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Moving to the UAE from Singapore
The Ultimate Guide for Moving to the UAE
Are you excited about safaris, exciting culture, tax-free income, and leisure activities? The UAE has many glamorous attractions but be mindful of practical differences that shouldn’t be ignored, such as the presence of Islamic culture and traditions. Keep reading to learn everything you need about moving to the UAE from Singapore.
What can you find here?
Moving Costs from Singapore to the UAE
The average cost of moving to the UAE from Singapore is between S$ 4,874 and S$ 12,430.
| Apartment size | Cost of Moving |
| 1 BD Apartment | S$ 4,874 – S$ 5,387 |
| 3 BD Apartment | S$ 7,498 – S$ 8,287 |
| 5 BD Apartment | S$ 11,247 – S$ 12,430 |
*These costs are estimates and can change based on season, weight, and shipment route.
Knowing the size and volume of your shipment is crucial to estimating the costs, since the more you ship the higher the costs. Calculating the volume of your shipment alone can be challenging. Use our volume calculator to get an accurate estimate that you can use to ask for moving quotes.
Moving Companies from Singapore to UAE
International moving companies are a great option when performing a big move abroad. They can help you pack and transport all your belongings from boxes to beds and household equipment.
Below are some of the best international moving companies for moving from Singapore to the UAE:
Request Moving Quotes
Are you looking to move to the UAE but don’t know how to find the best mover? Requesting multiple quotes from various movers will increase your odds of finding the best offer. Fill in our form now to receive up to five free moving quotes.
Taxes in the UAE
In Singapore, the highest possible income tax rate is 45%, whereas there is no income tax in the UAE. This means that all private income you earn is 100% tax-free, which is a big difference to the income tax rates in Singapore.
Being used to paying income tax in Singapore, living and working in the UAE, while earning all tax-free income you can save a nice amount of money and enjoy some luxuries that you might not afford in Singapore.
Cost of Living in the UAE
The cost of living in the UAE is around 40% lower than in Singapore.
The UAE has 50% more purchasing power than Singapore, and rent prices are 50% lower in the UAE. However, due to the expat population rent in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi is higher than in other parts of the UAE.
In general, living in the UAE can be more luxurious than living in Singapore, and you might afford little luxuries that you have foregone in Singapore due to the high cost of living.
UAE vs. Singapore Cost of Living:
| Product | Cost in Singapore | Cost in Abu Dhabi (UAE) |
| Cappuccino | S$ 6.38 | S$ 7.52 |
| Beer (0,5L) | S$ 9.90 | S$ 14.22 |
| Chicken (1kg) | S$ 12.59 | S$ 10.17 |
| Bottle of wine | S$ 35.00 | S$ 17.78 |
| Monthly bus pass | S$ 120.00 | S$ 32.00 |
| 1BD apartment in center | S$ 3,629.33 | S$ 1,768.23 |
| Water (1,5L) | S$ 1.89 | S$ 0.75 |
*Numbers are taken on October 2024, source: Numbeo
Visa Requirements for the UAE
Singapore citizens do not need to apply for a UAE visa in advance, provided their stay is a maximum of 30 days. Singaporeans are granted a 30-day visa upon arrival with a possible 10-day extension.
If you are planning to stay longer or work in the UAE, you will need to meet the below requirements to apply for a visa:
- Recent passport photo
- Passport (valid at least 6 months)
- Valid health insurance
Applying for a visa to the UAE in Singapore can be done on the GDRFA’s official website, where you can find more information.
Education in the UAE
Education in the UAE consists of public and private schools. While most public schools are taught in Arabic, private schools have many international programs and curriculums, making adjusting to the education system easy. While learning the local language, Arabic, is useful for everyday life, not knowing it won’t stop you from receiving an excellent education.
Education in the UAE is free and funded by the government, but expats do not have access to free public education. While being an expensive option, especially in major cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, for expat children or students, private school is the best option.
Work in the UAE
The number one attraction for working in the UAE for expats is the tax-free income. Next to tax-free income, you should also keep in mind high-cost living in expat-populated cities. The job market in the UAE is fast growing, making it an attractive, yet competitive market for internationals.
In general, there are many sectors where expats can find work including:
- Construction
- Hospitality and tourism
- Technology
- Finance and banking
- Healthcare
As for work hours, instead of a typical Monday to Friday week, The UAE has a work week from Sunday to Thursday with average working hours of 40-50 hours per week. This new way of working might be new to expats used to the Singaporean structure. Ramadan also plays a role in the working hours, decreasing them by 2 hours per day.
Work permit in the UAE
To work in the UAE expats are required to have a work visa. The work visa is typically applied for by the employer, who will handle all necessary steps for the application. It’s important to note that work visas are usually tied to the duration of your employment contract.
Healthcare in the UAE
The healthcare system in the UAE consists of private and public healthcare sides. Healthcare in the UAE is only free for United-Arad Emirates nationals. If you move to the UAE as a foreigner you will have to take private health insurance to help with the high costs of medical fees. If you fail to do so you will receive a fine.
Most of the health insurance providers in the UAE are targeted at UAE nationals. As a foreigner, you will need to opt for either international health insurance or a private health insurance company.
Best health insurance in the UAE for Internationals:
Life in the UAE
Life in the UAE vs. Singapore is drastically different, from religion to climate and culture. However, the UAE is also known to have a low crime rate and be a safe place to live, much like Singapore. Below you can read more about life in the UAE and the differences compared to Singapore.
Expats in the UAE
The UAE is home to many expats, especially in the cities of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. One of the main attractions for expats is the tax-free income. There are many expat-dominated neighborhoods, which makes adjusting to life in the UAE easier.
While life in the UAE comes with many clamorous attractions, it’s important to keep in mind the Islamic culture and its impact on your everyday life.
UAE Culture
Islamic religion heavily influences the culture in the UAE. The country has much more conservative values and social norms from dressing to public displays of affection than what you are used to in Singapore. In expat-concentrated areas such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, these rules are slightly more relaxed, but we recommend to follow and respect them.
Climate in the UAE
The climate in the UAE is very different from that in Singapore. The UAE has a desert climate, with temperatures reaching up to 50%, and a dry climate. There are often sandstorms and it rarely rains.
