International Moving Checklist Dubai: Complete Relocation Guide

How Should You Plan Your International Move from Dubai?

Having managed 300+ international relocations from Dubai over the past decade, we can tell you that the difference between a seamless move and a logistical nightmare comes down to one thing: planning. International moves require a minimum of 12 weeks of preparation covering UAE exit procedures, customs regulations, shipping logistics, visa documentation, and destination-country import rules.

Unlike local moves within Dubai, an international relocation involves coordinating with customs authorities in two countries, choosing between sea and air freight, navigating UAE administrative closures (DEWA, Ejari, bank accounts), and ensuring your belongings meet the import regulations of your destination. Miss a single step and you could face costly delays, impounded goods, or unexpected duty charges.

This step-by-step checklist covers every phase from 12 weeks out to moving day and beyond, so you can relocate from Dubai with confidence. For professional support, our international moving service handles the entire process end to end.

What Does the Complete 12-Week International Moving Timeline Look Like?

Below is a consolidated timeline we recommend to every client relocating internationally from Dubai. Print this table and check off each milestone as you go.

Weeks Before Move	Key Tasks	Priority
12 weeks	Research destination customs rules, get 3+ quotes, decide sea vs air freight, create budget, audit belongings	Critical
10 weeks	Book international mover (FIDI/FAIM certified), schedule pre-move survey, verify passport validity, gather key documents	Critical
8 weeks	Sign contract, confirm insurance, apply for destination tax relief forms (ToR1, CBP 3299, B4), begin visa cancellation process	High
6 weeks	Create detailed inventory with photos, cancel/transfer DEWA, cancel Ejari, notify school for transfer records, notify embassy/consulate	High
4 weeks	Declutter and sell items on Dubizzle, arrange pet relocation, begin vehicle export process, transfer medical records, confirm packing date	Medium
2 weeks	Close/maintain bank accounts, cancel subscriptions, set up mail forwarding, arrange storage for remaining items, pack personal suitcases	Medium
1 week	Final property walkthrough, return keys, collect security deposit docs, confirm flights, prepare carry-on essentials box	High
Packing day	Supervise packing, verify inventory, get Bill of Lading/Airway Bill, keep documents and valuables on person	Critical
Post-arrival	Track shipment, prepare customs clearance docs, inspect delivery, document damage, file claims within timeframe	High

What Should You Do 12 Weeks Before Your International Move?

The earliest phase is about research and high-level decisions. Every choice you make now, from shipping method to moving company, cascades through the entire timeline.

What Research and Decisions Are Needed?

• Audit every room and decide what to take vs. sell/donate vs. put in storage
• Research customs requirements for your specific destination country (each has different prohibited items lists and duty thresholds)
• Get quotes from at least 3 international moving companies -- insist on FIDI-affiliated or FAIM-certified movers for quality assurance
• Choose your shipping method: sea freight vs. air freight (see comparison below)
• Create a comprehensive moving budget including shipping, insurance, customs duties, and temporary accommodation
• If you have a vehicle to ship, begin researching export deregistration requirements from Dubai RTA

How Do You Choose Between Sea Freight and Air Freight from Dubai?

This is one of the most consequential decisions in your international move. Dubai's strategic location between Jebel Ali Port (one of the world's busiest container ports) and two major cargo airports (DXB and DWC/Al Maktoum) gives you excellent options for both methods.

• Sea freight: Best for full household shipments. Transit time is 4-8 weeks depending on destination. A 20ft container fits a 1-2 bedroom apartment; a 40ft container handles a 3-4 bedroom villa. Cost is typically AED 8,000-25,000+ depending on volume and destination. Shipments depart from Jebel Ali Port.
• Air freight: Best for urgent items, small shipments, or supplementing a sea shipment. Transit time is 5-10 days. Cost is significantly higher (roughly 4-6x per cubic metre), but ideal for essentials you need immediately. Cargo departs from Dubai International Airport or Al Maktoum International.
• Combination approach: Many clients ship the bulk via sea freight and send a smaller air freight consignment with immediate necessities (work equipment, children's school supplies, seasonal clothing). This balances cost with convenience.

Our international moving team can advise on the optimal split based on your destination, timeline, and budget.

What Documentation Should You Gather Early?

• Check passport validity -- most countries require at least 6 months remaining
• Verify visa status for destination country and begin any renewal or application processes
• Request employment reference letters and salary certificates from your UAE employer
• Gather original documents: birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic records, professional licences
• Obtain police clearance certificate from Dubai Police (required by many destination countries)
• Get attestation for documents that need it (check destination country requirements for apostille or embassy attestation)

For a complete documentation guide, see our article on customs documentation for international moves.

