Master prompt
First-week settlement checklist (Emirates ID, Ejari, bank, SIM, Salik) — UAE
Day-1 to Day-7 operationalisation: Emirates ID biometric capture at ICP, residence-visa stamping, bank account opening (Emirates NBD / FAB / ADCB / Mashreq / RAKBANK), SIM (Etisalat / du), Ejari rental contract registration, RTA Salik tag.
UAESettlementEmirates IDICPEjariSalikBank accountSIM
You are a senior UAE-licensed PRO / settlement consultant. Build a day-1 to day-30 settlement checklist for [CLIENT_NAME] arriving in Dubai on [ARRIVAL_DATE] under [VISA_TYPE] sponsored by [SPONSOR]. Indian-diaspora norms apply (3.5M Indians in UAE — largest single expat group; assume Indian-passport context unless otherwise stated).
FRAMING (state up front)
• UAE has NO permanent-resident status — residence visa (1y / 2y / 3y / 5y Green / 10y Golden) is the operational status
• Emirates ID biometric capture is MANDATORY (ICP smart services or typing centre); without it most services are blocked
• Residence visa stamping in passport: typically done at the same time as Emirates ID issuance (post-2022 reforms — many cases skip physical stamping; e-visa is the record)
• Ejari (tenancy registration) is MANDATORY in Dubai for almost every service (DEWA, school, family sponsorship, business setup); equivalent registration in AD (Tawtheeq), Sharjah, etc.
• Bank account: cannot open without Emirates ID (or at minimum visa stamp + passport with residence permit page)
• UAE has no personal income tax; budget for VAT 5% on most goods/services
CLIENT SUMMARY
• Arrival date: [ARRIVAL_DATE]
• Emirate: Dubai
• Visa type: [VISA_TYPE]
• Sponsor: [SPONSOR]
• Accommodation: [ACCOMMODATION_STATUS]
• Family included: Solo
• PRO support: Yes
§1 — DAY 1-3: EMIRATES ID BIOMETRIC CAPTURE (ICP)
Statutory anchor: Federal Decree-Law No. 29 of 2021 + ICP regulations.
Process:
(a) Application typically initiated by sponsor's PRO via ICP Smart Services portal (icp.gov.ae) or via Tasheel typing centre BEFORE arrival (visa pre-approval stage)
(b) Upon arrival: receive SMS / email from ICP with biometric appointment slot at one of:
- ICP Customer Happiness Centre (each emirate has 2-4)
- Approved typing centres (Amer in Dubai, etc.)
(c) Attend appointment in person — biometrics: fingerprints + iris scan + photo
(d) Documents to carry:
- Original passport with entry visa stamp
- Entry stamp page
- Medical fitness certificate (DHA / DOH approved — see §2)
- 2 passport-size photos (white background, 4.3 x 5.5 cm)
- Sponsor's PRO submission receipt
- Emirates ID application reference number (from PRO / ICP)
(e) Medical fitness test (mandatory pre-Emirates ID):
- Blood test (HIV, Hepatitis B/C, syphilis, TB)
- Chest X-ray (TB screening)
- Cost: AED 250-750 depending on emirate + speed (express AED 750)
- Same-day results possible (express)
(f) Post-biometric: Emirates ID printed and dispatched via Emirates Post in 5-10 business days
(g) Cost: AED 100-370 per year of validity + AED 70 typing centre fee + AED 30 service fee (varies)
If Yes is "Yes": PRO handles ICP submission + medical booking. [CLIENT_NAME] only attends biometric + medical in person.
If "Self-managed (Golden Visa self-sponsor)": [CLIENT_NAME] submits via ICP Smart Services portal directly; book medical at any approved DHA / DOH centre.
§2 — DAY 1-3: MEDICAL FITNESS TEST (PRE-EMIRATES ID + PRE-VISA STAMPING)
Required for any residence visa above 90 days. Approved centres:
- Dubai: DHA-approved (Al Mizhar Customer Service Centre, Al Quoz Mall typing centre, Smart Salem clinics, Premier Diagnostic Centre)
- Abu Dhabi: SEHA / DOH-approved (Disease Prevention & Screening Centre, Al Mafraq, Madinat Zayed)
- Sharjah: SHA-approved centres
Tiers (Dubai example):
- Regular: AED 250, results 3-5 days
- VIP: AED 500, results next day
- VVIP: AED 750, results same day (3-4 hours)
Failures (HIV, active TB, Hepatitis B/C in some cases): visa cancelled; deportation risk. Test BEFORE bringing family if any concern.
§3 — DAY 2-5: RESIDENCE VISA STAMPING (passport sticker or e-visa)
Post-2022 reforms: most emirates have moved to e-visa (no physical sticker). Verify via ICP Smart Services app — "My Residence" tab.
If physical sticker needed (some employers / Sharjah / RAK still require):
(a) Submit passport via PRO / Tasheel
(b) Visa sticker affixed to passport page
(c) Returns in 3-7 days
For Indian passport holders: keep both Emirates ID + e-visa screenshot accessible. Indian airline check-in counters sometimes ask for physical residence proof.
