You've landed. Your visa is stamped, your bags are through. Now what? The first 30 days in Dubai involve a specific sequence of admin tasks — and getting the order right saves hours of frustration. This is the checklist every Saffa wishes they'd had.
Week 1 — The Non-Negotiables
Medical Fitness Test
Required for Emirates ID. Go to a government-approved health centre (multiple in each emirate) with your passport and entry visa. Tests for tuberculosis and other conditions. Usually done in 1–2 hours, results same day or next day. Cost: AED 250–350.
Emirates ID Application (ICP — GDRFA)
Submit at a typing centre (cheap, fast) or through ICP online at icp.gov.ae. Bring your passport, entry permit/visa, and medical fitness test result. Your employer may handle this. Cost: varies — your employer usually covers it. Emirates ID arrives by post in 1–2 weeks.
Get a UAE SIM Card
Etisalat (now e&) and du are the two UAE operators. Buy a prepaid SIM at the airport or any branch. You need a passport to register. Monthly plans from AED 55–250. WhatsApp calling works on both — which you'll need constantly.
Get Health Insurance
Mandatory in Dubai (and for most visa categories across UAE). Your employer typically provides it. If not, you must arrange your own — this is a legal requirement, not optional. Basic plans start around AED 600/month for an individual. Get this sorted in Week 1.
Week 2 — Banking and Transport
Open a UAE Bank Account
Once your Emirates ID application is submitted (not yet received — just submitted), most banks will open an account. Best for SA expats: Emirates NBD, Mashreq, FAB. Bring your passport, visa page, Emirates ID acknowledgement, employment letter and 3 months SA bank statements. See our Money & Banking guide.
Get a Nol Card (Dubai Metro & Bus)
The Nol card is Dubai's transit card. Buy one at any metro station (AED 25 incl. AED 19 credit). Works on metro, buses, tram, water bus and some taxis. Essential for getting around cheaply while you wait for your driving licence.
Register on RTA for Driving Licence Conversion
South Africans are eligible to convert their SA driving licence without a test — one of the few nationalities. Register at an RTA-approved driving centre. You'll need: original SA licence (not a copy), Emirates ID (or proof of application), eye test (done at the driving centre), and your passport. Fee: AED 200–400. Allow 2–4 weeks.
Week 3–4 — Quality of Life Setup
DEWA (Electricity & Water)
Register for electricity and water with DEWA online at dewa.gov.ae. You'll need your tenancy contract (Ejari) and Emirates ID. Refundable security deposit required (AED 2,000 for an apartment). This also gives you your official UAE address proof.
Ejari Registration
Your tenancy contract must be registered with the Ejari system (Dubai Land Department). Your landlord or property manager should handle this, but check. You need Ejari proof for DEWA, some banks, school enrollments and visa renewals.
Join the Saffa community
This sounds obvious, but the SA community in UAE is genuinely valuable. Join our WhatsApp groups and attend a SABCO event. You'll get restaurant recommendations, doctor referrals, emergency help and genuine human connection with people who've been through exactly what you're going through.
The First 30 Days — Quick Checklist
- ☐ Medical fitness test (Day 1–3)
- ☐ Emirates ID application submitted (Day 1–3)
- ☐ UAE SIM card activated (Day 1)
- ☐ Health insurance arranged (Week 1)
- ☐ UAE bank account opened (Week 2)
- ☐ Nol card for metro/bus (Week 1)
- ☐ Driving licence conversion started (Week 2)
- ☐ DEWA electricity registered (Week 2–3)
- ☐ Ejari tenancy registration confirmed (Week 3)
- ☐ Joined SA WhatsApp community (Day 1)
- ☐ SARS foreign income exemption understood (Month 1)
- ☐ Sent money home to SA via Wise (when needed)