Quick Answer: The UAE Remote Work Visa (Virtual Work Visa) allows foreign nationals employed by non-UAE companies to live in the Emirates while working remotely. Applicants must earn at least USD 3,500/month, provide proof of remote employment, and maintain valid health insurance. The visa costs approximately AED 2,200-3,000 in total, takes 2-4 weeks to process, and remains valid for 1 year, with renewal options. Family members can be sponsored. No personal income tax applies to foreign earnings.
What is the UAE Remote Work Visa
The UAE Remote Work Visa, officially known as the Virtual Work Residence Visa, is a residence permit introduced in March 2021 that enables foreign nationals to live legally in the UAE while maintaining employment with organizations registered outside the country.
This visa category operates under self-sponsorship, eliminating the need for a UAE-based employer or local sponsor. Holders receive an Emirates ID that grants access to resident services, including banking, housing, utilities, telecommunications, healthcare, and education facilities.
The program reflects the UAE’s strategic initiative to attract global talent and digital professionals to contribute to the local economy while enjoying the Emirates’ infrastructure, safety, and tax-advantaged environment.
Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
| Validity | 1 year |
| Renewal | Available upon re-application |
| Sponsorship | Self-sponsored |
| Work Authorization | Remote work for non-UAE entities only |
| Family Inclusion | Spouse and dependent children are eligible |
| Emirates ID | Issued upon approval |
| Tax Status | 0% personal income tax on foreign earnings |
Eligibility Requirements
Who Can Apply
- Employees of companies registered outside the UAE with remote work arrangements
- Freelancers and independent contractors with foreign clients
- Business owners with companies registered abroad
- Self-employed professionals providing services to international clients
Basic Eligibility Criteria
| Requirement | Specification |
| Age | Minimum 18 years |
| Passport | Valid for at least 6 months |
| Employment | Remote work for a non-UAE entity |
| Contract Duration | Minimum 1-year employment contract |
| Income | Minimum USD 3,500/month |
| Health Insurance | Valid coverage in the UAE |
| Criminal Record | Clean background |
For Remote Employees
- Valid employment contract with an overseas company
- Contract must permit remote work arrangements
- Minimum 1-year contract duration
- Letter from employer confirming remote work arrangement
For Business Owners
- Proof of company ownership for a minimum of 1 year
- Company registered outside the UAE
- Demonstration of ongoing business operations
- Bank statements showing business income
Income Requirements
Minimum Income Threshold
| Applicant Type | Minimum Monthly Income |
| Employees | USD 3,500 |
| Business Owners | USD 5,000 |
| Freelancers | USD 3,500 |
Income must be demonstrated through bank statements for the previous 3-6 months, payslips showing consistent deposits, tax returns (where applicable), and company financial statements (for business owners).
Bank Statement Requirements
- Regular salary deposits are clearly visible
- Account holder name matches the passport
- Currency conversion to USD equivalent if needed
- Minimum 3-month history (6 months preferred)
Required Documents
Primary Documents
| Document | Specification |
| Passport Copy | Valid minimum 6 months, clear biodata page |
| Passport Photo | Recent, white background, color, 45mm x 35mm |
| Proof of Employment | Contract or employer letter confirming remote work |
| Income Proof | Bank statements (3-6 months), payslips |
| Health Insurance | Valid UAE coverage, minimum 1 year |
Additional Documents for Remote Employees
- Employment contract (minimum 1 year)
- Letter from employer confirming job title, salary, and remote work authorization
- Recent payslips (3 months minimum)
Additional Documents for Business Owners
- Business registration certificate
- Proof of ownership (minimum 1 year)
- Company bank statements (6 months)
- Tax registration documents
Application Process Step-by-Step
Step 1: Verify Eligibility
Confirm income meets minimum threshold (USD 3,500/month), employment contract permits remote work, passport has 6+ months validity, and no previous UAE visa violations.
Step 2: Gather Documents
Compile passport copy, passport-sized photo, employment contract or business ownership proof, bank statements (3-6 months), and health insurance policy.
Step 3: Submit your online application, with clear guidance on the process to help you feel supported and confident throughout your journey to relocating to the UAE under the Remote Work Visa.
Dubai applicants: Visit the GDRFA Dubai portal (gdrfad.gov.ae), log in using UAE Pass, select ‘Visa Issuance (Virtual Work)’, complete the form, upload documents, and pay the fee.
Abu Dhabi applicants: Visit the ICP portal (icp.gov.ae), navigate to Remote Work Visa services, complete the application, upload documentation, and submit payment.
