United Arab Emirates: residency, citizenship and cost of living
Paths checked against sources: 2026-10
Path to citizenship
Citizenship application processing, years: 0–0.
Check your own pathMonthly budget
Average lifestyle, employed; data as of 10.2026. Deposits, furniture and the move itself are not included.
| City | Single | Family 2+2 |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai | AED 9,320≈ €2,260 | AED 24,600≈ €5,980 |
| Abu Dhabi | AED 9,030≈ €2,190 | AED 24,200≈ €5,880 |
Country scores (out of 100)
- Safety85
- Earning potential93
- Healthcare91
- Path to citizenship0
- Schools and education55
- Environment0
- Warm, sunny climate80
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to live in United Arab Emirates per month?
Per month, one person / family of four: Dubai ≈ AED 9,320 / AED 24,600; Abu Dhabi ≈ AED 9,030 / AED 24,200. Average lifestyle, employed; data as of 10.2026.
How much is rent in United Arab Emirates?
A home for one person, from modest to comfortable: Dubai AED 4,090–AED 7,160; Abu Dhabi AED 3,840–AED 6,720.
How up to date is this data?
Paths to citizenship checked against sources: 10.2026; budget as of 10.2026. Sources are listed on this page; rules change, so check official sites before deciding.
Sources
This is not legal advice. Rules change — check official sources before deciding.