budget-friendly areas, 4,000 AED (1BR in Deira or Sharjah).
- Food: 1,500 AED (Indian groceries shopping from economical outlets + cooking).
- Transport: 1,000 AED (used car + petrol).
- Schooling: Public schooling or low-fee private schooling, 1,500 AED (affordable Indian schools).
- Minimal entertainment: 500-800 AED (Streaming subscriptions (Netflix/Amazon Prime), Monthly picnic at JBR Beach or Global Village entry, and Cheap eats)
For those looking for affordable rooms for rent, the Hoombook platform offers options that suit a variety of budgets and preferences.
A family can live on this amount by planning expenses carefully, avoiding luxury shopping, and making use of community deals and offers. For those moving to Dubai from India on a budget, careful planning and prioritizing expenses are essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Which job is best in Dubai for Indians?
The “best” job depends on your skills, but top fields for moving to Dubai from India are found across various sectors:
- IT: (Software Engineers, Developers, UI/UX designers, cybersecurity specialists): 15,000–40,000 AED (especially in fintech/AI)
- Finance and Accounting: (CAs, Analysts, Accountants): 18,000–45,000 AED
- Healthcare: (Doctors, Nurses, Pharmacists, radiologists): Doctors/nurses earn 20,000–60,000 AED.
- Construction/Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, project managers): 10,000–30,000 AED.
- Hospitality & Aviation: (Chefs, hotel managers, cabin crew, front office executives): 8000-30000 AED
- Sales/Marketing: 8,000–20,000 AED (commission-heavy roles).
Additionally, roles in education, logistics, e-commerce, and digital marketing are rapidly growing, offering multiple opportunities for Indian professionals. Dubai values experience, qualifications, and adaptability. Indians moving to Dubai from India with in-demand skills can find long-term career prospects and competitive compensation.
What is the cheapest job in Dubai?
Typically, the lowest-paying jobs in Dubai usually fall under the unskilled or semi-skilled labor category. Examples include:
- Housekeeping/hospitality and cleaning staff
- Retail sales (malls/stores)
- Construction workers
- Delivery Drivers (Talabat, Amazon)
- Kitchen helpers or waitstaff
Salaries for these roles range between 3,000 – 5,000 AED/month, sometimes with company-provided accommodation and meals. Although these jobs are less lucrative, they are a common entry point for many migrants moving to Dubai from India without higher education. Over time, some workers transition to supervisory roles or shift to other industries with better pay.
Which job is highly paid in Dubai?
Dreaming big? Dubai offers lucrative salaries for those moving to Dubai from India. Dubai is also known for its attractive compensation packages in specialized fields. High-paying jobs include:
- Chief Executives and Directors: 45,000–120,000 AED. (Packages often exceed 50,000 AED/month, with added benefits).
- Surgeons and Specialist Doctors: 35,000-90,000 AED. (Surgeons, anesthesiologists, and radiologists can earn 45,000+ AED/month).
- Pilots/Cabin Crew: 30,000–80,000 AED.
- Oil/Gas Engineers: 25,000–50,000 AED.
- Senior Bankers: 35,000–100,000 AED.
- Lawyers and Legal Consultants: 25,000–65,000 AED. (Lawyers with local or international experience earn substantial incomes).
- Senior IT Specialists (Data Science, Cybersecurity): 30,000–80,000 AED. (AI experts, blockchain developers, and cybersecurity professionals can command 30,000+ AED/month)
These roles often require advanced degrees, international certifications, and several years of experience. Ambitious professionals moving to Dubai from India can aim for these roles with the right qualifications and continuous upskilling.
How much is a 1000 AED salary in Indian rupees?
As of current exchange rates (subject to change), 1 AED = approx. 23-24 INR.
So:
1,000 AED = approx. 23,000 – 24,000 INR
This is a helpful conversion for those comparing salaries before moving to Dubai from India.
Where do most Indians live in Dubai?
Dubai has many neighborhoods popular among the Indian community, offering a mix of affordability, accessibility, and cultural comfort:
- Bur Dubai/Meena Bazaar: Affordable, Budget-friendly, Traditional, and lively with temples and schools, bustling with Indian groceries.
- Karama: A densely populated area with a strong Indian presence, vibrant Indian community with easy access to schools and markets
- Al Nahda: Ideal for families, near schools and malls and close to the Sharjah border and reasonably priced
- Discovery Gardens: Affordable, mid-range, family-oriented, green spaces, and near metro stations
- International City: A hub for budget housing with a vibrant Indian and South Asian population, one of the most budget-friendly housing options
- Dubai Marina/JLT: Upscale, but pricier (25,000+ AED salary ideal).
If you’re wondering about the Best Places to live for Indians in Dubai, check out this detailed guide.
Is a salary of 25,000 AED considered good in Dubai?
