Dubai launches new residency programme for overseas remote working professionals

Dubai has launched a new residency programme which will allow overseas remote working professionals to relocate and live in the emirate – along with their families – while continuing to work remotely for their overseas employer.

The relocation programme will be valid for a year, after which it can be renewed successively for a similar duration each time.

The programme costs $287 plus medical insurance with valid UAE coverage and processing fee per person.

Once in Dubai, they will be able to enjoy benefits similar to that of other residents including access to local telecoms and utilities services as well as schooling options for their children.

Applicants also stand to benefit from the UAE’s zero income tax policy.

Individuals can apply for the annual programme on https://t.co/AUOenvxuhb

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) October 14, 2020

Who can apply?
To be eligible for the programme, individuals must fulfil the following conditions:
– Possess a passport with a minimum validity of six months
– Have health insurance with UAE coverage validity
– Show proof of employment from their current employer with a one-year contract validity, a minimum of $5,000 monthly salary, and must furnish the previous months’ payslip as well as three months of bank statements.
– If the applicant is a company owner, then they must show proof of ownership of the company for at least a year, along with an average monthly income of $5,000 supported by three months of bank statements.

How to apply?
To apply for the annual programme, applicants can apply directly online via www.visitdubai.com/en/sc7/travel-planning/travel-tools/work-remotely-in-dubai.

“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 fulfil professional responsibilities has been redefined,” said Helal Saeed Almarri, director general of Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing.

“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.”

In September, Dubai launched a new five-year renewable Retirement Visa that allows resident expatriates and foreigners aged 55 and over to live within the emirate too.

Read: Dubai introduces five-year renewable Retirement Visa for those aged 55 and over