UAE to issue residency visas for remote work

Cabinet decision allows people to live in and work remotely from the UAE, even if employer is based in another country

During a cabinet meeting chaired by Sheikh Mohammed, a new remote work visa was approved. All pictures courtesy Dubai Media Office

The new remote working visa enables employees from all over the world to live and work remotely from the UAE even if their companies are based in another country

The cabinet also approved a multiple entry tourist visa for all nationalities

This new tourist visa has the aime of strengthening the UAE’s status as a global economic capital

A number of economic measures were announced during the meeting

A cabinet meeting chaired by Sheikh Mohammed on Sunday

A cabinet meeting chaired by Sheikh Mohammed on Sunday

The UAE announced the introduction of a residence permit for remote workers.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, said the residency permit meant that "any employee anywhere in the world can reside in the UAE to practise work remotely even if the company is not present in the country".

The decision comes as people increasingly work from home because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The one-year visa allows people to enter the UAE from overseas under self-sponsorship and work in line with the terms and conditions issued with the visa.

Sheikh Mohammed wrote on Twitter: "Development is continuous, change will not stop ... our teams continue day and night to consolidate our international economic and political position and establish a quality of life that is the best in the world for our people and all those residing here.

"With remote work technologies today, we provide an opportunity for everyone to live in the most beautiful and safe cities in the world."

The Cabinet approved several economic measures, in addition to approving the UAE joining the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the New Development Bank, established by the Brics nations, Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

Furthermore, the UAE government announced that it would adopt multi-entry tourist visas for all nationalities, easing travel to the country.

The five-year visa enables tourists to enter multiple times on self-sponsorship and remain in the country for 90 days on each visit, which can be extended for another 90 days.

Sheikh Mohammed said "the UAE is a global economic capital ... and all our decisions will be based on this vision".

Last October, Dubai announced a remote-working programme to allow professionals to live in the emirate while employed by companies overseas.