Are you moving to Dubai - this might help

[Elphaba]

Originally Posted by APAyres

Following on from the discussions, i've done a lot of research on Dubai during the last couple of weeks as i'm planning to move out.

One question i cannot find an answer to anywhere is what happens, from a taxation perspective, to savings accrued over a 2-3year period - if, for instance i was to return to the UK?

Would i be taxed on those savings?

I understand that as a non resident in the UK i don't get taxed but there's no information on bringing 'reserves' back in to the UK.

Any assistance or advice would be greatly appreciated.

There is plenty of information on HMRC website, or ask a professional.

I assume these savings would be offshore (or in the UAE) and that you have registered with HMRC to be non-resident for tax purposes during your period overseas? All the time they are offshore and you are non-resident you may receive gross interest and have no other liability

If you return to the UK and become resident for tax purpose again, any monies that you bring into the UK will be liable to Capital Gains Tax, if you have been non-resident for less than five years. You have an allowance each year (£9,600 in the 2008/09 tax year), but any monies above this amount will be taxed at 18%.

I trust that clarifies, but let me know if you have queries.


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[APAyres]

Originally Posted by Elphaba

There is plenty of information on HMRC website, or ask a professional.

I assume these savings would be offshore (or in the UAE) and that you have registered with HMRC to be non-resident for tax purposes during your period overseas? All the time they are offshore and you are non-resident you may receive gross interest and have no other liability

If you return to the UK and become resident for tax purpose again, any monies that you bring into the UK will be liable to Capital Gains Tax, if you have been non-resident for less than five years. You have an allowance each year (£9,600 in the 2008/09 tax year), but any monies above this amount will be taxed at 18%.

I trust that clarifies, but let me know if you have queries.


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Thanks - yeah i'll have to go and see an expert - make sure i'm doing all i should and saving all i can.

Cheers,

Andrew

[buttsjj]

Accomodation

Expensive! ensure that you get a big enough housing allowance to cover your rent. Rents for one bed apartments are starting in the region of 90k up to 120k and 120k to 150k for a two depending on the area where you choose to live.

Villas - 3 bed - 180 - 200K
4 bed - 220 upwards

The main European areas are the developments that have been built buy Emaar - The Springs, The Meadows, The Lakes, The Ranches, The Greens. There are however europeans living all over Dubai so don't isolate yourself to just one area. The best way to chose where to live is to live as close to your place of work as possible.


Geordie, apologies if this has been answered already... What can I expect to pay for a three bedroom (unfurnished) villa in the Meadow or Springs area? Or a three bedroom in the Marina or JBR? Please specify currency. Thanks!

[macca_24]

Originally Posted by Tiny

Hi everyone

My family are hoping to move to Dubai with a work opportunity in Feb 09. My husband will be working at the Aiport. From the advice I have seen on various websites it is best to try and find accomodation beside your place of work. What would be your views on housing around the Airport area? Obviously he would be able to travel some distance but i dont yet know what traffic is like around this area....i know its bad....but is it bad all over? Also i have read in the Explorer that there is a metro being built with links to the aiport. is this complete?

Also where is JBR? is that Jumeirah? My husband says he would like to look at living there. I am open to looking around, which we defintely will before we move.

Thanks in advance for your time

Oh and also, we are looking to stay in the xclusive hotel apartments for our visit. You may or may not know it.....is this a good idea, location wise to have our base to explore?

Hi I'll just jump in here if your husband is gioing to work at the airport I suggest living near the airport, only a suggestion, but I live in Mirdif an expat area, if you find a villa with a pool and gym it will save you Fitness first costs. Traffic around town is no problem fairly quite most of the time and the airport should be quick and easy to get to as it is very close.
One word of advice try and get a villa not under the direct flight path the planes are very noisy. I'm having trouble getting use to them, it's deffinitely suburbia, less expensive than Jumeriah. And at the risk of being critised, I am a huge beach lover but its taking me time to warm to the beaches here but what do you expect from an Aussie from Cronulla, (Gods country)
There are some great schools in Mirdif
Where are you guys coming from, love to here how you get on.

[macca_24]

Originally Posted by Tiny

Thanks Elphaba

I appreciate the advice. We have booked our trip for October so will really get stuck in and see what is what.
Our son will be just over a year when we move so no need for schools yet. We do not know if we will still be in Dubai when school time comes though if it does the fees are part of the relocation package.

