Your Relocation Package Is Part of Your Salary — Negotiate It Like One
Every week on Reddit and Quora, someone posts: "I got a job offer in Dubai — is this relocation package good?" And every week, the answers are all over the place because nobody explains what "standard" actually means at different levels.
We've moved thousands of corporate relocations into Dubai. We've seen packages that cover everything down to the pet's quarantine fees, and we've seen "packages" that are just a one-way flight and a handshake. Here's what you should actually expect — and where you have room to push.
The Three Tiers of Relocation Packages
Junior/Entry Level (AED 8,000-15,000 monthly salary)
At this level, expect the minimum:
- One-way flight for you (economy class, direct route)
- Visa processing covered by employer (this is standard — it's actually their legal obligation)
- 1-2 weeks hotel or serviced apartment while you find housing
- Maybe: AED 2,000-5,000 settling-in allowance
That's typically it. No shipping allowance, no housing support beyond the temporary stay. The expectation is that you arrive with suitcases and furnish locally. Budget AED 15,000-25,000 of your own money for the gap between what the package covers and what you actually need.
Mid-Level (AED 15,000-35,000 monthly salary)
This is where packages start getting real:
- Flights for you and spouse (economy or premium economy)
- Shipping allowance: AED 10,000-20,000 or a specific volume (e.g., 100 cubic feet of sea freight)
- Temporary housing: 2-4 weeks in a serviced apartment
- Housing allowance: Either included in salary (25-35% of total package) or a separate allowance. This is the big one
- Annual flights home: 1 return ticket per family member per year
- Maybe: Furniture allowance (AED 10,000-15,000 if not shipping furniture)
Senior/Executive (AED 35,000+ monthly salary)
Full relocation support:
- Business class flights for the whole family
- Full shipping: 20ft container covered (AED 15,000-30,000 value)
- Temporary housing: Up to 1 month in a hotel or serviced apartment
- Housing allowance: Generous — often AED 120,000-250,000/year separately
- School fees: Up to 2 children, often capped at AED 50,000-70,000 per child per year
- Annual flights: Business class, whole family, 1-2 per year
- Car allowance: AED 2,000-4,000/month or company vehicle
- Furniture allowance: AED 15,000-25,000
- Settling-in allowance: AED 5,000-10,000 for miscellaneous setup costs
What's Actually Negotiable (and What Isn't)
Every package has fixed and flexible elements. Knowing the difference is everything.
Usually fixed (don't waste negotiation capital here):
- Visa processing — it's legally the employer's responsibility
- Medical insurance — mandatory in the UAE
- End-of-service gratuity — it's UAE law, not a benefit
Always negotiable:
- Housing allowance amount. This is the single biggest variable. Push for a specific number, not "included in salary" — once it's blended into your monthly pay, it loses visibility and you can't reference it during rent discussions
- Shipping allowance. If the package offers AED 10,000, ask for 15,000. The difference to the employer is minimal but covers the gap between shipping a few boxes and actually moving your household
- Temporary housing duration. Two weeks is tight in Dubai's rental market. Ask for 4 weeks — it takes 1-2 weeks just to find an apartment, plus Ejari and DEWA setup
- School fees. Even if not initially offered, ask. Many companies have a school fee policy they don't advertise until someone asks
Red Flags in Relocation Packages
Watch for these — they signal either a tight budget or an employer unfamiliar with Dubai realities:
- "Comprehensive package" with no specifics. If they can't itemise what's included, it probably isn't much. Get everything in writing before signing
- No housing allowance or housing "included in salary." In Dubai, housing is typically 25-35% of total compensation. If it's not broken out, you're effectively paying for it from your base salary — which affects everything from tax planning to future negotiations
- One-cheque rent assumption. Some packages assume you'll pay rent in 1 cheque for the full year. That ties up AED 60,000-150,000 upfront. Clarify whether they provide a letter to support multiple cheque arrangements with landlords
- No settling-in allowance. The first month in Dubai involves dozens of unexpected costs — DEWA deposits (AED 2,000-4,000), internet installation (AED 500), miscellaneous setup fees. A settling-in allowance of AED 5,000-10,000 covers these
What If Your Employer Doesn't Offer Relocation?
Smaller companies and startups often can't fund a full relocation package. If you're self-funding your move to Dubai, here's the realistic cost breakdown:
| Expense | Self-Funded Cost |
|---|---|
| Flights (family of 3, economy from Europe) | AED 5,000-10,000 |
| Shipping (small shipment, 50 cubic feet) | AED 4,000-8,000 |
| Temporary housing (2 weeks serviced apartment) | AED 5,000-10,000 |
| First rent cheque + deposit (1-bed apartment) | AED 20,000-35,000 |
| DEWA deposit + connection | AED 2,000-4,000 |
| Furniture (if not shipping, basic Dubizzle + IKEA setup) | AED 8,000-15,000 |
| Car deposit or first month car rental | AED 3,000-5,000 |
| Total | AED 47,000-87,000 |
For a detailed breakdown of just the moving portion, see our total cost of moving guide.
How SAMA Movers Works with Corporate HR
We handle corporate relocations differently from individual moves. Your HR department gets:
- Direct invoicing with company details for accounting
- Insurance documentation and certificate of completion
- Coordination with shipping companies for port-to-apartment delivery
- Inventory list and condition report (some companies require this for their records)
- Flexible scheduling around the employee's temporary housing checkout date
If you're negotiating a package right now and want to know the realistic cost of the Dubai-side move, request a quick estimate. We can provide a quote your HR team can budget against — it strengthens your negotiation when you show up with real numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of salary should housing allowance be in Dubai?
Housing allowance in Dubai typically ranges from 25% to 35% of the total compensation package. For a mid-level role paying AED 25,000/month, expect housing allowance between AED 75,000 and AED 105,000 per year. Senior roles often receive AED 120,000-250,000 annually as a separate housing allowance.
Should I negotiate school fees in my Dubai relocation package?
Absolutely. Dubai private school fees range from AED 15,000 to AED 90,000 per child per year. Many employers have education allowance policies they don't advertise until asked. At mid-level and above, requesting school fee coverage for 1-2 children is reasonable and increasingly standard. Get any commitment in writing with a clear annual cap.
How much does it cost to self-fund a move to Dubai?
A self-funded move to Dubai typically costs AED 47,000-87,000 for a family of three. This covers flights, shipping, temporary housing, first rent cheque plus deposit, DEWA setup, basic furniture, and transport. The biggest variable is your first rent payment — a 1-bed apartment requires AED 20,000-35,000 upfront depending on the area and cheque structure.
Is the employer legally required to pay for my visa in Dubai?
Yes. Under UAE labour law, the employer bears the cost of employment visa processing, including the entry permit, medical fitness test, Emirates ID, and labour card fees. If an employer asks you to pay for your own visa, that's a red flag — it's their legal obligation and typically costs them AED 3,000-5,000.