§4 — DAY 3-7: EJARI (DUBAI) / TAWTHEEQ (ABU DHABI) — TENANCY REGISTRATION
[ACCOMMODATION_STATUS] context:
If rental in Dubai: Ejari registration MANDATORY within 30 days of lease signing.
(a) Documents required:
- Original signed tenancy contract (12-month minimum)
- Title deed copy from landlord
- Landlord passport + Emirates ID copies
- Tenant passport + Emirates ID copies
- DEWA premise number
(b) Register via:
- Ejari online portal (gov.ae)
- Dubai REST app (Real Estate Self Transaction)
- Approved typing centres
(c) Cost: AED 220 (Ejari fee) + AED 25-50 typing centre + AED 5% security deposit (refundable; held by landlord, not Ejari)
(d) Output: Ejari Certificate (PDF + QR code) — REQUIRED for DEWA activation, school enrolment, family sponsorship, business setup, etc.
If Abu Dhabi: Tawtheeq registration via TAMM portal (tamm.abudhabi.gov.ae). Cost AED 100-300.
If Sharjah: SREDD (Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department) — Sharjah Tenancy Contract registration. Cost AED 100-250.
If hotel apartment first 30 days: skip Ejari until permanent lease signed; but flag — most family sponsorships, school enrolments need permanent address proof.
If employer-provided staff accommodation: employer's PRO handles tenancy registration; obtain copy of registered contract for personal use (school, family).
§5 — DAY 3-7: DEWA / ADDC / SEWA UTILITIES ACTIVATION
- Dubai: DEWA (Dubai Electricity & Water Authority) — register via DEWA app or dewa.gov.ae
• Documents: Ejari, passport, Emirates ID, security deposit AED 2,000 (apartment) / AED 4,000 (villa) — refundable
• Activation: same day to 2 working days
• Monthly bill: AED 400-1,500 (apartment) / AED 1,500-5,000 (villa) — varies by usage + season
- Abu Dhabi: ADDC (Abu Dhabi Distribution Company) — register via TAMM portal
- Sharjah: SEWA (Sharjah Electricity, Water & Gas Authority)
- RAK: FEWA (Federal Electricity & Water Authority)
§6 — DAY 3-10: BANK ACCOUNT OPENING
Cannot open before Emirates ID issued (some banks accept biometric receipt + entry stamp + sponsor letter for "in-principle" account).
Major banks for Indian-origin clients:
• Emirates NBD — largest UAE bank, comprehensive branch network, strong UAE-India remittance corridor
• First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) — premium positioning, expat-friendly
• Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) — competitive on salary accounts
• Mashreq Bank — digital-first, strong NRI corridor (Mashreq NRI Banking dedicated unit)
• RAKBANK — popular with small-business owners + mid-tier salary
• HSBC UAE — international transfers, premier banking for HNW
• Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) — Sharia-compliant; preferred by some
• Standard Chartered UAE — international transfer convenience
Documents required:
(a) Original passport + residence visa (e-visa or sticker)
(b) Emirates ID (or biometric receipt)
(c) Salary certificate from employer (for salary account)
(d) Letter from employer (in some cases)
(e) Ejari / Tawtheeq (proof of address)
(f) Recent utility bill (DEWA / ADDC) — sometimes alternative to Ejari
(g) Indian PAN card (recommended — used for FEMA / Indian remittance documentation)
(h) Initial deposit: AED 3,000-25,000 (varies by bank + account type)
Account types:
• Salary account: zero balance if salary AED 5,000+/month direct credit
• Current account: typically AED 3,000-25,000 minimum balance
• Savings account: typically AED 3,000-10,000 minimum balance
• NRE-equivalent (in India) — open via Indian banks' UAE branches (SBI, HDFC, ICICI, Axis, BoB) for remittance home
Cheque book: most banks issue first cheque book free (Indian-origin clients often need cheques for rental post-dated payments — 4-12 cheques common for annual lease)
§7 — DAY 1-3: MOBILE PHONE / SIM
Two providers (telecom duopoly):
• Etisalat (du-licensed) — etisalat.ae
• du (EITC) — du.ae
SIM purchase:
(a) Pre-paid SIM at arrival airport: AED 50-100 (Wasel for Etisalat, du Tourist SIM) — works immediately for 30 days
(b) Post-paid plan: requires Emirates ID + salary certificate
- Etisalat Smart Hub plans: AED 125-500/month (data + voice + international minutes)
- du Smart Plans: AED 125-500/month
(c) eSIM available on iPhone / Samsung — activate via Etisalat / du apps
Indian-context: WhatsApp call / VoIP is blocked in UAE (only WhatsApp text / non-voice messaging works on regular networks). For calls home, use:
• Etisalat / du paid international calls
• Botim app (UAE-licensed VoIP, AED 50-100/month)
• C'Me, ToTok (UAE-licensed alternatives)
§8 — DAY 5-10: RTA SALIK TAG (DUBAI TOLL) / DARB TAG (AD) — IF DRIVING
If [CLIENT_NAME] will drive in Dubai:
• Salik tag mandatory for crossing toll gates (AED 4 per crossing on Sheikh Zayed Rd, Al Garhoud, Al Maktoum, Airport, Mamzar, etc.)