What Should You Complete 8 Weeks Before Moving?

By this stage, you should have selected your moving company and be ready to formalise the arrangement. This is also when you begin the critical UAE administrative wind-down.

How Do You Finalize Your Moving Company?

• Book your international mover with deposit -- peak seasons (June-September, December) fill up fast
• Schedule a pre-move survey, either in-person or virtual, so the mover can assess volume accurately
• Review the contract carefully: check liability limits, delivery windows, and what happens if goods are delayed or damaged
• Confirm marine transit insurance coverage -- standard mover liability is typically insufficient for international shipments; opt for full replacement value coverage
• Verify the mover is FIDI-affiliated or FAIM-certified, which guarantees adherence to international quality standards for export packing, documentation, and claims handling

Not sure whether to use a local or international company? Read our comparison of local vs international movers in Dubai.

Which Tax Relief Applications Should You Submit?

Many destination countries allow duty-free import of personal effects if you apply in advance. Missing these deadlines can cost thousands in unexpected duties:

• UK: ToR1 Transfer of Residence form (apply 2-3 weeks before shipping; allows duty-free import of household goods)
• USA: CBP Form 3299 for returning residents and immigrants (declare goods at port of entry)
• Canada: B4 Goods to Follow list (must be filed at initial entry to Canada)
• India: TR (Transfer of Residence) Declaration for NRIs returning after 2+ years abroad
• Australia: B534 Unaccompanied Personal Effects form (submit before goods arrive)

What UAE Visa and Exit Procedures Must You Start?

• Coordinate with your employer on visa cancellation timing -- you typically get a 30-day grace period after cancellation
• If on a freelance or investor visa, begin the cancellation process through the relevant free zone or DED
• Check for any outstanding fines, Salik top-ups, or traffic violations that could trigger a travel ban
• Settle any pending court cases or financial obligations

What Should You Complete 6 Weeks Before Moving?

This phase is about detailed inventory work and beginning the UAE administrative shutdowns that take time to process.

How Do You Create a Detailed Inventory?

• List every item with descriptions, quantities, and estimated replacement values
• Photograph all valuable items from multiple angles for insurance documentation
• Identify items requiring specialist export-grade packing -- antiques, fine art, pianos, chandeliers, and marble-top furniture all need custom crating
• Note serial numbers and model numbers for all electronics
• Separate items into categories: ship by sea, ship by air, carry personally, sell/donate, store

For tips on protecting delicate items, see our guide to packing fragile items.

What UAE Administrative Tasks Need Completion?

• DEWA final settlement: Apply for final bill and security deposit refund (takes 2-4 weeks to process). If your tenancy continues, arrange a name transfer.
• Ejari cancellation: Cancel your tenancy registration through the Ejari system. You will need your tenancy contract and Emirates ID.
• Internet/TV: Cancel Du or Etisalat services. Note any early contract termination penalties and settle the final bill.
• Notify your bank: Discuss whether to close accounts or maintain them. Many expats keep a UAE account open for deposit refunds and final salary. Close the account only after all pending credits have cleared.
• Cancel gym memberships, club memberships, and subscriptions that auto-debit from your UAE bank or credit card

What About School and Medical Records?

• Request school transfer certificates and academic transcripts -- KHDA-regulated schools may need 4-6 weeks notice
• Get attested school records if required by the destination country
• Request complete medical records from your GP and dentist, including vaccination records
• Ensure children's immunisation records are up to date for destination country school enrolment requirements
• If on ongoing treatment, request referral letters and a supply of prescription medication for the transition period

What Should You Complete 4 Weeks Before Moving?

Now it is time to act on everything you have been planning. This is the most action-intensive phase.

How Do You Declutter and Sell Items Efficiently?

• List furniture and household items on Dubizzle, Facebook Marketplace, and expat community groups
• Remember: every kilogram you do not ship saves money. Reducing shipment volume by even 10% can save AED 1,000-3,000+ on international moves
• Donate usable items to organisations like Frying Pan Adventures or charity shops
• Arrange professional cleaning of items you are keeping (upholstered furniture, carpets) before packing
• Empty and defrost refrigerators and freezers at least 48 hours before packing day

How Do You Ship a Vehicle from Dubai?

Vehicle export from Dubai involves several steps that take 2-4 weeks to complete:

• Obtain an export certificate from Dubai RTA
• Settle any outstanding Salik charges or traffic fines
• Cancel your vehicle registration and insurance
• Arrange RORO (roll-on/roll-off) or container shipping through Jebel Ali Port
• Provide the destination country's import requirements (many countries require pre-arrival inspections or compliance modifications)

What About Pet Relocation from the UAE?

