Moving to Dubai from Europe involves several decisions at once. Use the free starter worksheet to list the cash you expect to need before you commit, then replace estimates with written quotes.
Start with the free budget worksheet
Nine upfront cash categories, an editable confirmation column and automatic totals. Empty amounts stay unknown instead of quietly becoming zero.
Download the free Excel worksheet
Excel file (.xlsx). No email, account or payment required. No macros or external data connections.
Calculate your moving cash requirement
Enter your own estimates in AED. Leave unknown amounts blank. Enter 0 only when a cost is confirmed as zero or does not apply.
Refundable deposits still require cash. Include each cost once. These are your planning inputs, not verified market prices.
Total entered: Not entered
9 amounts still unknown. A complete estimate is not available yet.
Amounts stay in this page while it is open. This tool does not send or save them. Use the Excel worksheet if you want to keep a plan.
How to use the starter
- Save a copy on your own device and open it in Microsoft Excel or import it into your spreadsheet app.
- Enter estimates in AED. Enter 0 only when you have confirmed that an item does not apply.
- Record where each amount came from. Replace estimates with quotes as you receive them.
- Check the complete estimate after every amount is entered. The partial total is clearly labelled.
What to check before trusting the total
- Include deposits in your cash requirement, even when they may later be refundable.
- Separate the actual first rent payment from a monthly equivalent.
- Avoid counting the same rent payment again in first-month living costs.
- Record the date and scope of each quote, including taxes or charges that may be excluded.
- Revisit your reserve as uncertain amounts become confirmed.
Who it helps
Individuals and households planning a move from Europe to Dubai who want to organise their own information. The worksheet contains blank inputs for your quotes. It does not contain a universal cost-of-living estimate or determine eligibility for a visa, bank account or insurance plan.
Keep the rules separate from your plan
Confirm requirements with the UAE Government portal, GDRFA Dubai, ICP, DEWA and the relevant provider. Your visa route, household and employment arrangements affect what applies.
Read the free first-month checklist · Browse the moving guide