How to get a remote work visa in Dubai
In recent years, working practices have undergone huge changes. Triggered by the global challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Remote work has gone from being an imposed necessity into an enduring and widespread lifestyle choice.
Professionals around the world are no longer confined to the conventional 9-5 paradigm and are increasingly valuing the freedom to work from anywhere, untethered from traditional office spaces.
Dubai, with its forward-thinking approach, has acknowledged these changing working dynamics and embraced this global trend. The launch of its digital nomad visa in March 2021, now offers a unique opportunity for individuals to combine their professional pursuits with the city’s unparalleled lifestyle and business-friendly environment.
This article looks at Dubai’s remote work visa in more detail, providing all the information you need on what it provides, the criteria for eligibility and how to obtain it.
Overview of the remote work visa
The programme, known as the Dubai virtual work residence visa, is issued by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs in Dubai (GDRFAD) and allows foreigners employed outside the UAE to enter the country under self-sponsorship and legally live and work in Dubai in line with the terms and conditions issued with the visa.
It’s appropriate for entrepreneurs, start-up companies or anyone else that earns an income from outside the UAE and doesn’t intend to seek employment within the country.
The visa’s issued with one year’s validity but can be renewed indefinitely as long as the criteria and conditions of it continue to be met. Essentially, you get all of the same benefits and privileges afforded to any other expatriate resident in the country, including full access to accommodation, utilities and any other public services.
What are the eligibility criteria?
In order to be able to obtain the visa, you’ll need to provide the following:
- Passport with at least 6 month’s validity
- Health insurance with UAE coverage
- For employees:
- Proof of current remote employment with a contract for at least a year, a minimum monthly salary of USD 3,500, last pay slip preceding the application and 3 months’ bank statements.
- For employers:
- Proof of company ownership outside the UAE of at least a year and that the work is conducted remotely, an average monthly income of at least USD 3,500 or its equivalent in foreign currency and 3 months’ bank statements.
- If you’re applying for residency for family members as well, you’ll need to submit their passports and health insurance details as well and pay an additional fee for each of them.
How to apply for the remote work visa
You can apply for the Dubai remote work visa online or if already in country, at any of Dubai’s Amer service centres. The easiest approach is to first enter the country as a tourist with a 30-day or 90-day visa on arrival, then obtain a valid UAE mobile phone number, which is a requirement to proceed with the application.
You can then submit your application on the GDRFAD website using a temporary address and your UAE number. You’ll be asked to provide the aforementioned documents and pay the fees. If your application is approved, you’ll receive a notification by email at which point you must then apply for a status change at your nearest AMER centre.
The final step is to undergo the mandatory health checkup, which can be done at any of Dubai’s visa medical centres. The results are usually available within 24 hours. You’ll then receive your Emirates ID.
Processing the application generally takes between 30 and 60 days and the cost of the visa is approximately USD 611, depending on your country of citizenship and whether your application is made from within the UAE or abroad. This includes the application and processing fees, the required medical exam and issuance of the Emirates ID. You will need health insurance with UAE coverage or alternatively travel insurance with appropriate health coverage included. This can then be replaced with UAE health insurance once your visa and Emirates ID has been issued.
FAQs
- Can I apply if I already have residency in Dubai? No, the visa is not open to anyone who already holds UAE residency or has another application under process.
- How often and for how long can I leave the country on this visa? It is a multiple entry visa which allows you to leave and re-enter the country any number of times that you wish. However, to retain the visa’s validity, you cannot be out of the country for a period of more than six months continuously.
- Can I rent a property, or do I need to use hotels and short term lets? Once you have the Emirates ID, you have the same rights as any other resident and can rent any property you choose. However, most landlords will expect you to commit to a one-year contract and make payment in two, four or six cheque installments. Short-term monthly lets are available but are in shorter supply and generally cost more than the longer-term options.
- Will I be subject to any tax on my earnings in the UAE? No, the UAE does not levy any income tax.
How can Global Link help?
Global Link has over 16 years’ experience working with local and global businesses, providing bespoke consultancy services for company incorporation and financial services in Dubai and the wider UAE.
We can help you obtain a Dubai remote work visa, assisting you with all the documentation, ensuring that your application is complete and liaising with all government departments on your behalf to expedite the process and avoid any potential delays or rejections.
If you need advice on this or any other company incorporation, visa or PRO service, please get in touch with us on +971 4 553 9901 or email us at [email protected] and we will be happy to assist you.