Latest news with #RemoteWorkVisa
What's On
3 days ago
- Business
- What's On
UAE visas explained: your biggest questions, answered
So you've heard the headlines — the United Arab Emirates has made major changes to its visa system in 2025, and if you're confused about what it all means, you're not alone. From long-term residency options to new permits for freelancers and job seekers, the rules are evolving. We've rounded up the most frequently asked questions to help you make sense of it all. What is the UAE Golden Visa? The Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa first launched in 2019. It allows foreign nationals to live, work and study in the UAE without needing a sponsor, offering 5- or 10-year validity depending on your category. It's aimed at investors, entrepreneurs, creatives, scientists, athletes, and outstanding students. Important note: Despite rumours, there is no such thing as a 'lifetime' Golden Visa. The UAE's Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has clarified that eligibility is defined by law and not by nationality. Can I get a visa if I own property in the UAE? Yes. If you own property worth Dhs2 million or more, you may qualify for a 5-year property investor visa. The property must be fully completed (not off-plan) and ownership can be under a mortgage, provided the down payment meets minimum requirements set by certain banks. What's the difference between the Green Visa and the Golden Visa? The Green Visa is a 5-year self-sponsored visa for freelancers, skilled workers and investors. Unlike the Golden Visa, it doesn't require as high a level of income or investment. It's designed for mid-level professionals and entrepreneurs. Can I get a visa if I don't have a job yet? Yes. The Job Seeker Visa allows you to explore work opportunities in the UAE without a sponsor. It's available to graduates from top global universities and skilled professionals, and is typically issued for 60 to 120 days. Is there a visa for remote workers? Yes — the Remote Work Visa (also called the Virtual Work Visa) allows you to live in the UAE while working for an overseas company. You'll need to prove a minimum monthly income of around USD 3,500, with supporting documentation. I'm a freelancer — what visa should I apply for? You can apply for a Freelance Permit and a Freelance Visa, which are available in several emirates including Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah. These allow you to operate legally as a self-employed individual. In Dubai, you can apply via the GoFreelance platform; in Abu Dhabi, through twofour54. Where can I apply for these visas? You can apply through: ICP ( for federal visa services GDRFA ( for Dubai-specific visas TAMM ( for Abu Dhabi Amer Centres for in-person Dubai support Make sure to go through official channels only. Avoid third-party claims promising guaranteed visas — if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Digital nomads choose UAE: Country emerges as top destination for remote workers; what's driving its global rise?
Representative photo The United Arab Emirates has been ranked the second most attractive destination for digital nomads in 2025, according to the latest VisaGuide Digital Nomad Visa Index, as reported by The Economic Times. The UAE moved up from fourth place in 2023, now surpassing countries like Montenegro, the Bahamas, and Hungary, with only Spain ahead on the list. Strong performance across key areas The index evaluates countries based on criteria such as internet quality, tax environment, cost of living, healthcare, and safety, areas where the UAE continues to perform well. The rise reflects not just better amenities, but also a long-term national strategy focused on remote work, innovation, and infrastructure. Policy reforms fuel growth The UAE's improved ranking is attributed in part to its early adoption of remote work policies. In March 2021, the country introduced a remote work visa, allowing foreign professionals to live in the UAE while working for overseas employers. This initiative led to further programs, including Dubai's Remote Work Visa and Abu Dhabi's Virtual Working Programme. A growing global workforce The digital nomad lifestyle has grown rapidly since the pandemic, with around 40 million people now identifying as location-independent workers. The global remote work economy is valued at $800 billion, and projections suggest that by 2035, up to one billion people could join the digital nomad workforce. According to experts, including Arab Digital Nomads platform founder Mohammad Alard, the UAE could strengthen its leadership by expanding affordable housing, promoting cultural assets, and building ties with global nomad communities, reported ET. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Filipino Times
7 days ago
- Business
- Filipino Times
UAE ranks second globally as top destination for digital nomads in 2025
The United Arab Emirates has been ranked as the second-best country in the world for digital nomads in 2025, based on a global index released by the platform Immigrant Invest. The country climbed from fourth place in 2023, reflecting the country's continued investment in digital infrastructure, quality of life, and remote work initiatives. The ranking is based on key factors such as internet quality, tax policies, healthcare systems, cost of living, and safety, putting the UAE ahead of countries like Montenegro, the Bahamas, and Hungary, and just one spot behind Spain. Digital nomadism, once considered a niche lifestyle, is now a growing global workforce valued at around US$800 billion annually, WAM reported. Experts say the rise reflects the UAE's leadership in creating an environment where digital professionals can thrive. 'The UAE is not only participating in this race but leading it,' said Mohammad Alard, digital nomad and founder of the Arab Digital Nomads platform and community. He shared that during his visits and time living in Sharjah, he observed first-hand the country's advanced infrastructure and multicultural appeal. 'I personally witnessed the advanced digital infrastructure, widespread high-speed internet, availability of co-working spaces, and a culturally diverse society,' he said. He also explained that the country's environment appeals to remote workers looking for stability and quality living. 'UAE cities shine on the global map. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have solidified their positions as must-consider destinations,' he added. He also pointed to specific programs that support digital workers, including Dubai's Remote Work Visa and Abu Dhabi's Virtual Working Programme.
