If you're making the big move to Dubai as an international student, its important that you’ve prepared a core set of official documents so you’re ready for important steps like gaining your Student Visa and successfully enrolling at university. Here's a detailed checklist of all the official documents we recommend international students have with them when they move to the UAE, to help you get ready to travel:

1. Passport

The most obvious answer for any international student: you will of course need your passport! You will use this to get to Dubai, however you’ll also use this as your proof of identity until you have an official Emirates ID.

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry to travel into Dubai. We recommend also bringing multiple photocopies with you (colour and black & white) so that you can easily use them if asked to provide a copy for things like gaining a phone contract or signing a lease for your accommodation.

2.Dubai Visa/ Permit

Laws in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) require all non-national students to obtain a Student Visa for the duration of their studies. Middlesex University Dubai provides Students Visas for applicants studying in any of our academic programmes. For study in Dubai, visas are issued for the duration of 12 months at a time; therefore an undergraduate student may require 2 or 3 renewals during your course of study at Middlesex University Dubai.

MDX Dubai have a simple visa process, and our team will help you every step of the way. Make sure you understand the process and have spoken to our visa team at Middlesex University Dubai before you begin your journey to Dubai. We highly recommend getting the process complete as early as possible so that you are able to jump on your plane stress-free! The procedure for applying for a Student Visa cannot commence until you have accepted your Offer of Admission, cleared all academic conditions (if any) and paid your initial tuition fees along with the Student Visa charges. The process normally takes 15-20 days and typically applications undergo a security check by UAE government authorities.

If you have any concerns or issues, the Middlesex University Dubai visa team will talk you through it! Find out more by writing to us on visa@mdx.ac.ae or on +971 (0)4 367 1682.

You must bring a printed copy of your entry permit when initially arriving in Dubai, and this will be converted into a residence visa later by MDX Dubai.

3. Travel Insurance

Middlesex University Dubai will provide medical insurance as part of your Student Visa process. However, as this process may take a few weeks, it is strongly recommended you arrange comprehensive international travel insurance which is valid for at least one month. This will help ensure coverage in case of any medical emergencies before the university-provided insurance becomes active.

It is always best to print these documents and have them with you when you travel, in case you find yourself in an emergency without access to the internet. You will need to quickly know which healthcare facilities you have access to.

4. Original Birth Certificate

While not always required, it is always advisable to have your birth certificate available to you should you need it.

Required Documents

You will need your original birth certificate that has been issued by the relevant authority in your home country. A copy of your original passport, your UAE entry visa copy and two passport sized photographs.

5. Educational Certificates

These are only necessary if you plan to work whilst studying in Dubai. If you already have a degree from another university, or if you have professional qualifications that could help you in your future job search, bring them with you! Your degree/diploma certificates must be attested (notarised, then authenticated by your country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and UAE Embassy). These are required for any employment opportunities you may wish to undertake. MDX Dubai have plenty of employment opportunities for you!

6. Medical Records & Vaccination Certificates

When relocating to the UAE, it is essential to bring required medications with you to ensure you are fully covered until your health insurance is completed. This needs careful adherence to local regulations to avoid legal complications. In order to have a smooth journey, it’s recommended that you have:

Your medical prescription: issued by a licensed medical practitioner, detailing your name, medication name, dosage, and duration of.

A medical report: outlining the medical condition and necessity of the medication. You may also need approval from the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) depending on your medication type.

Keep all the medications in their original packaging with clear labels and carry them all in your hand luggage. Declare all medications upon arrival and present MOHAP approval (for controlled medications) and supporting documents to customs officials.

7. Driver’s License

To convert your international driving license to a UAE driving license, the process depends on your nationality and the type of license you hold. Here’s a breakdown:

If you're from one of these countries, you can directly convert your license (no driving test required): Eligible countries include: UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, most EU countries (e.g., Germany, France, Italy), South Africa, South Korea, Japan.

In order to transfer your license, you’ll need your valid original license from your home country. You will also have to have your Emirates ID (original and copy), passport with valid residence visa (original and copy) and an eye test from an authorised centre.

You may also need a translation of your license (for non-English/Arabic licenses) and passport-sized photos. Take these documents to an RTA office or driving license centre and they can advise you on how to do this.

8. Financial Documents

If you decide to stay in private accommodation that is not affiliated with MDX Dubai, you may need bank statements from the last 3–6 months, or a proof of income. These help when renting property, opening a bank account, or even applying for loans.

9. Passport-sized Photographs

Bring 10–20 recent photos with a white background (standard UAE size: 4.3 cm x 5.5 cm). These are needed for various applications (visa, Emirates ID, SIM card, etc.).

Bonus Tips: Make scanned copies and save them securely in cloud storage (like Google Drive). Always carry a folder with originals and copies during your first few weeks.

Although there seems to be lots of official documents that you need to bring for your arrival to the UAE, with careful preparation and the support from Middlesex University Dubai Student Services, your move to the UAE will be a smooth and hassle free one!

Centre for academic success (CAS)