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For access to your online account please contact your personal account manager, alternatively email team@regencyfx.com.
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For access to your online account please contact your personal account manager, alternatively email team@regencyfx.com.
Dubai is home to one of the most expat-heavy populations on earth. Of the emirate's roughly 4 million residents, over 92% are expatriates meaning fewer than 1 in 10 people living in Dubai were born there. Across the UAE as a whole, expatriates represent around 89% of the population, giving the country the world's highest proportion of expats after the Vatican City. Over 240,000 of those expats are British.
For years, Dubai's combination of tax-free income, business opportunity and lifestyle made it one of the most sought-after destinations for international residents. But recent events, including missile alerts, temporary airspace restrictions and heightened security have prompted many to reassess their plans.
Whether you’re leaving permanently or just temporarily, knowing how to move your money efficiently and with great exchange rates has never been more important.
Even in a city known for its stability and opportunity, recent events have caused many expats to reassess their situation. Those who once chose Dubai for its safety, career prospects and lifestyle are now facing uncertainty, prompting some to consider leaving due to:
For those navigating these challenges, it’s not just about leaving, it’s about making careful, informed decisions to protect both personal safety and financial assets.
Leaving Dubai can feel like a big transition, so it helps to start tying up a few loose ends early. Taking care of the practical details before you go will make the move much less stressful and help you avoid surprises later. Here are a few key things worth thinking about:
Before you leave, make sure your visa and residency status are properly cancelled or transferred if needed. This is an important step that’s sometimes overlooked but handling it early will save you time and potential issues later on.
It’s a good idea to review all your financial commitments before you go. Close or transfer bank accounts if necessary, settle any loans and make sure things like utility bills, phone contracts and subscriptions are cleared. Doing this ahead of time means you won’t have to worry about outstanding payments once you’ve left.
If you’ve been in Dubai for a while, you’ve probably accumulated quite a bit. Give yourself time to decide what you want to ship home, sell, donate or leave behind. Looking into customs rules in your destination country can also help prevent delays or unexpected costs when your items arrive.
If you own a car, make sure it’s dealt with properly before you leave. Whether you’re selling it locally or exporting it, the paperwork needs to be completed through the correct channels. This usually means transferring ownership through the RTA and arranging any required certificates so everything is officially settled.
One of the most important parts of leaving is planning what to do with your savings. That might mean converting your UAE dirhams, moving money to accounts in another country or deciding when and how to transfer funds. A little planning here can help you avoid unnecessary fees and make sure your money arrives safely.
Taking a bit of time to organise these things before your departure can make the whole process feel much more manageable and let you focus on the next chapter ahead.
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For many people, one of the biggest questions when leaving Dubai is what to do with their savings. Converting UAE dirhams into another currency and moving that money abroad should be done carefully so you avoid unnecessary fees and poor exchange rates.
But currency exchange is only one part of the financial picture. A few other areas are worth thinking about before you make any big transfers:
If you own property in Dubai, timing can make a big difference. Understanding the market, factoring in selling costs and being aware of any fees or taxes involved can help you decide the best time to sell or transfer ownership.
Dubai is tax-friendly, with no capital gains tax, but sellers should still account for costs such as agent fees (around 2%), transfer fees via the Dubai Land Department and minor admin charges- typically totalling around 3–5% of the sale price.
Different banks have daily or monthly transfer limits and account closures can sometimes take time. It’s worth checking how much you can move at once and making sure you’ll still have access to your funds during the transition.
Even though the UAE doesn’t charge personal income tax, your destination country might. It’s important to understand how your tax residency could change and whether any reporting or obligations will apply once you move.
Relocating often comes with immediate expenses - things like rental deposits, shipping costs or travel. Keeping some funds easily accessible can make those first few weeks abroad much smoother.
If you have investments linked to the UAE or held in dirhams, it may be worth reviewing how currency changes or market movements could affect their value when you relocate.
Moving countries can sometimes affect insurance coverage or long-term retirement plans. Checking what continues, what needs to be updated and what might change after relocation can help you avoid gaps later.
Thinking through these areas before you move can help you protect your money and avoid last-minute stress. With a bit of planning, you can make sure your finances transition smoothly along with the rest of your move.
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When it comes to moving funds internationally, especially during uncertain times, having a trusted currency specialist can make all the difference. Regency FX offers tailored solutions to help expats convert their UAE dirhams securely, efficiently and at competitive rates, while providing guidance through every step of the process.
We offer:
Many expats consider banks for international transfers but banks often come with hidden costs and lower rates. On average, Regency FX offers 3–5% better exchange rates than high street banks. Over larger transfers, this can translate into significant savings.
Example:
If you are transferring AED 500,000 internationally:
Unlike banks, we focus solely on providing value for your currency exchange, helping expats and business owners maximise the funds they can access abroad while avoiding unnecessary delays, caps or hidden charges.
Transferring money internationally from Dubai is straightforward. The process generally involves four simple steps: identity verification, securing the exchange rate, making the payment and converting the funds.
Before any international transfer, you need to complete identity verification. This is a legal requirement under global anti-money laundering regulations and it protects both you and the financial system.
Once your account is verified, you’ll receive a quote for the current exchange rate for your transfer. Exchange rates fluctuate constantly, so choosing the right moment can make a significant difference especially when transferring large amounts.
After confirming your rate, the next step is to send your funds.
Once the payment is received, your funds are converted into the destination currency at the agreed rate and sent to your nominated bank account.
The timing of international transfers from Dubai can vary depending on the currency pair and the destination. For many common currencies, such as GBP, USD, EUR or AUD transfers typically take 1–4 working days when using a bank.
Using a specialist provider like Regency FX, transfers can often be completed within 24–48 hours, provided funds and documentation are submitted before the daily cut-off time. This applies to transfers of UAE dirhams (AED) to most major currencies, allowing you to move your money faster and with greater certainty than standard banking channels.
With expert guidance, even high-value transfers can be executed securely, quickly and with competitive exchange rates. We provides personal account managers and compliance support to protect your funds at every step.
Expats typically save 3–5% on exchange rates with a specialist. For example, transferring AED 500,000 via a bank could cost AED 15,000–25,000 in lost value, which we can help you keep.
Using a specialist, most major currency transfers can be completed within 24–48 hours. Standard banks often take 2–4 working days, which can delay access to your funds.
Only basic verification is required - proof of identity and address. Once verified, repeat large transfers are much quicker, making future transactions seamless.
Absolutely. We offer forward contracts which require a 10% deposit and rate alerts, letting you secure the best rate in advance and protect the value of your funds.
Whether you’re relocating, repositioning savings or planning ahead for uncertainty, getting the best rate for your funds has never been more important.
Request a quote today and see how we match up against banks. Our currency exchange experts provide personalised advice, fast and secure transfers and rates that keep more of your money working for you.
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