How to Obtain a 1-Year Remote Work Visa From the United Arab Emirates
In an attempt to attract members of a remote workforce that has suddenly expanded in size, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is offering a new visa that allows international employees to live and work there for one year. While a similar program has been available in Dubai (albeit only limited to the city) from October 2020, this policy, which was introduced in March 2021, opens up access to the rest of the country. Here’s what you need to know about a visa and how to apply.
Tax relief
Besides the weather and luxury, another major benefit is that the UAE does not impose income tax on its residents. Thus, while visa recipients will still have to pay taxes in their home country, at least their income will not be taxed twice, according to CNN .
Requirements for obtaining a visa
Previously, if someone from outside the country wanted to move to the UAE, they needed confirmation of a job offer from an employer from the UAE, who also agreed to be responsible for providing residence visas and health insurance to their foreign employees, CNN reported . But after the COVID pandemic and the massive exodus of emigrants from the country, the UAE is again striving to create its own skilled workforce.
Now, in order to qualify for a new remote work visa, the applicant must be earning at least $ 5,000 per month . The visa itself costs $ 287 per person per year. International teleworkers will also have to pay for their health insurance, which largely includes UAE coverage as well as processing fees.
How to apply
Considering that a policy extending the availability of this remote work visa from Dubai to the rest of the UAE has emerged quite recently, it has yet to appear on the UAE immigration website. However, it does provide information on Dubai’s virtual work program , which is likely to serve as a model for the one currently being proposed for other parts of the country. You can find out more about the program and methods of obtaining a visa here .