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In a world where more and more individuals can work remotely and embrace the nomadic lifestyle, various countries have opened their doors under various visa categories which eliminate the need for sponsorship and allow individuals the flexibility to stay and work within their borders.
The UAE has officially launched a new residence permit called the Golden Visa. The Golden Visa allows investors and executive directors in high-level management positions to gain a ten-year residence permit to the UAE (called the Golden Visa), which is also renewable. This residence status will be based on either investment or skill set.
Migrating Via Investment
Those who invest in UAE real estate will be eligible for a UAE residence permit or Golden Visa. The visa will vary in time depending on the level of investment. Those who invest a minimum of 750,000 AED in UAE real estate will obtain a 2–5-year renewable visa. Those who invest 2 million AED or more will be eligible for the 10-year golden visa. Proof of investment will be required.
Migrating Via Skills
Executive Directors in management positions within the UAE who have a minimum salary monthly of 30,000 AED will be eligible for the 10-year golden visa. The process requires a nomination based on the CV of the individual, proof of recognition or certifications, and proof of salary withdrawal. Once the nomination is secured, the individual may apply for a Golden Visa.
UAE Residency Visa
The UAE residency visa, also known as an Emirates Identification (Emirates ID), has traditionally been the most popular way of gaining residency in the UAE. Previously, this was a 3-year renewable visa based on employment (whether through a company or self-employment). However, changes to this visa have now made it a two-year renewable visa.
In addition, a holder of an Emirates ID may not be out of the country for more than 6 months at a time in order to maintain their UAE residency visa.
Virtual work residence visa
A one-year virtual work visa allows those employed outside the UAE to live and work from the UAE legally under self-sponsorship. This visa has been compared to other countries’ global nomad visas.
In order to be eligible, you must provide proof that you work remotely for a company outside the UAE and that your monthly salary equals $3500 USD or more.
Dubai Golden Visa
The UAE Dubai Golden Visa was introduced a couple of years back. There are many ways one can obtain this visa, whether through talent, company management or executive titles, or investment. In this category, a nomination is required.
As the Dubai Golden Visa can be obtained through investment and is not necessarily dependent on employment, it has become a popular option amongst retirees.
The minimum investment amount for a two-year visa is 750,000 AED in a property or 2,000,000 AED for a ten-year golden visa.
Dubai Green Visa
A Dubai Green visa allows an individual to act as a freelancer or self-employed in order to sponsor themselves for 5 years in the UAE.
Freelancers and self-employed individuals must prove that in the previous two years, their self-employment has generated at least 360,000 AED of income.
Skilled workers must have a bachelor’s degree or higher, a valid employment contract in the UAE, and make a salary of 15,000 AED or more.
Overview of the UAE Residency Visa
A UAE residency visa gives the holder the right to live and work legally in the UAE. It may also provide benefits like opening a bank account in the UAE, maintaining investments, purchasing a property, or even traveling freely throughout the GCC.
Eligibility Criteria for programme
Those who have invested in property may be granted a golden visa if they:
- obtain a provision of a letter from the land department of the relevant emirate stating that he owns one or more properties whose value is not less than 2M AED for a 10-year golden visa OR 750,000 AED for a two-year visa.
- purchase of a property with a loan from specific local banks approved by the competent local entity.
Those who have experience has Executive Directors or Management may be granted a golden visa if they provide:
- a copy of a university degree accredited by the Ministry of Education with educational attainment not less than a bachelor’s degree.
- a letter of experience of not less than 5 years holding the same position
- a salary certificate with a salary of at minimum 30,000 to 50,000 AED/monthly
- a valid employment contract
Benefits of the UAE Residence Permit for Remote Worker
The UAE Golden Visa comes with a host of benefits for any individual. These include the following:
- An entry visa for 6 months with multiple allowable entries
- A long-term renewable residence visa
- No need for sponsorship in the UAE
- The ability to stay outside of the UAE for more than the mandatory usual 6-month period in order to maintain visa status
- Ability to sponsor family members including spouses and children
- Ability to sponsor an unlimited number of domestic helpers
- Permit for family members to stay in the UAE until the end of their residency duration, even if the primary visa holder passes away.
For those with the flexibility to work remotely or who are self-employed, the UAE Residence Permit remains a superior option.
Conclusions
In conclusion, there are many options to become a resident of the United Arab Emirates, and even more benefits and advantages. From self sponsorship to skilled workers, to investors, the UAE has opened the doors for foreigners to gain access to its growing economy.
FAQ:
An individual who would like to work remotely from the UAE may apply for a virtual work visa or a golden visa as an investor.
A work permit and a residence visa in the UAE are essentially the same, as most visa categories allow an individual to both reside and work in the UAE. The type of work that is allowable will differ from visa category to category.
A virtual work visa is a temporary one-year visa that allows the individual to work remotely. They must prove they have employment with a company outside of the UAE. However, a Dubai residence visa is a two-year renewable visa. To be eligible, an individual has to prove they have a job with a company within the UAE.
Those nationalities who may enter the UAE on a visit visa may choose to work remotely whilst in Dubai. However, visit visas are often for a period of 30 to 45 days. A virtual work visa would allow the individual to legally work remotely for a period of one year in the UAE.
An individual must provide their credentials, notarized by the appropriate UAE authorities. They must also prove they have an offer of employment or an employment contract with a UAE company in order to be eligible for a visa that allows you to work in Dubai.
For those who are self-employed, a company setup is first required. In addition, they will need to provide the same civil documents and credentials, notarized by the appropriate UAE authorities to apply for a visa that allows them to work in Dubai.
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