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Living in the UAE

How To's

A comprehensive step-by-step instruction guide to setting up in the UAE, from applying for your residence visa and resident ID to renting a home and opening a bank account.

Take the medical test (1/18)
Apply for visa (2/18)
Renew of visa (3/18)
Apply for a resident ID card (4/18)
Renew a resident ID card (5/18)
Apply for a health card (6/18)
Apply for Mobile (7/18)
Connect Electricity & Water (8/18)
Connect Internet (9/18)
Apply for a landline (10/18)
Subscribe to satellite / cable TV (11/18)
Buy a property (12/18)
Apply for UAE driving licence (13/18)
Transfer a foreign driving licence (14/18)
Buy a new vehicle (15/18)
Buy a second-hand vehicle (16/18)
Have a baby (17/18)
Obtain a Birth Certificate (18/18)

Overview

The UAE has two telecoms operators Etisalat and du and both offer prepaid and postpaid mobile phone accounts. You just need to buy a SIM card and register your details. Whereas you previously had to re-register your identification with both telecoms operators to keep your line active, these days the telecoms operators have a direct link to the Emirates ID authority to keep your details up to date.

Prepaid

Prerequisites
  • Etisalat or du account
  • UAE resident
  • Aged 18 years or over
  • Unlocked mobile phone
What to bring
  • Passport with visit or residence visa (copy) OR Resident ID (copy)
  • Dhs.40 to purchase an Etisalat SIM card (includes Dhs.5 free credit)
OR
  • Dhs.55 to purchase a du SIM card (includes Dhs.10 free credit and 100MB free data valid for 30 days)

Postpaid

Prerequisites
  • Aged 18 and older (Etisalat) or 21 and over (du). Under-21s will require an NOC from a sponsor who is 21 or older
  • UAE resident (du)
  • UAE visitor or resident (Etisalat)
  • A minimum monthly salary of approximately Dhs.2,500
  • An unlocked mobile phone
What to bring
Etisalat
  • Passport and residence or visit visa (copy), OR
    • Resident ID
    • And one of the following:

      • Credit card issued by UAE institution
      • Salary certificate showing a minimum salary of Dhs.2,500 per month
      • Dhs.125 connection fee (which is reimbursed as free credit) and Dhs.50 monthly rental
    du
    • Passport and residence or visit visa (copy), OR
      • Resident ID
      • And one of the following:

        • Credit card issued by UAE institution
        • Utility bill with physical address for more than three months
        • Copy of tenancy/ownership contract. If tenant, a copy of tenancy contract registered through Ejari, the online system of the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA)
        • Letter from employer showing a minimum salary of Dhs.2,500 per month
        • Dhs.125 connection fee and monthly rental from Dhs.25

Procedure

Prepaid
  • Collect application form from any Etisalat or du office, or authorised vendor
  • Complete the form in English or Arabic (typed or handwritten)
  • Submit all documents with the form
  • Pay a one-off fee (cash or credit card)
  • A salesperson will give you a SIM card (with number) on the spot
  • Buy pay-as-you-go phone cards in denominations ranging from Dhs.20-500 from shops, petrol stations and supermarkets, or top up online, through the operators’ apps or ADCB’s mobile app.
Postpaid
  • Visit any Etisalat business centre or du outlet
  • Submit all documents and completed application form
  • Pay the fees (cash or credit card) 
  • You will receive a SIM card and mobile number, which can be used immediately

OR

  • Register online with either provider for a postpaid SIM. You will need to validate an online application instore, however, with Etisalat.
procedure

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