UAE's remote work visa provides foreigners self-sponsorship with a full year stay

Emadeddine Khalil, Staff Reporter

The UAE Digital Government, on its website, said that the remote work visa allows foreigners to live in the UAE while continuing to work for their existing employers, outside the UAE. The visa is valid for one year.

With aims to attract talents and expertise from all over the world, the UAE cabinet approved a new Remote Work Visas scheme to enable employees from all over the world to work remotely from the UAE. The one-year visa allows foreigners to enter the UAE under self-sponsorship and work in line with terms and conditions issued with the visa.

The major step, considered first of its kind in the region, provides the opportunity for entrepreneurs and talents to innovate in the UAE’s safe and attractive business environment, with access to all the necessary services including world-class utilities and telecoms.

For more information about remote work visa, please contact the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security-ICP.

Foreigners, under the Dubai’s virtual working programme, can relocate to Dubai (from outside the UAE) and continue working for their employers remotely.

The virtual working programme is for people who live and work outside the UAE, start-ups and entrepreneurs who meet the eligibility criteria. If application to live in Dubai is approved by the UAE’s authorities, applicant can also bring his/her family along, the UAE DGOV added.

The programme is valid for one year, renewable upon re-application.

Regarding the requirements for the programme, the DGOV said that applicant must have a passport with a validity of minimum six months and a valid health insurance covering his/her residency in the UAE. In addition, he/she must have a proof of employment with a contract valid for one year from his/her current employer with a salary of minimum USD 5,000 per month. The salary slip for the last month and bank statements for the preceding three months are required. The DGOV added.

If the applicant is a company owner, he/she must have a proof of ownership of company for one year or more with an average monthly income of USD 5,000 per month. Also, bank statements of the company’s account for the preceding three months is required.

The fees for the virtual working programme is USD 287 per person. In addition, applicant will pay the premium for medical insurance valid in the UAE and the processing fees. Note that paying processing fee does not guarantee approval of application.

Through the virtual working programme, beneficiaries can obtain all services including telecommunications, utilities, medical and schooling. Furthermore, they can take advantage of Dubai's robust and seamless digital infrastructure, global networking opportunities and zero income tax for individuals.