Features
TYPE
LENGTH
FEE
MIN ANNUAL INCOME
LOCAL TAX
INTERNET
COST OF LIVING
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (Dubai)Virtual Working Programme
Tax-free program in an exotic destination for well-off Remote Workers!
The ‘Virtual Working Programme’ (VWP) is a countrywide one-year Virtual Work Residency Visa that allows foreigners to enter and work remotely anywhere in the Emirates. The ‘Work remotely from Dubai’ is a specific type of VWP that has slightly different requirements & application process for anyone who wants to live and work remotely from Dubai.
Through the virtual working program, you can access various local services, including telecoms, utilities, medical, and schooling.
PROS
- No local taxes or contributions
- No compliance issues for remote employers
- An extraordinary, exotic destination with unique architecture & multicultural environment
- Great local infrastructure for remote workers
- One of the safest countries to travel to (research & respect local customs)
CONS
- Confusion between the Dubai & the UAE-wide remote work visas
- High min income requirements, especially in Dubai
- Lengthy application process
- Fairly high cost of living
- Strong governmental influence over everyday life
- Issues with human rights and personal freedoms
Specification: UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (Dubai)Virtual Working Programme
Taxes
Local Taxes
This one is pretty simple. In UAE, there is no individual income tax so you will not need to pay any local income tax.
Where an active double tax treaty (DTT) is in force, it is possible for an individual to obtain a Tax Residency Certificate from the UAE Federal Tax Authority confirming that the individual meets the criteria for UAE tax residence in reference to a specific DTT.
Home Country Taxes
Holders of the Virtual Work Residency Visa are expected to pay taxes back home. As part of the application process, you only need to show you have an employer or run a company outside of UAE, you don’t need to prove that you pay tax back in your home country.
Other Benefits
Capital gains tax is not imposed on UAE resident individuals.
Requirements
The one-year visa allows foreigners to enter the UAE under self-sponsorship and work according to the terms and conditions issued with the visa.
Applicants for Dubai Remote Residence Visa will need the following:
- Passport with a minimum of 6 months’ validity
- Health insurance with UAE coverage validity or travel insurance with healthcare coverage, which can then be changed to UAE health insurance once your visa formalities have been completed.
- For employees:
- proof of employment from a current employer with a one-year contract validity,
- a minimum of US$ 5,000 per month or US$ 60,000 per year salary,
- last month’s payslip and 3 preceding months’ bank statements.
- For business owners:
- proof of ownership of the company for one year or more,
- with an average monthly income of US$ 5,000 per month or US$ 60,000 per year,
- 3 preceding months’ bank statements.
Anyone who applies for the generic UAE Virtual Work Residency Visa will need the following:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months;
- Attach proof of work for an entity outside the country and that the work is done remotely;
- Attach proof that he has earned a monthly income of US$ 3,500 or an annual income of at least US$ 42,000;
- Attach a valid health insurance policy within the country
Please note that in both cases, the visa is aimed at remote work employees of companies outside of UAE and registered business owners. Depending on how applicants’ business is set up, some freelancers and self-employed individuals might not be applicable unless they have a fully registered company (LTDs, INCs, or similar).
In that case, you might want to look into some freelancer visa options in Abu Dhabi that have been open to non-residents.
Apply
Process
To apply for the Virtual Work Residency Visa from outside and inside the UAE, except Dubai, you would need to apply for the process through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA).
For application to Dubai, you need to apply via Dubai Corporation of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM) website Work Remotely from Dubai site, which directs your application to Al Rais Travel Agency to guide you through. There is no alternative.
1
Gather All the Documents, register & fill out the application.
2
Attach documents & pay the fees. Send any additional info.
3
Entry permit approval & travel to UAE within 60 days.
4
Arrive & apply for Residency card; pass medical examination, get UAE health insurance, book accommodation.
5
Receive the Residency approval.
You can also arrive on a tourist visa and transfer to the Remote working visa while already in the country.
Fees
It costs US$611 in total, including application fees, processing costs, pre-application medical exam (incl. blood test), and Emirates ID.
