The UAE recently announced the launch of a virtual working program, aimed at boosting Dubai’s economy in the face of ongoing pandemic-related challenges and making the most of an increased ability for so many global workers to engage in remote work. It will permit professionals, business owners and entrepreneurs to live in Dubai for up to one year while working remotely for a company or business owned in their home country. The Dubai Corporation of Tourism Commerce Marketing (DCTCM) is managing the program.
What’s the impact?
This is the first permit of its type made available in the Middle East, permitting foreign nationals to remain in Dubai while working remotely as entrepreneurs or for employers back in their home country for up to one year. Individuals will benefit from the unique position of being permitted to reside in and work from Dubai without having to secure a local employment contract.
Application fees are US$287 per person, and applicants will need to earn a minimum of US$5,000 per month to be eligible. They will be required to provide a certificate of employment from their home country employers, including an employment contract that is valid for a minimum of one year. Business owners and entrepreneurs will need to provide proof of at least one year of ownership of the business. Additional required documentation includes recent pay slips and bank statements, and proof of health insurance for the UAE.
Successful applicants to the virtual working program and their dependents will not be permitted to perform any work for a local employer in Dubai or complete any activities for any individual or business based in Dubai.
For further information on Dubai’s virtual working program, please contact the Sterling Lexicon immigration team.