Step 4: Pay Application Fee
Base visa fee: AED 200. Additional processing charges vary by emirate and application method.
Step 5: Await Approval
Processing time: 5-7 business days (standard). Approval notification via email. An entry permit is issued upon approval.
Step 6: Enter the UAE
Travel to the UAE using an entry permit (valid for 60 days). Complete the remaining steps upon arrival.
Step 7: Complete Medical Examination
Schedule an appointment at a DHA/EHS-approved center. Tests include blood screening and a chest X-ray. Cost: AED 300-500.
Step 8: Register for Emirates ID
Book a biometric appointment, provide fingerprints, and a photograph. Processing: 5-7 working days. Cost: AED 370-570.
After entering the UAE, applicants must complete a medical examination at DHA/EHS-approved centers and register for their Emirates ID by booking biometric appointments, providing fingerprints and photographs, with processing times of 5-7 working days.
Complete residence stamping (now electronic). Receive the Emirates ID card. Full residency status activated.
Fees and Costs
Official Government Fees
| Fee Component | Cost (AED) | Cost (USD) |
| Virtual Work Visa Fee | 200 | 55 |
| VAT (5%) | 10 | 3 |
| Knowledge Dirham | 10 | 3 |
| Innovation Dirham | 10 | 3 |
| In-country fee (if applicable) | 500 | 136 |
Additional Required Costs
| Component | Cost Range (AED) | Cost Range (USD) |
| Medical Examination | 300-500 | 85-136 |
| Emirates ID | 370-570 | 100-155 |
| Health Insurance (annual) | 1,800-9,000 | 500-2,500 |
| Typing/Admin Charges | 100-300 | 27-82 |
Total Cost Estimate
| Scenario | Total (AED) | Total (USD) |
| Minimum (budget insurance) | 2,800 | 760 |
| Average (standard insurance) | 4,500 | 1,225 |
| Maximum (premium insurance) | 11,000 | 3,000 |
Processing Time
| Stage | Duration |
| Application Review | 5-7 business days |
| Entry Permit Issuance | 1-2 business days |
| Medical Examination | 1-2 days |
| Emirates ID Processing | 5-7 working days |
| Residence Finalization | 2-3 days |
| Total (from abroad) | 2-4 weeks |
Factors affecting processing include document completeness, application volume, nationality-specific requirements, and appointment availability.
Dubai Virtual Working Programme
Dubai’s Virtual Working Programme represents the emirate’s specific implementation of the UAE Remote Work Visa framework.
| Feature | Specification |
| Administering Authority | GDRFA Dubai |
| Validity | 1 year |
| Renewal | Annual re-application |
| Family Sponsorship | Permitted |
| Work Restriction | Non-UAE employment only |
| Minimum Income | USD 3,500/month |
Dubai Application Portal
- GDRFA website: gdrfad.gov.ae
- AMER service centers
- Innovative application (mobile)
Abu Dhabi Remote Work Visa
Abu Dhabi offers its Remote Work Visa through the Abu Dhabi Residents Office (ADRO), providing similar benefits with emirate-specific processes.
| Feature | Specification |
| Administering Authority | ADRO / ICP |
| Validity | 1 year |
| Minimum Income | USD 3,500/month |
| Bank Statement Period | 6 months |
Submit applications through the ICP portal (icp.gov.ae) or ADRO services.
Family Sponsorship
Remote Work Visa holders can sponsor immediate family members to join them in the UAE.
Eligible Dependents
| Family Member | Eligibility |
| Spouse | Yes |
| Children | Yes (age restrictions apply) |
| Sons | Up to age 18 (or 25 in some cases) |
| Daughters | Unmarried, no age limit |
| Parents | Separate requirements |
Sponsorship Requirements
- Meet minimum income requirements
- Provide adequate housing
- Health insurance for each dependent
- Relationship documentation (marriage/birth certificates)
Dependent Costs
| Component | Cost per Dependent (AED) |
| Entry Permit | 200-500 |
| Medical Examination | 300-500 |
| Emirates ID | 370-570 |
| Residence Visa | 300-500 |
| Health Insurance (annual) | 1,500-5,000 |
Benefits of the UAE Remote Work Visa
Financial Advantages
- Zero Personal Income Tax: The UAE does not tax foreign-earned income
- No Capital Gains Tax: Investment returns remain untaxed
- No Inheritance Tax: Wealth transfer benefits
- Tax-Free Salary: Keep 100% of foreign earnings
Residency Benefits
- Emirates ID: Access to resident services
- Banking: Open UAE bank accounts
- Housing: Rent property under own name
- Utilities: Register for electricity, water, and internet
- Healthcare: Access UAE medical facilities
- Education: Enroll children in schools
Lifestyle Advantages
- World-class infrastructure
- High safety standards
- Global connectivity (major airline hub)
- Modern amenities and coworking spaces
- Diverse expatriate community
Restrictions and Limitations
Employment Restrictions
| Permitted | Not Permitted |
| Remote work for foreign companies | Employment with UAE companies |
| Freelancing for international clients | Local UAE clients |
| Running an overseas business | Establishing a UAE business under this visa |
| Managing foreign investments | UAE-based employment contracts |
Visa Conditions
- Must maintain employment/business with a non-UAE entity
- Cannot exceed six consecutive months outside the UAE
- Must maintain valid health insurance
- Must meet income requirements throughout validity
Working for UAE-based entities on a Remote Work Visa constitutes a visa violation resulting in fines, visa cancellation, potential deportation, and an entry ban.
