What Expats Often Get Wrong About Estate Planning When Moving to Dubai

Relocating to Dubai or the wider UAE is a life-changing decision for many expats. Whether you are moving for career progression, business opportunities, lifestyle benefits, or long-term family planning, Dubai continues to attract people from across the UK and Europe.

While the excitement of a new start often focuses on visas, housing and work, one crucial area is frequently overlooked until much later — legal planning. In particular, DIFC Wills play a vital role in protecting expats, their families and their assets once they are living in the UAE.

This guide is designed to be an easy, practical read for expats considering a move to Dubai. It explains the key decisions you should make, the benefits of living and doing business in the UAE, and why putting the right legal structures in place early can make all the difference.

Important Decisions to Make Before Moving to Dubai

Before relocating, expats should step back and look at the bigger picture. Dubai offers opportunity, but it operates under a different legal and regulatory framework to the UK.

Some of the most important decisions include:

• Where you will live and work
• Whether you will be employed or set up a company
• How your assets are structured across jurisdictions
• What would happen to your family and estate if the unexpected occurred

Making these decisions early allows you to relocate with confidence rather than reacting to issues later.

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Key Areas to Consider When Relocating to the UAE

1. Employment vs Business Ownership

Pros of employment

• Stability and benefits
• Employer-sponsored visas
• Less administrative responsibility

Cons

• Less control over income
• Limited long-term tax planning options

Pros of setting up a company

• Greater flexibility
• Potential tax efficiencies
• Long-term residency options
• Asset and succession planning opportunities

Cons

• Initial setup costs
• Ongoing compliance requirements

Many expats choose to set up a company in Dubai once they understand the long-term benefits, particularly when paired with proper legal planning.

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2. Property and Assets

Owning property or holding bank accounts in the UAE changes how your estate is treated. Without clear instructions, local processes may apply.

This is where DIFC Wills provide certainty and control.

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3. Family and Dependants

For expats with spouses and children, planning is not just about finances. Guardianship, access to funds and continuity of care are critical considerations.

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Why DIFC WIlls Matter for Expats

DIFC Wills allow non-Muslim expats to decide how their assets are distributed in the UAE under a familiar common-law framework.

They are designed to:

• Provide clarity
• Avoid uncertainty
• Reduce delays during probate
• Protect family members

You can read more about the process here:
👉 https://marlegal.co.uk/legal-services-in-dubai/difc-will-dubai-probate/

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DIFC WIll Dubai: Why Timing Is Important

A DIFC WIll Dubai should ideally be put in place before major assets are acquired or business interests expand.

Waiting too long can lead to:

• Frozen bank accounts
• Delays accessing funds
• Additional stress for loved ones

Early planning ensures your wishes are clear from day one.

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DIFC Will for Expats with International Assets

Many expats retain property, investments or pensions in the UK while building wealth in the UAE. A DIFC Will for Expats works alongside UK estate planning rather than replacing it.

This joined-up approach is especially important for:

• Entrepreneurs
• Property owners
• Families with dependants in multiple countries

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Top 10 Things to Do Before Moving to Dubai

1. Review your long-term residency goals
2. Decide whether to work or set up a company
3. Understand visa requirements for your family
4. Structure your assets carefully
5. Open UAE bank accounts
6. Seek tax guidance where appropriate
7. Put DIFC WIlls in place
8. Review insurance and healthcare options
9. Update UK legal documents if required
10. Work with a legal team experienced in UAE and UK matters

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Benefits of Living in Dubai

Dubai offers a combination of lifestyle and opportunity that few cities can match.

Key benefits include:

• High standard of living
• Modern infrastructure
• Safe and family-friendly environment
• Global business hub status
• Strategic location between Europe and Asia

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Benefits of Setting Up a Company in Dubai

For many expats, business ownership in Dubai unlocks long-term advantages:

• Access to international markets
• Attractive tax environment
• Flexible corporate structures
• Potential residency pathways

When paired with the right estate planning, business ownership becomes a powerful long-term strategy.

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Dubai Probate for Expats: Why Planning Ahead Matters

Without proper planning, Dubai Probate for Expats can be time-consuming and emotionally challenging.

A well-drafted DIFC Will helps:

• Minimise court involvement
• Speed up asset distribution
• Reduce uncertainty for families
• Protect business continuity

This makes it a cornerstone of any relocation plan.

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How MAR Legal Supports Expats at Every Stage

MAR Legal works with expats not just at the point of relocation, but throughout their lives in the UAE.

Support includes:

• Long-term legal support as families and businesses grow
• Drafting and registering DIFC WIlls
• Reviewing and updating Wills as circumstances change
• Ongoing guidance for expats with UAE and UK interests

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Conclusion

Relocating to Dubai offers opportunity, lifestyle benefits and long-term potential. However, success depends on preparation.

By planning early, setting up the right structures and putting DIFC WIlls in place, expats can enjoy life in the UAE knowing their family and assets are protected.

Combining business planning with estate planning creates certainty — not just for today, but for the future.

FAQs – DIFC Wills & Dubai Probate for Expats