Moving abroad for a two-year healthcare contract is a bigger decision than a typical job change, and it’s worth going in with realistic expectations rather than assumptions.
What Varies by Role
Relocation terms — including any assistance with travel, documentation, or family considerations — differ by role and are confirmed directly with shortlisted candidates rather than advertised as a blanket package across every position. If relocation support is part of a specific role, that will be discussed with you directly during the recruitment process.
Visa and Immigration
Working legally in the UAE requires appropriate visa sponsorship, generally arranged in connection with your employer once a role is confirmed. Visa approval is not something HealthOPM or any recruiter can guarantee — it depends on individual circumstances and the relevant government process.
Compensation and Tax
The UAE does not levy personal income tax on employment income earned there. That said, your own tax situation depends on your citizenship, residency status, and personal circumstances — Canadian and US tax rules differ, and US citizens in particular may have reporting obligations on foreign-earned income regardless of where they live. This is genuinely worth a conversation with a tax professional before you commit to an international move, rather than assuming “tax-free” tells the whole story.
The Two-Year Contract Structure
Current openings are structured as two-year contracts. What that means in practice — renewal options, notice periods, and day-to-day expectations — is role-specific and best discussed once you’re being considered for a particular position.
A Realistic Starting Checklist
- Whether you’re genuinely open to a two-year international commitment
- What a move would mean for family, dependents, or existing obligations at home
- Your current license/registration status and how DOH eligibility review might apply to you
- Your own tax and financial planning questions, ideally with a professional
Next Step
Read our DOH eligibility guide for the licensing side of this decision, or see how HealthOPM’s recruitment process works.