How much does the medical fitness test and Emirates ID cost in Dubai?

The medical fitness test costs AED 320 and biometrics for the Emirates ID cost AED 270 plus a AED 32 service fee.

What is the order of steps for new expats in Dubai first 30 days?

You must complete residence visa stamping, Emirates ID, bank account, SIM card, Ejari, DEWA, health insurance and driving licence in that exact sequence.

How much deposit is needed for DEWA in Dubai?

DEWA requires a AED 2,000 deposit for a villa or AED 1,000 for an apartment.

Can I open a bank account in Dubai without Emirates ID?

No, you need your Emirates ID to open a bank account with providers such as Wio or Liv.

How much is Ejari registration in Dubai?

Ejari registration costs AED 220 and is mandatory after signing your tenancy contract.

What is the typical upfront rent cost for a new expat in Dubai?

Expect to pay a 5% tenancy fee plus the first 3 months rent in cheques, often AED 12,000 to 21,000 depending on the property.

First 30 Days in Dubai: Complete Expat Checklist

Your first 30 days in Dubai involve 8 essential setups in a specific order: residence visa stamping, Emirates ID, bank account, SIM card, rental contract (Ejari), DEWA, health insurance, and driving licence. Start in this exact sequence — many depend on the previous step.

Week 1: Visa & Emirates ID

Day 1-3:

Land in UAE on entry permit
Medical fitness test (AED 320, mandatory for visa)
Biometrics for Emirates ID (AED 270 + 32 service fee)

Day 4-7:

Receive residence visa stamp in passport (3-7 days)
Buy temporary tourist SIM (du/Etisalat) — AED 100 for 28 days
Find temporary accommodation if not provided

Week 2: Banking & Communication

Day 8-10:

Open bank account (Wio or Liv recommended) — needs Emirates ID
Order proper UAE SIM (du/Etisalat post-paid) — AED 125+/month

Day 11-14:

Receive Emirates ID (typically 5-7 days after biometrics)
Receive bank debit card (3-5 days after account opening)

Week 3: Housing

Day 15-21:

Apartment hunting (Bayut.com, Property Finder, Dubizzle)
Sign tenancy contract (typically 12 months upfront in 1-4 cheques)
Register Ejari online (mandatory, AED 220)
Connect DEWA (electricity + water) — AED 2,000 deposit for villa, AED 1,000 for apartment
Pay tenancy fee 5% of annual rent (Dubai municipal fee, paid via DEWA bill)

Week 4: Daily Life Setup

Day 22-30:

Get health insurance card from employer
Convert driving licence (if eligible — see RTA list)
Set up Salik account (toll system) — AED 100 minimum
Get NOL transit card (AED 25 + AED 15 credit)
Register at local clinic / GP
Find school for kids if applicable (process takes longer, start earlier)

Total upfront costs (single expat)

Medical + EID	AED 622
Visa stamping	AED 460
Rent deposit (5%)	AED 3,000-5,000
First rent cheque (3 months typical)	AED 12,000-21,000
Ejari + DEWA setup	AED 1,220
Tenancy fee (5% of annual rent)	AED 3,000-5,000
Driving licence conversion	AED 920
Total	AED 21,222-34,222 ($5,800-9,300)

Common first-month mistakes

Signing rental contract before having Emirates ID
Choosing wrong area without checking commute (use Google Maps for rush hour)
Falling for "cheap rent" too far from work — Sharjah-Dubai commute is brutal
Not budgeting for upfront cheque (most landlords want 3 cheques minimum)
Forgetting Ejari registration — required for many other services

Key takeaway: Plan AED 25,000-35,000 in upfront costs for your first 30 days in Dubai. Get Emirates ID first — almost everything else depends on it.

Got more UAE questions?

Tovi knows current 2026 UAE rules, fees, and processes. Ask anything — visas, banking, housing, schools. Ask Tovi free →