Like with other types of visas, visa approval is not guaranteed when you pay the processing fees. While there are no nationality restrictions for this visa, the Immigration authorities in the UAE can reject applicants in the interest of national security. Also, if you already have another type of visa or have another UAE visa in process, you are not eligible to apply for this program.
How
You can start the process, by filling in your details, like full name, email address mobile number, and current country of residence, on the Visit Dubai or the ICA website.
Work Remotely From Dubai Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA)
Facilities
When applicant holders receive their visa and arrive in UAE, they will receive Emirates ID, the document they need for many parts of their daily life. With the ID comes access to many services such as banking, phone lines, housing rentals, and, if you come with children, the ability to send them to local schools.
Medical
Similar to other Digital Nomad Visas, applicants are not entitled to free health care but can use the local health care system if they pay for it out of their pocket or with the insurance.
Schools
Once remote workers have their residency permit they can apply for sponsorship (residency, visa) for their families.
Children will be able to attend the local private school for the duration of the visa or public ones but in both cases, they will have to cover the fees.
Traveling
Holders of the visa are permitted to leave the country and return to the UAE multiple times. However, be advised that staying out of the UAE for six months or more will automatically render the visa nullified.
Community
There is a number of professional co-working spaces, especially in places like Dubai, but there aren’t that many Digital Nomad or Remote Workers communities yet. There is no wider sense of community and opportunities for Nomads to connect, attend events, organize outdoor activities, and find ways in which they can give back to the local community.
Assistance
There is basic information on the VisitDubai and ICA websites and some contact details for remote workers to use, but not necessarily a dedicated line to reach out to in case of issues. There is also definitely more that can be done in terms of information provided on the website, especially in terms of things to do and services that can be accessed locally.
Web: Work Remotely From Dubai ICA (outside UAE)
Country Info
Internet
99% of the population has access to broadband, with the average internet speeds being above 30 Mbps. Most accommodations for foreigners have speeds of over 100 Mbps so you should not have any issues with your wifi in UAE. This will be enough not only for day-to-day browsing and zoom calls but also for heavy streaming. On top of that, there is also a great 4G network.
Cost of Living
Emirates are not one of the most affordable places on our list but if you are used to prices in the US, the UK, or other Western European countries then you should not feel much of a difference. Compared to other parts of central or Eastern Europe, the overall cost of living will be higher but on the other hand, you don’t need to pay local taxes.
According to our ☕ Cappuccino Index, which uses Numbeo’s average price for a regular cappuccino, the USD price in UAE is $4.70, which is above the US avg of $4.30 and the UK avg price is $3.83.
FAQs
Where is the remote work visa available in the UAE?
The Dubai Remote Work Visa is an initiative available only in Dubai at the moment. It means that you can only apply for this document and live in Dubai.
However, there are other Virtual Work Residence Visa initiatives in other places of the UAE; you can check them out on the ICA website. If you meet the conditions, you can apply and obtain your 1-year remote work visa and relocate to Dubai. Please keep in mind that you can relocate from another UAE virtual program but you won’t be able to relocate to another city in the UAE with the Dubai visa.
Can you sponsor your dependents with this visa?
As a remote work visa holder, you’re able to sponsor your dependents. However, this is only possible after you have received your residency.
Can you apply if you’re already a resident in Dubai?
Dubai’s virtual work program is for people who don’t have any UAE visas. If you’re the holder of a residence visa or you’re under the process of getting one, you can’t apply.
Do you need to pay the income tax while in Dubai?
The UAE doesn’t charge income tax on individuals since the personal and income tax in Dubai is 0%. You can obtain your UAE Tax Residency certificate with this visa.
Can you transfer your tourist visa to a remote work visa?
If you enter the UAE with your tourist visa and you realize you’d like to continue working remotely from Dubai, you can apply to the program and transfer once you’re ready. However, keep in mind that fees may differ.
Videos
Source: GoPlacesProDisclaimer: Our aim is to provide an overview of Digital Nomad Visas & Taxes that should not be considered as a legal opinion or tax advice. You should always seek expert advice. If you want to receive a legal opinion or tax advice please contact us and we will refer you to a legal practitioner.
Learn about the data sources & how is the score calculated. Last updated November 22, 2022.
