An international move can hardly be compared to a beach holiday. There’s a lot to think about when deciding to relocate to a new country, so we’ve compiled some useful information and advice to guide you in moving to this exotic location.

About the City

Ras Al-Khaimah is an emirate in the Persian Gulf, located in the northern part of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The emirate covers an area of 1,684 square kilometers and consists of a large northern landmass where the capital city of the same name is located, an inland exclave in the south, and several small islands.

The total population of the emirate is estimated at 300,000, and while its people are predominantly Muslim, most of the population consists of expatriates working and living abroad. The native population was estimated at 97,000 in 2010.

Expatriates moving to Ras Al-Khaimah will find there’s a great deal to do and see, from medieval palace ruins and ancient historical sites, to Arabic desert villages, water parks, sailing trips and water sports, equestrian riding, golf, mountain hiking, and more.

Visas for Ras Al-Khaimah

The Ras Al-Khaimah government grants a free-of-charge visa for a single visit upon arriving in the UAE to citizens of certain countries, but if you are planning move to the country for work, you will need to apply for a resident visa, as well as visas for your partner and/or children that are accompanying you.

Resident visas differ depending on whether you will be working in the public or private sector and are granted for 1–3 years at a time, depending on your passport. You also have to pass a medical fitness test and provide a certificate of good conduct.

You will also need to have a contract from your new employer in Ras Al-Khaimah. The government has set up an employment recruitment website where you can find jobs from various employers across different industries.

For more information on visas for the UAE, you can also take a look at our article on Moving to the UAE.

Finding Accommodation in Ras Al-Khaimah

In Ras Al-Khaimah, there is a wide range of accommodation to choose from in the city, from studios and apartments to houses and villas. Prices vary depending whether you want to live in the center of the city or out on the outskirts, as well as the size and luxury of the property.

It is important to remember that rent needs to be paid annually or bi-annually upfront. Some UAE employers will pay your rent for you and then deduct it from your salary every month. Renting a three-bedroom house with a courtyard, garden and garage, for example, costs around 75,000 AED (20,420 USD) a year, while a two-bedroom apartment would cost 30,000 AED (8,170 USD) per annum.

However, you can also choose to buddy up and share an apartment or villa with flat mates. Rooms for rent range from 350 AED (95 USD) up to 3,500 AED (950 USD) per month, depending on your standards.

Good websites to check out for finding accommodation are:

• Ras Al Khaimah Dubizzle
• Zoover
• Better Homes
• Propertyfinder