How Much Money Do You Need to Move Abroad?
Realistic budget breakdown for moving to UAE, Australia, or Canada — visa fees, flights, initial settlement costs.
Why Financial Planning is Critical for Moving Abroad
Moving to another country is one of the largest financial undertakings of your life. Beyond the obvious costs of flights and visa fees, there are dozens of hidden expenses that catch immigrants off guard — from credential assessments to initial deposits, furniture, and the income gap between arriving and receiving your first paycheck.
Having a realistic budget prevents financial stress during your most vulnerable period and allows you to focus on settlement, job searching, and building your new life. This guide provides detailed cost breakdowns for moving to the UAE, Australia, and Canada — the three most popular immigration destinations.
Cost Breakdown — Moving to the UAE
Moving to the UAE is generally employer-facilitated, which reduces upfront costs significantly:
| Expense | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Flight (one-way) | 300 – 1,200 | Varies by origin country |
| Visa Processing | 800 – 1,500 | Usually paid by employer |
| Medical Test | 140 – 200 | Required for residence visa |
| Emirates ID | 100 – 155 | Mandatory |
| Security Deposit (DEWA) | 550 – 1,400 | Refundable utility deposit |
| Rent Deposit | 2,700 – 8,200 | 1-4 months advance |
| Furniture (basic setup) | 1,500 – 4,000 | If apartment is unfurnished |
| Initial Groceries & Essentials | 300 – 600 | First month setup |
| Transport (first month) | 200 – 500 | Until car or routine established |
| Emergency Fund | 2,000 – 5,000 | 1-2 months expenses |
| Total Estimated | $8,590 – $22,755 |
Money-Saving Tip: Negotiate with your employer to cover relocation costs, including flight, initial accommodation, and visa fees. Many UAE employers provide a relocation allowance of AED 5,000-15,000.
Cost Breakdown — Moving to Australia
Australia requires more upfront investment due to the visa application process:
| Expense | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Skills Assessment | 350 – 1,000 | Required before visa application |
| English Test (IELTS/PTE) | 220 – 300 | May need to retake |
| Visa Application (189/190) | 3,200 (primary) | Plus $1,600 per partner |
| Health Examination | 300 – 450 | Designated physicians |
| Police Clearance | 50 – 200 | Each country lived 12+ months |
| Flights (family of 2) | 1,500 – 4,000 | One-way, varies by origin |
| Initial Accommodation (4 weeks) | 2,000 – 4,000 | Temporary while house hunting |
| Rental Bond + Advance | 3,000 – 6,000 | 4 weeks bond + 2 weeks advance |
| Furniture & Setup | 2,000 – 5,000 | Basic household items |
| Car (used) | 5,000 – 12,000 | Essential outside major cities |
| Emergency Fund | 5,000 – 10,000 | 2-3 months expenses |
| Total (couple, no car) | $12,620 – $25,950 | |
| Total (couple, with car) | $17,620 – $37,950 |
Important: Australia requires proof of sufficient funds as part of the visa application. While no specific amount is mandated for 189/190 visas, having AUD 20,000-30,000 in savings demonstrates genuine settlement intent.
Cost Breakdown — Moving to Canada
Canada requires proof of settlement funds as a visa condition:
| Expense | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Language Test | 225 – 260 | IELTS or CELPIP |
| ECA (WES) | 185 – 225 | Education credential assessment |
| Express Entry Application | 1,000 | Primary applicant |
| Right of PR Fee | 370 | Per adult |
| Biometrics | 65 | Per person |
| Medical Exam | 150 – 335 | Per person |
| Police Clearance | 40 – 150 | Per country |
| Proof of Funds (required) | 9,500 – 25,000 | Mandatory (not spent, just shown) |
| Flights (2 people) | 800 – 3,000 | One-way |
| Temporary Housing (1 month) | 1,500 – 3,000 | Airbnb or furnished rental |
| Rental Deposit | 1,500 – 3,000 | First and last month |
| Winter Clothing | 500 – 1,500 | Essential if arriving in winter |
| Furniture & Essentials | 1,500 – 4,000 | Basic setup |
| Emergency Fund | 3,000 – 6,000 | 2 months expenses |
| Total (couple) | $20,335 – $47,470 |
Note on Proof of Funds: Canada requires you to show CAD 13,310 (single) to CAD 35,224 (family of 7) in your bank account. This money isn't taken — it's evidence you can support yourself until employment.
Hidden Costs Most People Forget
Beyond the obvious expenses, these hidden costs catch many immigrants by surprise:
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Document attestation and apostille — Getting documents legally verified can cost $200-1,000 depending on the number of documents and countries involved.
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Shipping personal belongings — International shipping costs $2,000-8,000 for a 20ft container. Often it's cheaper to sell and rebuy.
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Currency exchange losses — Poor exchange rates and transfer fees can eat 3-5% of your money. Use Wise or OFX instead of banks.
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Income gap period — You may not earn income for 1-3 months after arrival while job searching. Budget for this gap.
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Professional registration — Licensing exams and registration for regulated professions cost $500-3,000.
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Phone and internet setup — New SIM, phone plan, and home internet setup: $200-400.
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Transportation before routine — Taxis, Uber, and temporary transport while learning the city: $300-600.
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Mental health and homesickness — Budget for social activities, gym membership, and connections to maintain well-being.
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Tax obligations in home country — Some countries tax citizens on worldwide income. Consult a tax professional before leaving.
Money-Saving Strategies for Moving Abroad
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Start saving 12-18 months before your move — Create a dedicated savings account and set up automatic transfers.
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Sell what you can't ship — Furniture, vehicles, and appliances. Shipping is rarely cost-effective for bulky items.
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Use digital banks for currency exchange — Wise, Revolut, and OFX offer exchange rates 2-4% better than traditional banks.
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Arrive during off-peak season — Flights and temporary accommodation are cheaper outside summer months.
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Join expat Facebook groups before arriving — Find secondhand furniture, roommates, and local tips from established immigrants.
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Negotiate relocation assistance — If you have a job offer, ask about relocation allowances, temporary housing, and flight reimbursement.
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Consider shared accommodation initially — Sharing an apartment for the first 2-3 months can save $1,000-2,000/month while you learn the rental market.
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Open a local bank account online before arriving — Some banks allow pre-arrival account setup, saving time and enabling faster salary deposits.
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Don't over-insure — Research what insurance is mandatory vs optional in your destination. Avoid duplicating coverage you'll get through your employer or government.