Pet relocation from Dubai requires careful advance planning, as requirements vary dramatically by destination:

• Ensure microchip, rabies vaccination, and blood titre tests are current
• Obtain a health certificate from a MOCCAE-approved veterinarian within 48 hours of travel
• Apply for an export permit from the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment
• Research destination quarantine requirements (Australia and UK have strict protocols)
• Book with a specialist pet relocation company or airline-approved crate well in advance

What Should You Complete 2 Weeks Before Moving?

The final fortnight is about confirming logistics and wrapping up loose ends.

What Pre-Pack Tasks Are Essential?

• Confirm packing and pickup dates with your moving company
• Prepare items you will carry personally -- essential documents, medications, one change of clothes, laptop, phone chargers, children's comfort items
• Backup all digital data, photos, and important files to cloud storage and a physical drive
• Complete all medical and dental appointments
• Notify your embassy or consulate of your departure from the UAE and new destination address
• Set up mail forwarding with Emirates Post or arrange for a trusted contact to handle any remaining mail

What Financial Loose Ends Need Tying Up?

• Close credit cards you will not use (ensure final statements are cleared)
• Transfer end-of-service gratuity to your preferred account
• Ensure your security deposit refund process is initiated with your landlord
• Keep at least one UAE bank account open until all final payments clear (DEWA refund, security deposit, final salary)
• Arrange for any remaining Salik balance to be refunded

Do You Need Storage for Items Staying in Dubai?

Many clients leaving Dubai temporarily or unsure about certain items opt to use storage services rather than shipping everything. Climate-controlled storage units in Dubai are available for short and long-term use, keeping your belongings safe from the extreme heat while you settle in your new location. This is especially useful for furniture you may want to retrieve later or items with sentimental value that you are not ready to part with.

What Should You Complete 1 Week Before Moving?

The final week is about confirmation and making sure every detail is locked in.

• Confirm final pickup time and date with your moving company
• Prepare payment for the moving company (final balance)
• Pack suitcases with 2-4 weeks of essentials (sea freight can take up to 8 weeks)
• Do a final walkthrough of your property and photograph its condition for deposit purposes
• Return keys to landlord or property management agent
• Collect all security deposit documentation and written confirmation of return
• Confirm destination accommodation is ready to receive your shipment

What Should You Do on Packing Day?

Packing day for an international move typically takes 1-3 days depending on the size of your home. Export-grade packing is significantly more thorough than domestic packing, and you should expect the crew to use custom crating, acid-free tissue paper, and reinforced cartons.

• Be present during the entire packing process -- do not leave the crew unsupervised
• Verify each box is labelled correctly with room, contents description, and a sequential number
• Cross-reference the inventory list with packed items in real time
• Keep essential documents, valuables, jewellery, cash, and medications on your person at all times
• Get your copy of the Bill of Lading (sea freight) or Airway Bill (air freight)
• Confirm the estimated arrival date and the customs clearance process at your destination
• Take photos of packed boxes and crates for your records

What Items Are Prohibited or Restricted for Export from the UAE?

UAE customs and destination country customs both have lists of prohibited and restricted items. Shipping a prohibited item can result in your entire container being impounded, so this is not a step to take lightly.

UAE Export Restrictions

• Prohibited: Narcotics, weapons, ammunition, counterfeit goods, items of cultural/historical significance without export permits
• Restricted: Certain electronics (encryption devices may need clearance), medications without prescriptions, large quantities of gold or precious stones without documentation

Common Destination Country Restrictions

• Alcohol: Strictly prohibited to ship to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and other dry countries; limited quantities to UK, USA, Australia
• Food and perishables: Most countries prohibit food imports. Australia and New Zealand are particularly strict (declare everything)
• Plants and seeds: Require phytosanitary certificates and are often prohibited entirely
• Hazardous materials: Aerosols, batteries, paint, cleaning chemicals, flammable liquids -- none of these can be shipped
• Wood and bamboo items: Some countries (Australia, New Zealand, USA) require ISPM-15 treated wood for crating and may fumigate wooden furniture

Items to Carry Personally (Never Ship)

• Passports, Emirates IDs, visa documents, original certificates
• Jewellery, cash, and financial documents
• Irreplaceable family photos and heirlooms
• Laptop, external drives, and backup media
• Medications (with prescriptions)

How Does Insurance Work for International Moves?

