Have you been tasked with relocating employees to Abu Dhabi?

International Relocation
Moving to the United Arab Emirates
Settling In
  

Have you been tasked with handling an employee’s overseas relocation? 


Whether you're in HR, Mobility, or another department, your role in facilitating an employee's overseas relocation is pivotal. 
Crown Relocations is here to partner with you, offering comprehensive support to ensure a seamless transition for your employees and their families. Let's walk through how this journey can be made as smooth as possible. 
colleagues in a meeting


Pre-relocation Preparations

  

Consider a Preview Trip


There is a big difference between visiting a place and living there. Employees may be uncertain about an international move's implications for them and their families. Organizing a preview trip can provide a glimpse into day-to-day life after the relocation. Our preview trips are fully tailored to an individual’s needs or interests, helping offer insights into schools, living areas, clubs, and the overall lifestyle in Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
  

Immigration and Visas


Relocating employees to Abu Dhabi requires establishing an entity there (Mainland or Free Zone). Once the local office is set up, it is the employer's responsibility to apply for a work permit before the employee’s arrival. Upon arrival, you can apply for their residency visa and Emirates ID. Additionally, health insurance for the employee must be provided, with associated costs covered by the employer. 

Important note: You will most likely need your employee’s attested personal and educational documents to apply for their visa. Remember that attestation processing times can take up to a few months, depending on the country in which the certificate is issued.

Crown Relocations offers support with Legalization & Attestation services.  
Passport cover with UAE flag
  

Allowances and Benefits


Employees can only open local bank accounts or sign lease agreements once they obtain their residency visa and Emirates ID. Temporary accommodation and allowances for this period should be considered, with companies often offering serviced apartments for 30 days near the office. It's essential to anticipate potential processing delays and account for the additional costs accordingly. 

Housing benefits in the relocation package should factor in annual rental increases for long-term assignments. Abu Dhabi tenancy law generally permits a maximum yearly increase of 5%; however, with increasing property values, some landlords have been demanding higher increases, particularly in more popular areas, which saw average increases between 5.7% and 11% in 2023.

Most relocation assignments also include a return air ticket for the employee and accompanying family to their home country once a year.
Lastly, according to Article 51 of the UAE Labour Law, foreign workers in the private sector are entitled to an end-of-service gratuity (based on the basic salary) provided that they complete one year of continuous service. In all cases, the total gratuity shall not exceed the wage of two years.
Calculator, US Dollars, Coins
  

Managing Personal Belongings


Perhaps the most important aspect of relocation is the careful handling of personal belongings. We understand these items are more than just material possessions – they are part of your employee's life story. It's important to communicate this early on, especially if your employee hasn't relocated before. Reassure them that, with a dependable international relocation company, they can move everything from their new OLED TV to their grandmother's antique dressing cabinet. 

Our local team in Abu Dhabi can provide expert services in packing, handling, and transporting everything from the smallest sentimental item to the largest piece of furniture. With our global network of Crown operations, we can manage your employees' shipments door-to-door and route shipments to either Khalifa Port or Jebel Ali Port. 

Crown Relocations will provide comprehensive quotations based on door-to-door assistance, including insurance and storage, where required.

Post-Relocation Considerations

  

Settling-In


The settling-in period is crucial for the well-being of your employee and their family. Crown offers destination services such as intercultural training and home and school searches, facilitating a smooth transition and helping them feel at home in their new environment. Engaging with local expat groups or organizations like the Abu Dhabi Residents Office can provide social integration and emotional support during this transition, reducing the risk of a failed relocation.
  

Don’t Forget


Relocating internationally can be overwhelming, so providing comprehensive information about the new location is crucial. We’ve compiled a list of a few things that are easily forgotten: 

  • Driving licenses - Not all driving licenses are transferable to a UAE license, so you may need to have lessons and re-test to obtain your UAE license. 
  • Vaccinations & Medical Records – Vaccination schedules differ in the UAE from other countries; it's worth checking that you have up-to-date records before you come. 
  • Climate – Abu Dhabi has a desert climate, and temperatures during the summer months can reach up to 50 degrees. Consider relocating staff in the cooler months to give them time to acclimatize!

Checklists

A well-organized relocation checklist is essential. It should cover visa and work permit processing, housing arrangements, banking, healthcare, cultural training, and logistics for moving personal belongings. Crown works closely with employees and representatives to tailor checklists to their specific needs.