• Register via:
- RTA Salik portal (salik.gov.ae)
- RTA Smart App
- Salik kiosks at petrol stations + service centres
• Account top-up: minimum AED 100; auto-recharge linkable to bank card
If [CLIENT_NAME] will drive in Abu Dhabi:
• Darb toll system (introduced 2021) — AED 4 per crossing on Sheikh Khalifa, Sheikh Zayed, Maqta, Mussaffah bridges (peak hours)
• Register via Darb app or itc.gov.ae
Driver licence: see separate prompt ae-settlement-driver-license-conversion (Indian DL NOT directly convertible — full training pathway).
§9 — DAY 5-15: HEALTH INSURANCE ACTIVATION
Mandatory in Dubai (sponsor responsible), Abu Dhabi (sponsor responsible), increasingly other emirates. See separate prompt ae-settlement-dha-health-insurance-mandatory for full coverage rules.
For first week: confirm employer-provided card is active OR self-arrange interim coverage.
§10 — IF Solo indicates family
For each dependent (spouse, child):
(a) Dependent residence visa application (already done if family arrived)
(b) Separate medical fitness test (age 18+)
(c) Separate Emirates ID biometric capture (age 15+; under-15 done at typing centre, no biometric for under-10)
(d) Separate health insurance enrolment (sponsor obligation under DHA Mandatory Health Insurance Law)
(e) School enrolment (KHDA-regulated in Dubai, ADEK in AD) — see separate prompt ae-settlement-khda-adek-school-enrollment-children
§11 — DAY 7-30: COMMUNITY + ADMIN TAIL
• Notify Indian banks of UAE residence (convert resident savings to NRO/NRE — FEMA s.6)
• Notify PAN office (or via Indian CA) — tax residency change for India-side ITR
• Register on Indian consulate / mission database:
- CGI Dubai (consulate.gov.in/dubai) — for Dubai + Northern Emirates residents
- HCI Abu Dhabi (cgiabudhabi.gov.in) — for AD + remaining emirates
- Register on MADAD (Indian Consular grievances portal — madad.gov.in)
• Apply for Dubai Emirates Identity-linked Nol Card (RTA public transport — bus, tram, metro) — AED 25 for Silver Nol, AED 250 for Gold
• Update LinkedIn / professional networks with UAE residence
• Indian PAN — keep valid; non-resident tax filing required only on Indian-source income
§12 — TIMELINE SUMMARY
Day 1: Arrival; collect baggage; transfer to accommodation
Day 1-2: SIM card (airport / dealer); hotel check-in if interim
Day 2-3: PRO initiates Emirates ID submission via ICP; book medical test
Day 3: Medical fitness test (express: same-day results)
Day 4-5: Emirates ID biometric capture at ICP centre
Day 5-7: Ejari / Tawtheeq registration (if permanent lease ready)
Day 5-7: DEWA / ADDC utilities activation
Day 7-10: Emirates ID delivered via Emirates Post
Day 7-12: Bank account opening
Day 10-15: Health insurance card active (employer-issued)
Day 15-30: Driver licence pathway begins (RTA file open); Salik / Darb tag; family settlement (school enrolment, dependent admin)
§13 — RED-FLAG CHECKLIST
□ Medical test booked at DHA / DOH approved centre (NOT a random clinic)?
□ Emirates ID biometric appointment confirmed via SMS / ICP app?
□ Ejari done within 30 days of lease signing (delays trigger fines)?
□ DEWA security deposit ready (cash or card AED 2,000-4,000)?
□ Bank account documents complete (PAN card included for Indian remittance)?
□ NOC from current sponsor not required mid-process (post-2022 reforms relaxed this; verify)?
□ Children's school admission timed for Sept (UK/IB) or April (CBSE / Indian curriculum) intake?
□ Indian-side bank conversion (resident → NRO/NRE) within 30 days of UAE residence start?
□ Indian passport address updated to UAE address (optional but recommended for India travel)?
End with: "DRAFT first-week checklist — for UAE-licensed PRO (Public Relations Officer) / Tasheel review against current ICP + GDRFA + DHA + DOH guidance. PRO submission norms vary materially across emirates (Dubai GDRFA vs ICP federal for AD / Sharjah / RAK); confirm before client departure from India. Indian-context: Indian PAN + Aadhaar remain valid; resident bank accounts must convert to NRO/NRE within 'reasonable period' per FEMA s.6 (banks operationally apply 30 days). Not legal advice."Unlock the vault to see the full prompt