[jeanfrancois]

Dear all,

My wife and I are seriously considering moving to Dubai next year and are hoping someone can help us answer a few


1. Pros and Cons -- Independant consulting/contract work VS. full-time employment:
How would I go about obtaining a VISA if I want to do independant consulting (i.e. hopping from one company/project to another). Should I start my own company? (in Dubai or in my home country - Canada) - is this realistic?

Do companies hire expats on six months to one year contracts? Not sure yet if I would like to commit to staying longer.

2. VISAs for spouses: If I was to find a job first, would my work VISA apply to her or would she need to obtain one on her own.

3. Dogs: Any tips on how to transport a dog to Dubai + other things we should know about having a dog in Dubai.

4. Getting a job: could anyone recommend head-hunters/placement agencies (for IT management positions).



Many thanks!

 

[Maz25]

Dear all,

My wife and I are seriously considering moving to Dubai next year and are hoping someone can help us answer a few


1. Pros and Cons -- Independant consulting/contract work VS. full-time employment:
How would I go about obtaining a VISA if I want to do independant consulting (i.e. hopping from one company/project to another). Should I start my own company? (in Dubai or in my home country - Canada) - is this realistic?

You will need a sponsor in order to be able to work in Dubai. This can either be an employer or if you set up your own company, you may require a local sponsor depending on where you set up. If you set up in the freezone, then you do not need a sponsor. One of the hurdles to overcome in setting up your own company is finding clients. I currently work for a relatively new company but as my boss had previously been employed here, he took a lot of clients with him. It might be worth being employed for a while and just build up a network before branching out on your own but be aware that some employment contracts forbid you from targeting your employer's staff or clients for a while.

Do companies hire expats on six months to one year contracts? Not sure yet if I would like to commit to staying longer.

Most companies would expect you to commit to at least 2 years. Otherwise, it is not worth the expense of bringing you over. In the event that you leave before this time, most contracts also have a clause stipulating that you pay back the employer his relocation costs on a pro rata basis! There are also laws to prevent people from job hopping and whilst you are able to change jobs, you need to have been in your previous employment for at least 6 -12 months before you can change job without incurring a labour ban, which as the name says, bans you from working in the UAE for 6-12 months!

2. VISAs for spouses: If I was to find a job first, would my work VISA apply to her or would she need to obtain one on her own.

Most companies get their PRO to deal with the paperwork on your behalf but you pay for it and it is actually yourself that becomes your wife's sponsor.

3. Dogs: Any tips on how to transport a dog to Dubai + other things we should know about having a dog in Dubai.

I don't have a dog but there has been loads of info on the forum about transporting pets. You would need to find a relocation company in your home country and they will advise you on all the paperwork you need to provide and will effectively act as your agent to transport your pets safely. Just be aware that not all landlords allow pets in apartments and that might restrict the number of places available to you and even push up your budget if you are forced to take a more expensive apartment or villa because you wish to keep pets.

4. Getting a job: could anyone recommend head-hunters/placement agencies (for IT management positions).

I don't work in IT but when I was looking for a job, my first port of call was google. It pointed me towards all the recruitment agencies specialising in my field. Again, if you search the forum, you will probably find a few suggestions of good IT recruitment agencies.



Many thanks!

Hope this helps but if you have any more questions, then ask away. I would recommend that you search old threads first as there are loads of info on this forum.

 

[Maz25]

I came across this link and thought that it might of some use to you

UAE: Expat Workers can Start Own Business