Introduction:
Moving to the UAE can be life-changing—but many expats fall into avoidable traps that delay their setup, cost money, or cause legal issues. This post highlights the most common mistakes and how Setupros can help you steer clear of them.
Mistake 1: Arriving Without the Right Visa Type
- Arriving on a tourist visa while job hunting or planning to convert it later can cause legal issues or delays.
Fix: Use the correct entry visa—employment, investor, freelance, or golden—before arrival.
Mistake 2: Not Getting Documents Attested in Advance
- Marriage, education, or birth certificates must be legalized for use in the UAE.
Fix: Complete attestation in your home country before departure.
Mistake 3: Underestimating the Cost of Living
- Expats often assume tax-free = cheap living. Housing, schooling, and health insurance costs are often higher than expected.
Fix: Budget 3–6 months’ expenses and understand real costs in your chosen emirate.
Mistake 4: Ignoring Housing Rules or Ejari/Tawtheeq Registration
- Some expats sign leases without knowing tenancy laws or requirements like Ejari (Dubai).
Fix: Always register leases with the appropriate authority and read the fine print.
Mistake 5: Not Getting Health Insurance Immediately
- Insurance is mandatory for residency and access to healthcare.
Fix: Get coverage from day one—basic or comprehensive—through your employer or a local provider.
Mistake 6: Not Converting Driver’s License Early
- Some nationalities can swap licenses; others need to test. Waiting can restrict mobility.
Fix: Check eligibility and start conversion or booking the RTA test early.
Mistake 7: Relying on the Wrong Sources for Legal or Financial Advice
- Forums and social media are filled with outdated or incorrect info.
Fix: Use licensed agents or concierge services like Setupros for compliance-based guidance.
Mistake 8: Poor School Planning for Children
- Good schools have waitlists. Arriving without pre-registration can lead to bad placements or delays.
Fix: Apply months in advance. Research KHDA-approved schools.
Mistake 9: Assuming Cultural Norms Are Similar to the West
- Missteps during Ramadan, dress code violations, or public behavior can lead to fines or worse.
Fix: Learn local etiquette—especially around gender roles, modesty, and public conduct.
Mistake 10: Failing to Register Utilities, Internet, or Banking on Time
- Delays in DEWA/SEWA, banking KYC, or Etisalat setup can paralyze your first weeks.
Fix: Get concierge help to handle registration immediately after landing.
Conclusion / CTA:
Avoiding these mistakes can save weeks of stress and thousands of dirhams. Setupros ensures your UAE relocation is smooth, compliant, and stress-free. Contact us now to get started.
👉 Visit us at: https://setupros.com
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