After years in Dubai, Sharjah or Abu Dhabi, many families decide to go home. Moving back to Pakistan from the UAE involves your job, visa, bank accounts, children’s school and your household goods. This checklist helps you do it in the right order.
2–3 months before
- Decide the moving date with your employer and give notice as per your contract.
- Discuss your end-of-service benefits and final settlement in writing.
- Tell your landlord and check the notice period and deposit return terms.
- Request transfer certificates and records from your children’s school.
- Get quotes from cargo companies for shipping your goods (sea cargo is usually best for household items).
Decide what to ship
Ship what is valuable or hard to replace; sell or donate bulky, cheap furniture. Check Pakistan Customs rules for personal baggage and household goods before you pack, especially for electronics and new items. Use our house moving calculator to estimate volume and the CBM calculator for cartons.
1 month before
- Clear credit cards, loans and phone contracts; get clearance letters where needed.
- Arrange final utility readings and disconnection.
- Collect attested degrees, experience letters and medical records.
- Book flights and plan the date your cargo will be collected.
Final week
- Cancel your visa as your employer or sponsor advises, keeping in mind your departure date.
- Close or keep bank accounts as needed for final payments.
- Hand over the flat and take photos for the deposit.
- Keep passports, IDs, certificates and jewellery with you, not in cargo.
After arrival in Pakistan
- Track your cargo and arrange customs clearance and delivery.
- Update your CNIC address and bank details if needed.
- Arrange school admission and any document equivalence needed.
- If you have a car to bring, check the rules first – see our car shipping guides.
Frequently asked questions
Sea or air cargo for household goods?
Sea cargo is usually much cheaper for furniture and many cartons; use air only for a few urgent boxes.
How long until my goods arrive?
Sea cargo takes several weeks door to door; ask your cargo company for its current time.
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