Relocating to the UAE: What Documents Teachers need to Move to the UAE

What documents are required from teachers planning to move to the UAE?

Moving to the UAE as a teacher is an exciting opportunity, but it involves several important steps to ensure a smooth transition. From securing your employment visa to understanding the logistics of your move, this guide covers all the essential aspects of the process. Continue reading to find out what documents teachers need when moving to the UAE.

Employment Visa Sponsorship and Application

Your employment visa will be sponsored and processed by the school where you will be teaching. The school will manage all necessary paperwork and cover the associated costs. Ideally, the visa application process begins before your departure, provided all your documents are in order. Once your visa is approved, you will receive a copy of your E-Visa before leaving for the UAE. The school’s HR officer will provide detailed instructions closer to your departure date to ensure a seamless process.

Document Attestation Requirements

To process your employment visa and obtain approval from government bodies, certain documents must be attested. These include:

• Educational Certificates: This includes your degree and degree transcript.  

For those with families: 

• Marriage Certificate: If you are sponsoring your spouse or child, your marriage certificate must be attested and legally translated into Arabic.

• Children’s Birth Certificates: These must also be attested.

• Transfer Certificates for School-Aged Children: These should clearly state the child’s name, current year group, and the expected completion date of the school year.

Full attestation services are required, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) stamp from both your home country and the UAE. This attestation is a prerequisite for processing your employment visa and obtaining approval from the local authority in the UAE. Marriage certificates must be legally translated into Arabic when sponsoring family members, which can be done at various typing centres upon arrival.

It is crucial to complete the attestation process promptly after signing your contract, as visa application cannot proceed without attested educational certificates.

Medical Examination Requirements

A medical examination is a mandatory part of the visa application process. The school will arrange for this examination once you arrive in the UAE and will cover the associated costs. The examination typically involves straightforward procedures, including a blood test and a chest X-ray, which are standard requirements for all expatriates.

Flight Arrangements

The school will handle all flight arrangements and cover the costs. Typically, you will be scheduled to fly to the UAE a few days before your induction, giving you ample time to settle in before starting work.

Airport Transfer and Accommodation

Upon arrival, you can expect a warm welcome from a team member from the school who will meet you at the airport and accompany you to your new accommodation. The school will arrange and cover the cost of your transfer from the airport to your residence, ensuring that you start your new journey smoothly.

Accommodation Details

Your accommodation will be prepared before your arrival. While specific details may vary depending on the school, you can generally expect a fully furnished apartment equipped with basic amenities. See ‘Housing in the UAE: A Guide for Educators’ for more information. 

Transportation

This will be your responsibility, however, sometimes schools provide transportation to and from the school during the first few weeks. This grace period allows you to familiarise yourself with the local area and public transport options. After this period, you will probably need to arrange your own transportation. 

Salary Payment and Bank Account Setup

Salaries are typically paid monthly in the local currency and directly deposited into your bank account. Upon arrival in the UAE, and once your employment visa is issued, you will need to set up a local bank account. Your salary will then be transferred to your account at the end of each month.