If you are considering long-term residency options in the United Arab Emirates or seeking to relocate to the country to work remotely, you should know that expatriates have the opportunity to live and work without a sponsor.
The UAE provides three types of self-sponsorship residency visas for working individuals. Here are the specifics:
1. Green visa
The Green Visa is a highly sought-after five-year residence permit in the United Arab Emirates that does not require sponsorship. This visa is available to skilled employees, freelancers, and investors who meet specific eligibility criteria.
To be eligible for the Green Visa, applicants must meet certain requirements. These requirements may vary depending on the applicant’s profession and industry. However, in general, applicants must demonstrate a high level of skill and expertise in their field, possess a strong financial standing, and have a clean criminal record.
The Green Visa is an excellent opportunity for individuals who wish to establish a long-term presence in the UAE without the need for a sponsor. This visa provides greater flexibility and independence, allowing individuals to pursue their professional and personal goals with ease.
For skilled employees
The UAE government’s official website, u.ae, outlines the four conditions that skilled employees must meet to apply for the Green Visa.
These conditions include having a valid UAE employment contract, being classified in the first, second, or third occupational level according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), holding a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, and having a salary of at least Dh15,000 per month.
As a Green Visa holder, you can also sponsor first-degree relatives, such as siblings, children, or parents, in the UAE. Additionally, you’ll have a six-month grace period to exit the UAE after the visa’s cancellation and expiry, which is longer than the typical 30-day grace period for residents.
Overall, the Green Visa offers a range of benefits for skilled employees looking to work and live in the UAE. By meeting the four conditions and taking advantage of the visa’s perks, you can enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding experience in this dynamic and exciting country.
For freelancers
Self-employed individuals or freelancers are eligible to apply for the Green visa, provided they meet the following three requirements:
- Possess a valid freelancer permit issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
- Provide evidence of a Bachelor’s degree or a specialized diploma.
- Demonstrate a minimum income of Dh360,000 or its equivalent in another currency for the past two years.
The Green visa is an excellent opportunity for self-employed individuals and freelancers to establish themselves in the UAE and enjoy the benefits of long-term residency. By meeting these requirements, applicants can secure their future in the country and contribute to its thriving economy.
2. Golden Visa
If you are seeking a long-term residency option in the UAE, the Golden Visa is an excellent choice. This visa allows ex-pats to live, work, and study in the UAE for ten years without the need for a sponsor. The Golden Visa is available to a wide range of individuals, including frontline heroes such as doctors and nurses, exceptional high school students and college graduates, investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, and humanitarian workers.
The Golden Visa is an excellent opportunity for those who wish to establish a long-term presence in the UAE. It provides a stable and secure environment for individuals to pursue their personal and professional goals. A visa is also an excellent way to contribute to the UAE’s economy and society.
The Golden Visa is available to individuals who meet specific criteria. For example, frontline heroes who have made significant contributions to the UAE’s healthcare system are eligible for the visa. Exceptional high school students and college graduates who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievements are also eligible. Investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, and humanitarian workers who have made significant contributions to the UAE’s economy and society are also eligible for the visa.
In conclusion, the Golden Visa is an excellent option for those seeking a long-term residency option in the UAE. It provides a stable and secure environment for individuals to pursue their personal and professional goals. The visa is available to a wide range of individuals, including frontline heroes, exceptional students, investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, and humanitarian workers.
Benefits of the Golden Visa
The Golden Residency program offers a range of benefits to its applicants. Firstly, it allows for the sponsorship of family members, including spouses, children, and support staff, without any limit. This means that you can bring your loved ones with you to the UAE and enjoy the experience together.
Additionally, there is no restriction on the maximum duration of stay outside the UAE in order to keep the Golden Residency valid. This provides flexibility for those who may need to travel frequently for work or personal reasons.
To make the application process even more convenient, a six-month e-visa will be provided to Golden Visa applicants. This allows for ample time to complete the process of getting the Golden Visa issued.
Finally, family members are allowed to stay in the UAE in the event of original holder of the Golden Visa, until the end of their permit’s duration. This ensures that your loved ones can continue to enjoy the benefits of the Golden Residency program even if you are no longer able to.
Overall, the Golden Residency program offers a range of benefits that make it an attractive option for those looking to live and work in the UAE. With its flexible policies and support for family members, it is a program that truly puts the needs of its applicants first.
Also Read: By April 1, five types of domestic workers must be registered with WPS
3. Virtual Work Residence Visa
Foreign nationals who are employed outside the United Arab Emirates (UAE) can legally reside in the country through a virtual work visa. This one-year visa permits them to enter the UAE under self-sponsorship and work in accordance with the terms and conditions specified in the visa.
If you are planning to work remotely from Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, or Fujairah, you must apply for the visa through ICP and satisfy the following requirements:
- Provide evidence that you work remotely for an organization outside the UAE.
• Earn a monthly income of at least US$3,500 (Dh12,853) or its equivalent in another currency.
This virtual work visa is an excellent opportunity for foreign nationals to live and work in the UAE without the need for a physical work permit. It is a convenient and cost-effective solution for those who wish to work remotely while enjoying the benefits of living in the UAE.
Dubai’s remote Work programme
To apply for a remote work visa in Dubai, you must submit your application through GDRFA Dubai. This virtual work visa is valid for one year and requires applicants to meet specific criteria outlined by Dubai Tourism’s official website, visitdubai.com.
To be eligible for the visa, you must have a passport with a minimum of six months validity and valid health insurance covering your residency in the UAE. If you are employed, you must provide proof of employment from your current employer, including a one-year contract validity, a minimum salary of US$3,500 (Dh12,853) per month, your last month’s payslip, and three preceding months’ bank statements.
For business owners, you must provide proof of ownership of the company for one year or more, subject to extension, with an average monthly income of US$3,500 per month (Dh12,853) or its equivalent in foreign currencies and three preceding months’ bank statements. Additionally, you must provide proof of work or employment outside the United Arab Emirates and that the work is conducted remotely.
By meeting these requirements, you can apply for a remote work visa in Dubai and enjoy the benefits of working remotely in this vibrant city.