Relocating from Moscow to Dubai.
Moscow is the largest single source of arrivals into Dubai from the CIS, and the profile differs sharply from European movers: the banking question dominates everything. Russian-connected funds face enhanced due diligence at every UAE bank regardless of the client's own record, which means the source of wealth file is not a formality — it is the project.
What matters specifically for Russia
Enhanced due diligence at every bank. Documenting the source of wealth across a business history that may span two decades and several entities. Currency transfer routes and the correspondent banking chain. Whether Russian tax residency ends cleanly and what the 183-day position looks like.
The sequence that works
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Structure decision — before anything is registered | 1–2 weeks |
| Document attestation in Russia | up to 6 weeks, in parallel |
| Company formation | 1–3 weeks |
| Residency for the principal | 3–6 weeks |
| Corporate bank account | 2–8 weeks |
| Dependants' visas | 3–5 weeks each, partly parallel |
| Housing, schools, practical layer | runs throughout |
| Total | 3–6 months |
Documents to start with
Apostilled civil documents, notarised and translated. Documentary history of the source of funds — company sale contracts, dividend records, property sale documents, tax returns.
Practical
5 hours direct between Moscow and Dubai. UAE is 1 hour ahead, so the overlap with the working day is comfortable in both directions — relevant if you keep interests in both places, which most people do.
What I do
- Design the structure before anything is registered, working backwards from banking and tax
- Coordinate with your existing advisors at home rather than around them
- Start attestation first, because it is the one step that cannot be compressed
- Select the free zone on banking reception and visa quota, not on licence price
- Prepare the banking file so it answers compliance questions before they are asked
- Manage the practical layer: housing, schools, healthcare, staff, vehicles, shipping, pets
From AED 120,000
Full relocation of a family with a business. The exact fee depends on structure, number of dependants and scope. Government fees, free zone charges and third-party costs are separate.
Common questions
How long does relocating from Moscow to Dubai take?
Three to six months for a complete move including company, residency for the whole family, banking, housing and schools. The company takes days; the bank account and school placements set the real timeline. Document attestation in your home country runs in parallel and takes up to six weeks.
What are the Russia-specific issues?
Enhanced due diligence at every bank. Documenting the source of wealth across a business history that may span two decades and several entities. Currency transfer routes and the correspondent banking chain. Whether Russian tax residency ends cleanly and what the 183-day position looks like.
What documents do I need from home before leaving?
Apostilled civil documents, notarised and translated. Documentary history of the source of funds — company sale contracts, dividend records, property sale documents, tax returns. Start this before anything else — it cannot be accelerated from Dubai.
How much does the move cost?
Government and third-party costs for a family of four typically run AED 60,000–150,000 depending on the free zone, housing and schooling. Coordination of a full relocation starts at AED 120,000. Qualifying property investment, if the residency route is property-based, is capital that stays yours.
Can I keep my business at home and still relocate?
Yes, and many do. The question is whether the home entity remains the operating company or becomes a subsidiary, and what that means for tax residency in both jurisdictions. Decide before the UAE company is registered, not after.
Practical details — flights and time zone?
5 hours direct between Moscow and Dubai. UAE is 1 hour ahead, which makes working across both straightforward.
Reviewed by Denis Chernikov, Private Client Advisor, nine years in the UAE private client sector.
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