LOCAL PLANNING BRIEF
Moving your family to Dubai: a practical planning brief
Coordinate school choice, home search and residence paperwork before a Dubai family move. A practical guide for principals and executive assistants.
Coordination through specialists for the scope of your brief. Availability and fees are confirmed before an engagement.
Let the school shortlist shape the home search
Record each child’s year group, curriculum, language and support needs. Use KHDA’s directory to compare the school’s published information, then ask admissions directly about a place and the full fee schedule. Build the housing shortlist around school and work journeys at the times your family will actually travel. A school rating does not establish availability or suitability for a particular child.
Separate residence from the moving date
Ask the appointed specialist to identify the applicable residence route, the family members covered and which steps require attendance. The government’s Golden Visa information is a starting point, not a determination of your eligibility. Keep a plan for temporary accommodation if paperwork and school admission run on different schedules.
Agree who owns each task
A representative can maintain a single list of residence, housing, school, insurance and household tasks while each professional remains responsible for their own service. Request written scope and a named contact from each provider. Do not circulate passports or detailed financial records to a broad shortlist before a specific engagement requires them.
Ask for an itemised cost picture
Costs depend on the scope, family and property or programme. Use these categories to request a quote; this is not a price list or a guaranteed timeline.
- School tuition, transport, deposits and extras
- Housing deposit, service costs and moving expenses
- Application, document and professional fees quoted separately
Official resources to continue your research
Check the authority’s current requirements before making a decision. Editorial briefing prepared 13 September 2026; this is not a professional review of your circumstances.