Yes. 25,000 AED/month is a comfortable salary for individuals or small families. It allows for:
- Renting a 2BR in prime locations
- Enrolling kids in good schools
- Dining out at fine restaurants and enjoying leisure activities
- Saving or investing a significant portion of your income
- Accessing private healthcare
- Afford yearly India trips
Many Indian professionals see this salary as a milestone when planning to move to Dubai from India, as it provides a solid foundation for both comfort and savings.
What is the cost of living in Dubai for a comfortable and luxurious life?
For a lifestyle that includes comfort and some luxury, expect to spend around 30,000 to 40,000+ AED/month. This budget includes:
- Renting in high-end areas like Palm Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai or Dubai Marina
- Premium international school fees
- Fine dining, gyms, spas, exclusive clubs, and entertainment
- Occasional travel and Leisure
- Private health insurance and concierge services
Those moving to Dubai from India who are used to a plush lifestyle will find that Dubai has no shortage of luxury experiences. You can also enjoy premium beach clubs, desert safaris, and exclusive events year-round.
What is the cost of living in Dubai, UAE? How much does rent, food, and entertainment cost per month?
Here’s a general monthly cost breakdown for a middle-income Indian family:
- Rent: 6,000 – 12,000 AED
- Groceries: 2,000 – 2,500 AED
- Utilities: 600 – 800 AED
- Internet/Mobile: 250 – 400 AED
- Entertainment & Dining: 1,500 – 2,000 AED
- Transport: 1,000 AED
Estimated total: 11,500 – 18,500 AED/month
This offers a balanced lifestyle with moderate comfort and savings potential. Many families moving to Dubai from India follow a similar budget, adjusting for personal priorities.
What documents do I need to move to Dubai from India?
Relocating from India to Dubai involves several legal and administrative processes, and having the right documentation ready can make your transition much smoother. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:
1. Valid Indian passport
Your Indian passport should have a minimum validity of 6 months from your planned date of travel. Ensure that all personal details are accurate and match any educational or professional documents you’ll be submitting.
2. A valid UAE work visa or residence permit
To legally work in Dubai, you’ll need a work visa, typically arranged and sponsored by your UAE employer. There are various types of visas in the UAE, but for most Indian professionals moving to Dubai, the employment visa is the primary route. The visa process generally includes:
- A job-offer from a UAE-based company
- Employment contract
- Medical fitness test (mandatory for residency visa)
- Visa stamping and Emirates ID application
3. Attested educational and professional certificates
For white-, gold-, or platinum-collar jobs, you’ll need to submit attested copies of your degree, diploma, or certification. These must go through:
- Notarization in India
- Attestation by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India
- UAE Embassy attestation
Many employers require these documents to validate your qualifications and process your labor card.
4. Passport-sized photographs
You’ll need at least 6 to 10 recent passport-size photos (white background, specific dimensions) for visa processing, Emirates ID registration, and other formalities.
5. Marriage and Birth Certificates (if relocating with family)
If you plan to sponsor your spouse and children:
- Submit a marriage certificate (attested)
- Birth certificates for your children
- Proof of income meeting the family sponsorship requirement (usually 4,000 to 10,000 AED/month, depending on profession and dependents)
6. Emirates ID
Once your visa is approved, you will be required to apply for an Emirates ID, the official identification document in the UAE. It includes your biometric details and is essential for:
- Renting property
- Opening a bank account
- Getting a SIM card
- Accessing healthcare
- Signing up for utilities
7. Medical Records and Health Certificate
Under UAE law, a medical fitness test is mandatory for all expatriates. This includes blood tests and chest X-rays to check for communicable diseases like HIV, Hepatitis B, and Tuberculosis. You must pass this test to obtain your residence visa.
8. Health insurance (mandatory)
Some companies in Dubai help with visa processing and even family sponsorship if needed. Always double-check requirements with your employer or the UAE consulate.
9. Tenancy Contract (for residence visa renewal or family sponsorship)
Once you arrive and settle, a registered tenancy contract (Ejari) is often required for visa renewals or family sponsorship applications. This contract shows proof of residence in Dubai.
10. PAN Card and Indian Tax Documents (optional)
While not mandatory for the UAE, having your PAN card and past ITR (Income Tax Returns) can help manage finances, especially if you plan to maintain accounts in India or file taxes later.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re chasing career dreams, better living standards, or family security, moving to Dubai from India is a journey full of possibilities. Dubai offers unmatched opportunities, but it’s essential to be informed and prepared. With a little planning and the right information, you can thrive in the City of Gold. From comparing salaries and living costs to the best neighborhoods and job prospects, every detail matters when planning your move. Bookmark this guide and share it with your fellow expats.
Naya sheher, nayi zindagi – a fresh start awaits in the City of Gold.
