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5. Qatar work VISA
One disadvantage of moving to Qatar is the costs involved. While expats won't be saddled with visa fees or a resident permit ID charge,
they will have to pay for their medical insurance (as there are no public hospitals) and school fees for any kids attending an international school.
6. Driving in Qatar
Driving in a new country can be both exhilarating and terrifying, but there are definite disadvantages to driving in Qatar. These include challenges with navigating (many roads don't even have street signs) and an occasional tendency for reckless drivers. If you're considering moving here, prepare for some challenges behind the wheel.
7. Less outdoor activities
You should know that there aren't many outdoor activities available in Qatar.
If you love hiking or rock climbing, you may want to consider relocating elsewhere because while there are a few basic paths around town, they aren't exactly scenic.
8. Difficult to travel
It's difficult to travel around town without getting lost (because everything looks exactly alike). Doha is like an endless sea of glass buildings and skyscrapers with no distinguishing landmarks whatsoever.
9. Legal issues
You should be aware of some legal issues before moving here. For example, if caught smuggling alcohol or drugs into Qatar, you could face a prison sentence and hefty fines.
What do expats find most challenging moving to Qatar?
Expats in Qatar find one of their biggest challenges to be maintaining a sense of balance as they transition from their old life into their new one. In addition, while many expats move abroad with a clear idea about how they plan to make money in their new home, others struggle with creating sustainable business models or partaking in self-sustaining lifestyles.
This lack of clarity can throw off expats’ sense of balance and create unnecessary stress for themselves and those around them. It’s vital for expats planning on moving abroad to have an idea about how they intend to earn money in their new country, especially if it is not one where English is widely spoken and where working hours are significantly different from those found in North America or Europe.
Living in Qatar as foreign women
For an expat woman, life in Qatar can be gratifying and challenging. Expatriate women who have already experienced some level of independence or self-reliance before leaving their home countries are pleasantly surprised by how empowered they feel living in Qatar.
This empowerment gives them access to a certain amount of freedom they might not have been granted before. However, women from highly conservative societies may find that they must adapt if they wish to feel more comfortable in a more liberal society such as Qatar. There are pros and cons for women who choose to move to Qatar, depending on your expectations before making your move.
Moving to Qatar from the USA
- Moving to Qatar from abroad is not for everyone.
- It can be a culture shock, especially if you're moving from a Western nation like America.
- The Arabic language is challenging for native English speakers, as is learning about Muslim culture in a Middle Eastern country.
- life will be much easier to communicate with others if you learn Arabic, but that can take years.
- Ultimately, whether or not Qatar is right for you boils down to your personal preferences regarding climate and culture.
Can a foreigner buy a house in Qatar?
First, you'll need to be able to afford a house. Housing prices in Qatar are high compared with other parts of the world, but not extraordinarily. Real estate is more affordable here than in most countries, including some parts of Europe.
In that sense, yes, it's possible for a foreigner—and even an expat—to buy a house. However, ownership isn't guaranteed for those who aren't citizens or permanent residents (PRs). You may consider taking out an investment-grade mortgage from a Qatari bank or applying for PR status (which has its requirements and benefits).
Conclusion:
As a small country in the Middle East, Qatar is not lacking in job opportunities or an expat community. However, while it's by no means alone, there are some notable drawbacks that new expats should be aware of before moving to Qatar. If you're considering relocation here, make sure you understand what life is like to decide if it's right for you! We hope that this guide helped you learn more abourt the pros and cons of relocating to Qatar.
