A new residency program has been introduced in Dubai that will allow remote working professionals from abroad to move and live in the Emirate, along with their families, while continuing to work remotely for their foreign employer.
The relocation service will be valid for one year, after which it can be successively extended for a similar period at any given time.
They will be able to enjoy benefits similar to those of other residents including access to local telecom and utility services as well as educational options for their children, once they are in Dubai. Applicants also able to take advantage of the zero income tax policy of the UAE. The program costs $287 plus medical insurance with valid UAE coverage and processing fee per person.
Sami Al Qamzi Director General Dubai Economy
“The virtual working programme further strengthens Dubai’s status as a global business hub and demonstrates its progressive thinking and sustained competitiveness in today’s rapidly changing global landscape. Dubai was recently listed as the second best among 60 global cities for remote working jobs by the CEOWORLD magazine. With its advanced infrastructure, global connectivity and pro-business ecosystem, the virtual working programme gives Dubai a significant opportunity to enhance business practices and maximize growth.”
The individuals who fulfill following criteria can apply for the programme:
Hold a passport valid for at least six months
Have valid health insurance with UAE coverage
Show proof of employment with a one-year contract validity, a minimum of $5,000 monthly wage, from their present employer and must furnish the payslip of the previous months as well as three months of bank statements.
If the applicant is the owner of the company, the applicant must provide evidence of the company’s ownership for at least one year, along with an annual monthly income of $5,000 backed by three months of bank statements.
Helal Saeed Almarri, director-general of Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing said, “The global pandemic has changed how we live and work. As multinationals and leading start-ups across the world accelerate their rates of digital adoption, the need to be physically present to fulfill professional responsibilities has been redefined”.
“Dubai is uniquely positioned to offer a safe, dynamic lifestyle opportunity to these digitally savvy workers and their families while they continue to work remotely, whether it is for a couple of months or an entire year”, he further added.
The applicant can apply for the annual program directly through its official website.
Recently, a new five-year renewable retirement visa was launched in Dubai, allowing resident expatriates and foreigners aged 55 and over to live within the emirate as well.