Renewal Process
To renew the Remote Work Visa, you must continue to meet minimum income requirements, valid remote employment, health insurance coverage, and a clean residency record. Begin renewal process 30 days before visa expiry.
Renewal Requirements
- Updated employment contract/proof
- Recent bank statements (3-6 months)
- Renewed health insurance policy
- Current Emirates ID
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
Renewal fees mirror the initial application costs, including the visa renewal fee, the updated medical examination, the Emirates ID renewal, and the health insurance renewal.
Tax Implications
UAE Tax Position
| Tax Type | Rate |
| Personal Income Tax | 0% |
| Capital Gains Tax | 0% |
| Inheritance Tax | 0% |
| VAT (goods/services) | 5% |
Tax Residency
The Remote Work Visa alone does not automatically establish UAE tax residency. To qualify for UAE tax residency: physical presence of 183+ days per year, application for Tax Residency Certificate, and meeting additional criteria per tax authorities.
Home Country Tax Obligations
Remote Work Visa holders may still owe taxes in their home country. US citizens must file a worldwide income tax return regardless of residence. Other nationalities are subject to home-country tax-residency rules. Double taxation treaties may apply. Consult a tax professional for specific guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum income for the UAE Remote Work Visa?
USD 3,500 per month for employees and freelancers. Business owners may need to demonstrate USD 5,000/month. Income must be verified through bank statements and payslips covering 3-6 months.
Can I work for UAE companies on a Remote Work Visa?
No. The Remote Work Visa permits employment only with non-UAE entities. Working for UAE-based companies or clients violates visa conditions and can result in fines, cancellation, and deportation.
How long does the UAE Remote Work Visa last?
The visa is valid for 1 year. It can be renewed annually through re-application, provided you continue to meet all eligibility requirements, including the income threshold and remote employment.
Can I bring my family on the Remote Work Visa?
Yes. You can sponsor your spouse and dependent children. Each family member requires their own visa, medical examination, Emirates ID, and health insurance. Marriage and birth certificates are required.
What happens if I stay outside the UAE too long?
Remaining outside the UAE for more than six consecutive months invalidates your Remote Work Visa. You must maintain physical presence in the UAE or risk automatic visa cancellation.
Do I pay taxes on my income in the UAE?
No. The UAE does not impose personal income tax on foreign-earned income. However, you may still owe taxes in your home country depending on your citizenship and tax residency status.
Can I open a bank account with a Remote Work Visa?
Yes. The Emirates ID issued with your Remote Work Visa allows you to open UAE bank accounts, access financial services, and conduct routine banking transactions as a resident.
What health insurance is required?
You must have valid health insurance covering medical services in the UAE. Travel insurance is not accepted. Coverage must be maintained throughout your visa validity period.
Can I convert a Remote Work Visa to an employment visa?
Yes, but requires a new application process. If a UAE employer offers you a position, they must sponsor a new employment visa for you. Your Remote Work Visa would be cancelled in the process.
What are the total costs for a Remote Work Visa?
Total costs range from approximately AED 2,800-11,000 (USD 760-3,000) depending on health insurance choice, processing method, and whether applying from inside or outside the UAE.
Official Sources
Government Portals
- UAE Government Portal: u.ae
- GDRFA Dubai: gdrfad.gov.ae
- ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security): icp.gov.ae
- ADRO (Abu Dhabi Residents Office): adro.gov.ae
- Invest in Dubai: investindubai.gov.ae
Contact Information
- GDRFA Dubai: 800 5111
- ICP Toll-Free: 600 522222
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information as of January 2026. Requirements and fees may change. Always verify current requirements through official government portals before submitting applications.
Last Updated: January, 2026
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