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Remote Work Visa
VisasUnited Arab EmiratesRemote Work Visa
United Arab EmiratesUnited Arab Emirates•Asia
Open

Remote Work Visa

Digital Nomad Dependents Allowed Remote Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

2 days

Application Fee

287 USD

Stay Duration

1 year

Renewable

Yes

Job Offer

Not Required

Dependents

Allowed

PR Pathway

No

Remote Work

Allowed

Apply Now Official Information
United Arab Emirates flag

Living in United Arab Emirates

Cost of Living
20% cheaper than United States
Avg SalaryAED 140,400
Quality of Life
176/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

1-year residence for remote workers employed by companies outside the UAE.

The Remote Work Visa, often referred to as the Virtual Work Visa, was introduced to allow talented professionals and digital nomads to live in the United Arab Emirates while continuing to be employed by companies based outside the country. This initiative is designed to attract global talent by offering a flexible residency option that does not require a local employer sponsor. The visa is valid for one year and is renewable, provided the applicant continues to meet the eligibility criteria, allowing residents to enjoy the UAE's world-class infrastructure, safety, and lifestyle while maintaining their international career commitments.

To be eligible for this visa, applicants must demonstrate a monthly income of at least $3,500 USD or its equivalent. Applicants are required to provide proof of employment, such as a valid employment contract from a non-UAE company with a minimum one-year duration, and bank statements covering the previous three to six months to verify their income. Additionally, applicants must secure health insurance that is valid within the UAE. The application process is streamlined and can be completed online, with a nominal fee of AED 200 plus 5% VAT, making it an accessible pathway for remote professionals seeking a high-quality living environment.

Fee Breakdown

Application fee (virtual working programme)
287 USD
Residence permit issuance
200 AED
In-country fee
500 AED
Knowledge Dirham
10 AED
Innovation Dirham
10 AED
Delivery fee
20 AED

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant1 year

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Employment Visa
United Arab Emirates flagUnited Arab Emirates

Employment Visa

Validity3 years
Processing7-20 days
View Visa Details
Freelance Permit
United Arab Emirates flagUnited Arab Emirates

Freelance Permit

Validity3 years
Processing14-28 days
View Visa Details
Green Residence for Freelancers/Self-Employed
United Arab Emirates flagUnited Arab Emirates

Green Residence for Freelancers/Self-Employed

Validity5 years (renewable)
Processing2-4 weeks
View Visa Details
Golden Visa (5/10 Year)
United Arab Emirates flagUnited Arab Emirates

Golden Visa (5/10 Year)

Validity10 years
Processing2-5 days
View Visa Details
Investor Visa
United Arab Emirates flagUnited Arab Emirates

Investor Visa

Validity3 years
Processing10-20 days
View Visa Details
Property Owner Visa - 2 Years
United Arab Emirates flagUnited Arab Emirates

Property Owner Visa - 2 Years

ValidityVaries (Renewable)
ProcessingVaries
View Visa Details
Retirement Visa - 5 Years
United Arab Emirates flagUnited Arab Emirates

Retirement Visa - 5 Years

ValidityVaries (Renewable under same conditions)
ProcessingVaries
View Visa Details

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Must be employed by an entity outside the UAE.

Must provide proof of remote work capability (e.g., employment contract or letter from employer).

Minimum monthly income of USD 3,500 or equivalent in other currencies.

Valid passport with at least 6 months validity.

Valid health insurance covering the UAE.

For business owners: Proof of company ownership for at least one year.

KEY CRITERIA

Education

none or higher

Min. Income

42,000 EUR/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Passport photo

Employment contract

Proof of income

Company letter

Health insurance

Proof of accommodation

Application Process

1

Gather documents: passport (6+ months validity), recent colour photo, proof of remote employment with an entity outside the UAE, and salary or bank-statement evidence of USD 3,500/month income

2

Obtain valid UAE-compliant health insurance covering the residency period

3

Apply via GDRFA/ICP smart services (log in with UAE Pass) or visit an AMER or Customer Happiness Centre

4

Pay the application fee of USD 287 plus the in-country issuance fees in AED

5

Receive entry permit (typically within 48 hours) and travel to the UAE within the validity window

6

Complete medical fitness test and Emirates ID biometrics after arrival

7

Collect the one-year virtual work residence permit

Application Forms

Go to application portal
Remote Work Visa Application—

Verified Claims (7)

Last verified Jun 18, 2026
Application StepsGather documents: passport (6+ months validity), recent colour photo, proof of remote employment wit…u.ae
Fee BreakdownApplication fee (virtual working programme): 287 USD; Residence permit issuance: 200 AED; In-country…gdrfad.gov.ae
FeesUSD 287 application fee per person; additional in-country issuance fees (AED 200 residence permit + …u.ae
Official Infohttps://u.ae/en/information-and-services/visa-and-emirates-id/residence-visas/residence-visa-for-wor…u.ae
Processing Estimates{"minDays":2,"maxDays":2}gdrfad.gov.ae
Processing Time48 hoursgdrfad.gov.ae
SourcesDubai's virtual working programme — UAE Government Portal; Residence visa for working outside the UA…u.ae

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