Why Every Dubai Household Needs a Document Checklist
Dubai's regulatory environment is comprehensive. Living here compliantly requires managing a significant amount of documentation - each with its own expiry date, renewal process, and potential penalties for non-compliance.
For a typical household with:
- 2 adults + 2 children
- 1 nanny + 1 driver
- 2-3 vehicles
- 1-2 properties
You're looking at 40-50 distinct documents with different expiry dates.
This checklist will help you audit what you have, identify gaps, and ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Personal Documents (Per Family Member)
Essential Identity Documents
- Passport - Check expiry date; many visas require 6+ months validity
- Emirates ID - This IS your visa now; expiry = visa expiry
- Residence Visa - Tied to Emirates ID
- Birth Certificate - Attested copy for children
- Marriage Certificate - Attested copy for spouse visa
Driving Documents
- UAE Driving License - 10-year validity for most nationalities
- International Driving Permit - For travel/rentals abroad
- Home Country License - Keep valid for IDP renewals
Travel Documents
- US Visa (if applicable)
- UK Visa (if applicable)
- Schengen Visa (if applicable)
- Other country visas - Based on travel patterns
Health Documents
- Health Insurance Card - Mandatory in Dubai
- Vaccination Records - Especially for children (school requirement)
- Medical Fitness Certificate - Required for visa renewals
Domestic Staff Documents
Each staff member (nanny, driver, housekeeper, cook, etc.) requires:
Immigration Documents
- Passport
- Emirates ID
- Residence Visa - Sponsored by household
- Entry Permit - For new hires
Employment Documents
- Labor Contract - Registered with MOHRE
- Work Permit
- Salary Certificate - For banking/visa purposes
- WPS Records - Wage Protection System compliance
Health & Safety
- Health Insurance - Essential Benefits Plan minimum
- Medical Fitness Certificate
- Driving License - For drivers only
Vehicle Documents
For each vehicle in the household:
Registration & Insurance
- Vehicle Registration Card (Mulkiya) - Annual renewal
- Vehicle Insurance - Check for Oman coverage if you drive there
- Test/Inspection Certificate - Required for registration renewal
Financial
- Salik Account - Keep topped up to avoid fines
- Parking Permits - Building/area specific
- Traffic Fines Record - Clear before registration renewal
Ownership
- Purchase Agreement
- Finance Agreement - If applicable
- Clearance Letter - When selling
Property Documents
For each owned or rented property:
Ownership/Tenancy
- Title Deed - For owned properties
- Ejari Contract - Registered tenancy contract
- Lease Agreement - Original signed copy
Utilities & Services
- DEWA Account - Electricity and water
- District Cooling - If applicable
- Internet/TV Contract
- Building Access Cards
Insurance & Maintenance
- Home Insurance
- Contents Insurance
- Annual Maintenance Contract - AC, appliances
- Service Charge Receipts
Business Documents (If Applicable)
- Trade License
- Commercial Registration
- Chamber of Commerce Membership
- Office Ejari
Document Count Summary
For a household of 4 family members + 2 staff + 3 vehicles + 1 property:
| Category | Documents |
| Family personal docs | 16-20 |
| Staff docs | 10-12 |
| Vehicle docs | 9-12 |
| Property docs | 8-10 |
| Total | 43-54 |
Annual Renewal Calendar
Mark these on your calendar or use automated reminders:
Monthly Checks
- Salik balance
- Traffic fines
- Utility bills
Annual Renewals
- Vehicle registration (Mulkiya)
- Vehicle insurance
- Health insurance
- Ejari contract
- Trade license (if applicable)
Multi-Year Renewals
- Residence visa (2-3 years)
- Emirates ID (tied to visa)
- Driving license (10 years)
- Passport (5-10 years)
Next Steps
- Download this checklist as a PDF (link below)
- Audit your current documents against this list
- Identify gaps - What are you not tracking?
- Digitize everything - Scan and store securely
- Set up reminders - At least D-30 for all expiry dates
Get the interactive version: gethouseholdops.com/checklist
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