How Do Belgians Live in the UAE?

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a second home for many nationalities. People from Asia, Europe, Australia, and America come to the Middle East to earn good money. However, the UAE is one of the largest countries in the Middle East that has become a global leader. It has tax-free business trades and income. Individuals like the vibrant colours of different cultures adapted by others. The UAE is increasingly famous expat place for Belgians with more than 3,500 currently residing in United Arab Emirates. They are contributing in service sector, business sector, hospitality, and more.

Life in Europe is really calm and relaxing. No one is rushing at the job. People make time for their families. Despite all those factors, the Belgians would choose the UAE for several other reasons:

• No Income Tax

People working in the UAE do not have to pay income tax like in other countries. This means that individuals can plan their finances according to their earnings, negotiate their income before starting the job, and save money. VAT is just 5% on total spending. For residents in UAE as well as businessperson in United Arab Emirates, the living in UAE is very reasonable and affordable.

• Great Business Dynamics

The UAE offers expats free zones where they can start their businesses with 100% ownership. For many Belgians, the free zones in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are attractive choices for their startups. Nowadays LLC companies have been also allowed to have the existence without local partner.

• Career Opportunities

Belgians are employed in various sectors of the UAE’s economy, including healthcare, real estate and technology. With great economic opportunities, they also live a highly maintained life with excellence in education and healthcare services. The Belgian expats in UAE do have the good jobs as well as businesses in UAE.

• Secure Environment

The UAE government ensures safety for every individual living in all seven emirates. Expats can freely practice their religion. However, they should respect local customs and values, such as appropriate public behaviour and modest clothes. The security in UAE cannot be compared with any country in world.

Out of seven emirates, the Belgians have found Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah the best places to settle down. It does not mean they are not in other Emirates. But Belgian expats in UAE, the prefer to live in Emirate of Dubai, or Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Dubai is preferred for its economic quality and fast-paced life. Dubai is loved by people who want a calm and relaxing environment where they can also do their job and side hustle. Meanwhile, others choose Sharjah as it is the most affordable emirate to live in these days.

The Belgians can have a good life in the UAE, especially if they find a good job or start a business in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. The Belgian expats are hired in the banking and finance industry for their British qualifications and work experience in the international market. Renowned banks and fintech startups in the UAE hire them. Moreover, they are also hired in the healthcare sector. You will come across several Belgian medical researchers and pharmaceutical professionals in the UAE.

The UAE is always looking forward to better infrastructure and road systems. However, Belgian engineers have been the architects of many successful landmarks in the UAE. Besides the construction industry, they are also hired in hotels and travel agencies, as many people from Europe travel on vacation to the UAE. A few Belgian expats come up with good business ideas and start their entrepreneurial journey in the UAE, which offers business-friendly policies.

The Belgians have a composed and relaxing personality because they have always found work-life balance in their routine. Moving to the UAE could be difficult for them because it is fast-paced, unlike in Belgium. Therefore, Belgian expats need communities of their own in the UAE where they can stay to their roots and interact with new people in search of better opportunities. The Belgian embassy also helps expats to settle down as they handle all the legal documents to ensure their safe stay in the UAE. There are Belgian communities where celebrations are held, such as Belgian National Day.

Belgian expats face challenges in the UAE despite their advantages. They understand the cultural differences. Therefore, it takes them time to adapt to dress codes and local customs. Also, they are not used to heat waves in Belgium. Therefore, it could be difficult for them to do outdoor sports in the summer of the UAE. Nevertheless, they understand the importance of earning good money, but they find it hard to balance work and life in the UAE.
Belgian expats must keep themselves updated with the UAE visa residency policies to ensure legal status in the UAE.

The Belgian expats might face challenges when they move to the UAE, but they can come well-prepared by doing the following things:

• Research on Visa Options

Belgian expats should be aware of all the visa options that can be useful for settling in the UAE. If they know about the visa types and processes, it will be easier for them to get to the UAE.

• Search for Accommodation

One must always look for houses that suit their budget and lifestyle. They can search for properties online by finding a good real estate lawyer in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or any other emirate they want to live in.

• Familiarity with the UAE Laws

Belgian expats should read and understand the fundamental laws of the UAE before they decide to move. The UAE’s legal structure is based on Islamic and civil laws. Therefore, it is better for expats to have a basic understanding of the UAE’s legal structure.

• Socialize

Expats cannot survive without socializing in the UAE. They must network with a wider audience and people at work. This allows them to see life from a broader perspective. Moreover, they can also find amazing working opportunities while being exposed to the international market and implementing various business practices.

Belgian expats are increasing in the UAE, which means they have found amazing opportunities in different emirates. Adding to their demographics, they must have found Belgian communities that are actively networking with Belgian expats and other nationalities for better opportunities in the future. The relocation of Belgian expats to the UAE is beneficial for both countries as it strengthens ties and encourages cultural diversity across borders.

ASK THE LAW Belgium is the legal support for the Belgian expats living in United Arab Emirates. Ask The Law Al Shaiba Advocates and Legal Consultants, is leading Law Firm in Dubai, UAE offering legal support to Belgian expats living in UAE. You can book the legal appointment with our experts and acquire our legal services. We are among top Law Firms in Dubai UAE.