Standard mover liability (also called limited liability) typically covers only a fraction of your goods' value -- often just AED 50-100 per item regardless of actual worth. For an international move, you should insist on full replacement value insurance:

• Full replacement value: The mover or insurer covers the current market cost to replace or repair a damaged item. Premiums typically run 2-4% of the declared shipment value.
• Total loss coverage: Covers the entire shipment if the container is lost at sea, damaged in transit, or destroyed.
• Third-party marine insurance: Some clients prefer to buy coverage independently rather than through the mover, which can offer broader terms.
• Declare accurate values: Under-declaring to save on premiums will backfire if you need to claim. Be honest about replacement costs.

Our international moves include comprehensive insurance options. Request a quote to discuss the right coverage level for your shipment.

What Container Sizes Are Available and What Fits?

Understanding container sizes helps you estimate costs and decide what to ship:

• 20ft container (33 cubic metres): Fits a 1-2 bedroom apartment. Typical contents include a sofa, dining table with 4 chairs, bed, wardrobe, 20-30 boxes, and small appliances. Weight limit approximately 18,000 kg.
• 40ft container (67 cubic metres): Fits a 3-4 bedroom villa. Accommodates full household including multiple bedrooms, living room, dining room, garden furniture, and 50-80 boxes. Weight limit approximately 26,000 kg.
• LCL (Less than Container Load): If your shipment does not fill a full container, you can share space with other shipments. Costs less than FCL (Full Container Load) but transit times are longer due to consolidation and deconsolidation at ports.

What Should You Do After Arriving at Your Destination?

Your responsibilities do not end when you board the plane. The arrival phase is critical for ensuring your goods clear customs smoothly.

• Track your shipment using the tracking number provided by your mover
• Prepare all customs documentation: passport, visa, inventory list, Bill of Lading, insurance certificate, and any tax relief approvals
• Be present (or have an authorised representative present) for customs inspection if required
• Inspect every item upon delivery -- open all boxes and check against the inventory
• Document any damage with photographs before the delivery crew leaves
• Note damage on the delivery receipt and have the crew leader sign it
• File insurance claims within the required timeframe (typically 14-30 days depending on the policy)
• Complete any post-entry customs requirements such as additional declarations or duty payments

What Are the Common Mistakes to Avoid in International Moves from Dubai?

Based on our experience with hundreds of relocations, these are the most frequent errors we see:

• Starting too late: International moves need 12 weeks minimum. Starting 4-6 weeks out leads to higher costs, limited availability, and missed paperwork deadlines.
• Choosing the cheapest quote: In international moving, the cheapest quote often means the company is cutting corners on packing quality, insurance, or using unreliable shipping partners. Always verify FIDI/FAIM credentials.
• Forgetting UAE exit procedures: Unresolved DEWA bills, Ejari, traffic fines, or bank loans can result in a travel ban. Clear everything before your visa is cancelled.
• Not declaring items accurately: Customs authorities take undervaluation seriously. It can result in penalties, delays, or confiscation of your entire shipment.
• Shipping prohibited items accidentally: Something as simple as a forgotten aerosol can or a half-used bottle of cleaning fluid can cause problems at customs.
• Closing bank accounts too early: You need an active UAE account to receive security deposit refunds, end-of-service gratuity, and DEWA deposit returns.

How Much Does an International Move from Dubai Cost?

International moving costs vary significantly based on volume, destination, shipping method, and additional services. Here are rough estimates for reference:

• Air freight (small shipment, 2-5 CBM): AED 5,000-15,000 depending on destination
• Sea freight 20ft container (Europe): AED 10,000-18,000
• Sea freight 20ft container (USA/Canada): AED 12,000-22,000
• Sea freight 20ft container (Australia): AED 12,000-20,000
• Sea freight 20ft container (India/Pakistan): AED 6,000-12,000
• Sea freight 40ft container: Approximately 1.5-1.8x the 20ft price
• Insurance: 2-4% of declared value
• Customs duties: Varies by country; often zero for personal effects with proper documentation

These are estimates and actual costs depend on your specific situation. For an accurate, no-obligation quote, fill out our quote form or call us directly.

What Is the Key to a Successful International Move from Dubai?

Start planning early, stay organised with checklists, and work with experienced international movers who understand both UAE export procedures and destination import requirements. The right moving partner will guide you through customs documentation, handle export-grade packing to international shipping standards, and coordinate sea or air freight logistics from Jebel Ali Port or Dubai's cargo airports.

Whether you are relocating from Downtown Dubai to London, Business Bay to New York, or Dubai Marina to Sydney, thorough preparation is your best investment. With the right checklist and a FIDI/FAIM-certified moving partner, your international relocation from Dubai can be smooth, efficient, and stress-free.

Ready to start planning? Get your free international moving quote today, or call our relocation consultants at +971 55 301 3309 to discuss your move.