Dubai Eye
05-07-2025
- Business
- Dubai Eye
UAE emerges as global base for digital nomads
The United Arab Emirates has consolidated its status as a leading force and key player in the digital nomad economy, rising to second place globally as a top destination for digital nomads in 2025. The platform Immigrant Invest ranked the UAE behind Spain, ahead of countries such as Montenegro, the Bahamas and Hungary. The evaluation was based on strict criteria including internet quality, tax policies, cost of living, healthcare, and unmatched levels of safety and stability. With remote work transforming from a fringe concept to a global economic force valued at around US$800 billion annually, governments worldwide are now racing to attract this segment of talent. Mohammad Alard, digital nomad and founder of the Arab Digital Nomads platform and community, highlighted the UAE's regional leadership, saying, 'The UAE is not only participating in this race but leading it. I visited the UAE multiple times and lived in Sharjah, where I personally witnessed the advanced digital infrastructure, widespread high-speed internet, availability of co-working spaces, and a culturally diverse society.' He noted the UAE's strong appeal to entrepreneurial digital nomads and tech startup founders seeking legal stability, security, and a high quality of life. 'UAE cities shine on the global map. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have solidified their positions as must-consider destinations,' he added. Alard further explained, 'Dubai can be classified as a global digital business hub competing with cities like Bangkok, Barcelona or Cape Town.' He cited tailored initiatives such as the Virtual Working Programme in Abu Dhabi and the Remote Work Visa in Dubai, which are designed to attract high-value professionals. Global rankings support this, with Dubai leading as the top city for remote work and Abu Dhabi ranked fourth, according to RemoteWork360. Recognising early the strategic value of attracting digital talent, the UAE launched a renewable one-year visa for digital nomads in March 2021, becoming one of the first countries to create an ideal environment for this workforce. These efforts align with an unprecedented global trend. What began as a quiet revolution powered by computing and the internet turned into a widespread movement during the COVID-19 pandemic, which compelled millions to embrace remote work. Today, digital nomadism is no longer a fringe lifestyle but a mainstream way of living, shared by nearly 40 million people globally. If this global movement were a country, it would rank 41st in population size. Looking ahead, projections suggest that by 2035, up to one billion people may live and work as digital nomads, comprising nearly one-third of the global workforce. This transformation, driven by 5G networks, the Internet of Things, and growing demand for flexible and hybrid work models, positions the UAE as an ideal candidate to become the leading global hub for remote work. To ensure long-term leadership, Alard advised enhancing engagement between official entities and the broader community of local and international digital nomads, supporting more affordable living options, and showcasing the UAE's natural and cultural appeal to attract a wider range of global talent.
Gulf Today
05-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
UAE emerges as global base for digital nomads
The United Arab Emirates has consolidated its status as a leading force and key player in the digital nomad economy, rising to second place globally as a top destination for digital nomads in 2025. This remarkable achievement, advancing from fourth place globally in 2023 according to the VisaGuide Digital Nomad Visa Index, reflects a forward-looking vision that goes beyond immediate economic gains, investing in people and digital infrastructure as future assets. The platform Immigrant Invest ranked the UAE second globally after Spain, ahead of countries such as Montenegro, the Bahamas and Hungary. The evaluation was based on strict criteria including internet quality, tax policies, cost of living, healthcare, and unmatched levels of safety and stability. With remote work transforming from a fringe concept to a global economic force valued at around US$800 billion annually, governments worldwide are now racing to attract this segment of talent. Mohammad Alard, digital nomad and founder of the Arab Digital Nomads platform and community, highlighted the UAE's regional leadership, saying, 'The UAE is not only participating in this race but leading it. I visited the UAE multiple times and lived in Sharjah, where I personally witnessed the advanced digital infrastructure, widespread high-speed internet, availability of co-working spaces, and a culturally diverse society.' He noted the UAE's strong appeal to entrepreneurial digital nomads and tech startup founders seeking legal stability, security, and a high quality of life. 'UAE cities shine on the global map. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have solidified their positions as must-consider destinations,' he added. Alard further explained, 'Dubai can be classified as a global digital business hub competing with cities like Bangkok, Barcelona or Cape Town.' He cited tailored initiatives such as the Virtual Working Programme in Abu Dhabi and the Remote Work Visa in Dubai, which are designed to attract high-value professionals. Global rankings support this, with Dubai leading as the top city for remote work and Abu Dhabi ranked fourth, according to RemoteWork360. Recognising early the strategic value of attracting digital talent, the UAE launched a renewable one-year visa for digital nomads in March 2021, becoming one of the first countries to create an ideal environment for this workforce. These efforts align with an unprecedented global trend. What began as a quiet revolution powered by computing and the internet turned into a widespread movement during the COVID-19 pandemic, which compelled millions to embrace remote work. Today, digital nomadism is no longer a fringe lifestyle but a mainstream way of living, shared by nearly 40 million people globally. If this global movement were a country, it would rank 41st in population size. Looking ahead, projections suggest that by 2035, up to one billion people may live and work as digital nomads, comprising nearly one-third of the global workforce. This transformation, driven by 5G networks, the Internet of Things, and growing demand for flexible and hybrid work models, positions the UAE as an ideal candidate to become the leading global hub for remote work. To ensure long-term leadership, Alard advised enhancing engagement between official entities and the broader community of local and international digital nomads, supporting more affordable living options, and showcasing the UAE's natural and cultural appeal to attract a wider range of global talent. WAM