Areas i like so far, going by the advice in the explorer are Umm Suqeim, Mirdif, Jumeira and Emirates Hills.
I am not so keen on Oud Metha , Umm Harair as it looks to be quite built up and busy. We are not huge fans of hustle and bustle so if we can live in a *quieter* area then this would suit.
I appreciate Umm Suqeim is quite far out...it estimates travel to the airport is 25 mins....would you agree? My husband will be working shifts and this normally means travel is not at peak time...that is of course only beneficial if there is a 'non/peak time'
We are not yet sure what type of accomodation we will be looking for. A villa would be nice but of course it all comes down to money. I think our rent allowance is up to 210k a year.

Thanks Again
Tiny

It's me jumping in again
You'll get a nice villa for under that cost around 160,000dhs. That how much the one we are in at the moment is and it is really nice and modern in style and very well built and set up

[Tiny]

Thanks Macca

We are coming from the UK. We now know that my husbands employer will provide accomodation for the first few weeks which will allow us to find our own place. we are over for a holiday in october so we will have a look at Mirdiff and other areas of interest.

we are not use to beach life AT ALL!!! so i am sure it will be lovely for us to experience!

[adrianh]

Originally Posted by Geordie Armani

As this forum is relatively new and people seem to be asking the same questions all the time I thought I would start this thread as I feel it is valuable information that is need.


Schools

BSME: British Schools in the Middle East - there are more but doing an internet search is a good way to find out information

Residency Visa

This is supplied by your employer, once you arrive the application for residency visa starts. You will need to have a blood test and in some cases a chest xray. This is organised by your Company. If you are a British Passport Holder you can stay in the UAE for 60 days without a visa, you can also exit and re-enter on two occasions before completing your residency visa.

In most cases you will need your residency visa to enable you to rent accomodation. Some however will take a letter from your Company confirming that they are infact going through the process of applying for your visa. Some banks will allow you to open an account without your visa but I am not 100% sure which ones. You WILL need a visa to obtain any credit and also to buy and register a vehicle.

Accomodation

Expensive! ensure that you get a big enough housing allowance to cover your rent. Rents for one bed apartments are starting in the region of 90k up to 120k and 120k to 150k for a two depending on the area where you choose to live.

Villas - 3 bed - 180 - 200K
4 bed - 220 upwards

The main European areas are the developments that have been built buy Emaar - The Springs, The Meadows, The Lakes, The Ranches, The Greens. There are however europeans living all over Dubai so don't isolate yourself to just one area. The best way to chose where to live is to live as close to your place of work as possible.

Traffic and the Roads

Horrendous - no other word to describe the standard of driving out here. You do get used to it. Cars are way cheaper than the UK and it cost me 10 quid to fill up the tank - that is the plus point of having to endanger your life every day!

I think that's it

Hi All,

Only joined yesterday found it very interesting i live and work in Sharjah. Just thought i would mention as i havent read this anywhere. With regards to cheques. Its standard practice to issue post dated cheques for rent ect. But be aware there are serious penalties if the cheque is returned so make sure the funds are in the bank on time. If a cheque is returned you will be listed as wanted and arrested it can even result in prison

[LeeWT]

Thanks elphaba and others for all of the info, i think i'll be seeing expatforum in my sleep after reading so much. thanks to your warnings I want to be absolutely SURE of the following:

If my husband and I both get offered an annual salary of 375k+375k dir (60k/month total) and an annual living allowance of 90k each (180k total) is it possible to afford
-a three bed villa close to work
-full time childcare
AND save maybe 200k dir?

I dont want us to be the people who move out and struggle and cant afford to save as that would shatter the dream!

Also are there any couples with children who *both* organised jobs before going and had to arrange childcare on arrival?

thanks for all and any help!!

lee

[greatexpectations]

Originally Posted by LeeWT

Thanks elphaba and others for all of the info, i think i'll be seeing expatforum in my sleep after reading so much. thanks to your warnings I want to be absolutely SURE of the following:

If my husband and I both get offered an annual salary of 375k+375k dir (60k/month total) and an annual living allowance of 90k each (180k total) is it possible to afford
-a three bed villa close to work
-full time childcare
AND save maybe 200k dir?

I dont want us to be the people who move out and struggle and cant afford to save as that would shatter the dream!

Also are there any couples with children who *both* organised jobs before going and had to arrange childcare on arrival?

thanks for all and any help!!

lee

my sums would say "yes" - sounds distinctluy doable

[ricardo8]

Hi all

The prevailing advice seems to be to live in the area in which you work.

I am considering a job in Emaar Business Park on Sheikh Zayed Road (near Palm Jumeirah), but I am likely to be living somewhere in Sharjah.

How long a commute is this likely to be? If necessary I may be willing to travel early in the morning.

Would that be feasible?

Thanks for your help.