# Moving to Dubai from the USA

> Relocating to Dubai and the UAE from the United States — sea-freight costs, transit times, UAE customs and residency visa options (employment, Golden Visa).

Canonical: https://www.portunusai.com/moving-from-usa/dubai
Direction: USA → Dubai (UAE)
Data last reviewed: 2026-06-15

## Typical moving costs

- Studio: $3,230–$5,100
- 1 bedroom: $4,930–$7,650
- 2 bedrooms: $6,630–$10,625
- 3 bedrooms: $9,775–$15,300
- 20ft container: $4,420–$6,760
- 40ft container: $7,650–$11,700

## Transit times

- New York → Jebel Ali: 22–35 days
- Houston → Jebel Ali: 26–38 days
- Los Angeles → Jebel Ali: 28–42 days

## Customs & import notes

- Used personal effects are generally duty-free for residents with a valid UAE visa.
- A detailed inventory and copies of your visa/Emirates ID are required.
- Alcohol, certain media and some medicines are restricted/controlled — declare carefully.
- New items may attract 5% duty.

## Visa & residency options in Dubai (UAE)

- Employment visa: Employer-sponsored residence — the most common route.
- Golden Visa: 5–10 year residence for investors, founders and specialised talent.
- Remote Work visa: One-year residence for remote employees of foreign companies.
- Green visa: Self-sponsored residence for skilled workers and freelancers.

## Moving companies serving this route

- SDC International Shipping — Sea freight, Door-to-door overseas (https://www.sdcinternationalshipping.com/)
- Schumacher Cargo Logistics — Vehicle shipping, Large household moves (https://www.schumachercargo.com/)
- International Van Lines — Best overall, Full-service moves (https://www.internationalvanlines.com/)
- Crown Relocations — Premium, Corporate relocation (https://www.crownrelo.com/)
- John Mason International — Established carrier, Sole-use containers (https://www.johnmason.com/)
- Sirelo (compare multiple movers) — Compare several quotes at once (https://www.sirelo.com/)

## Related resources

- [Moving to the USA hub](https://www.portunusai.com/moving-to-usa)
- [Moving from the USA hub](https://www.portunusai.com/moving-from-usa)
- [Site-wide llms.txt](https://www.portunusai.com/llms.txt)