Complete Checklist: Documents Needed Before Moving to the UAE from Cork

The United Arab Emirates — particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi — has become an increasingly popular destination for Irish professionals. Tax-free salaries, a growing economy, and a cosmopolitan lifestyle attract thousands of Irish workers every year. However, the UAE's documentation requirements are among the most detailed in the world. This checklist covers everything you need to prepare before leaving Cork.

UAE and the Apostille Convention

The UAE acceded to the Hague Apostille Convention, which came into effect for the UAE on 28 June 2023. This has significantly simplified the document attestation process. Previously, Irish documents needed to pass through multiple stages of consular legalisation. Now, an apostille from the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs is generally sufficient.

However, some UAE employers, free zones, and government authorities may still require additional attestation from the UAE Embassy in Dublin. Always confirm the current requirements with your employer or sponsor before having documents processed.

✅ Employment and Visa Documents

Most people move to the UAE on an employment visa sponsored by their employer. Key documents include:

• Valid passport — at least 6 months' validity; the UAE will issue a residence visa stamped inside your passport
• Passport-sized photographs — white background, UAE specifications
• Employment offer letter / contract — from your UAE employer
• Educational qualifications — degree certificates and transcripts; notarised, apostilled, and potentially attested by UAE Embassy
• Professional licences — for regulated professions (medicine, nursing, engineering, teaching, law)
• Employment references — from previous employers, notarised
• Police clearance certificate — from An Garda Síochána; apostilled
• Medical fitness certificate — typically obtained upon arrival in the UAE (includes blood tests and chest X-ray)

✅ Educational Document Attestation

The attestation chain for educational documents typically involves:

1. Verification by your university — confirming the degree is genuine
2. Notarisation by an Irish Notary Public
3. Apostille from the Department of Foreign Affairs
4. In some cases, attestation by the UAE Embassy in Dublin

For teaching positions, the UAE Ministry of Education may have additional requirements. For healthcare professionals, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) or Health Authority Abu Dhabi (HAAD) have their own verification processes.

✅ Personal and Family Documents

• Birth certificate — apostilled
• Marriage certificate — apostilled (essential for family visa sponsorship and housing)
• Children's birth certificates — apostilled
• Divorce decree (if applicable) — apostilled
• Custody agreements (if applicable) — notarised and apostilled

✅ Family Visa Sponsorship

If you meet the UAE's minimum salary threshold, you can sponsor your spouse and children for residence visas:

• Attested marriage certificate
• Attested children's birth certificates
• Salary certificate from your UAE employer
• Tenancy contract — proving adequate accommodation (Ejari in Dubai)
• Health insurance — mandatory for all visa holders in the UAE

✅ Financial Documents

• Bank statements — 3–6 months
• Tax clearance certificate — from Revenue
• Salary slips — from your current Irish employer
• Note: The UAE does not levy personal income tax, but you may have Irish tax obligations — consult a tax advisor about the Ireland–UAE Double Taxation Agreement

✅ Property and Legal Affairs in Ireland

• Power of Attorney — to manage Irish property, banking, or legal matters; notarised
• Will — the UAE has a separate legal system for succession; consider making a UAE-specific will (DIFC Wills Service Centre for Dubai)

✅ Driving

• Irish driving licence — Ireland is on the list of countries eligible for direct licence exchange in the UAE (no driving test required)
• Notarised copy of Irish licence — some Emirates require this
• Eye test — required for UAE licence issuance

✅ Pets

• Import permit from the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment
• Microchip and rabies vaccination
• Veterinary health certificate — issued within 10 days of travel
• Blood titre test — from an approved laboratory
• Note: Some breeds are restricted or banned in the UAE

Timeline: When to Start

• 3–4 months before: Gather educational documents, begin attestation process, apply for police clearance
• 2 months before: Book notarisation appointment, apply for apostilles, arrange UAE Embassy attestation if needed
• 1 month before: Confirm all documents are ready, set up Power of Attorney, arrange financial transfers
• Upon arrival: Complete medical fitness test, apply for Emirates ID, open UAE bank account

How Hugh Phelan Can Help

Hugh Phelan is a Solicitor and Notary Public practising from East Douglas Street, Douglas, Cork. He regularly prepares documents for Irish clients relocating to the UAE, including educational certificate attestation, Powers of Attorney, and employment references. He can advise on the current attestation requirements and handle multiple documents in a single appointment.

Contact us at 021-489-7134 or info@phelansolicitors.com, or book an appointment online.