United Arab Emirates · digital nomad
UAE Virtual Working Programme
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
1-year residence for remote workers employed by companies outside the UAE.
- Processing time
- 1–3 weeks.
- Government fees
- Programme fee around USD 611 plus medical and Emirates ID.
- Typical duration
- 1 year, renewable.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- No
Overview
Dubai's Virtual Working Programme (also extended across the UAE as the Remote Work Visa) lets remote workers live in the UAE on 1-year residence while working for a non-UAE employer. Tax residency benefits attract workers from high-tax jurisdictions.
Guidance by nationality
Specific information for applicants from these countries. Don’t see yours? The general eligibility criteria above apply to everyone.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Employment with a non-UAE company, or self-employment with non-UAE clients.
- ✓Monthly income of at least USD 3,500.
- ✓Valid health insurance covering UAE.
Common blockers
- !Income below $3,500/month threshold.
- !UAE-based income.
Typical evidence
- ·Employment contract or client contracts.
- ·Recent payslips or bank statements.
- ·Health insurance certificate.
Application pathway
Apply online via programme portal
Dubai runs its own portal; federal equivalents exist.
Travel and complete medical/Emirates ID
On arrival.
Renew annually or transition
Renewable; transition to Green or Golden Visa possible if criteria met.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicantApply for virtual work residence ↗
Remote workers use this Dubai Government page to check documents and access the virtual working programme application.
Dubai Government · verified
Fees and processing time
Indicative government fees: Programme fee around USD 611 plus medical and Emirates ID.. A decision then typically takes 5 days – 2 weeks. Both change over time, so the dedicated pages below carry the itemised breakdown and the current official figures.
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Frequently asked questions
Does the UAE Remote Work Visa have tax benefits?+
The UAE has no personal income tax. Whether this affects your overall tax position depends on your home-country tax residency rules — many countries continue to tax worldwide income for their tax residents. Take specialist tax advice.
Can I move to the UAE on the Virtual Working Programme while keeping my current overseas job?+
Yes. The Virtual Working Programme lets remote workers live in the UAE on a 1-year residence while working for a non-UAE employer (or self-employed with non-UAE clients). UAE-based income does not qualify, and you must hold valid UAE health insurance.
What income do I need for the UAE Remote Work Visa, and is the threshold changing?+
The stated requirement is a monthly income of at least USD 3,500, evidenced with an employment or client contract plus recent payslips or bank statements. Note: an in-flux note flags unconfirmed April-2026 reports of a January-2026 circular raising this to USD 5,000 from around 1 May 2026 — verify the current threshold directly before applying.
How much does the UAE Remote Work Visa cost and how long does it take?+
The programme fee is around USD 611 plus medical and Emirates ID costs, and processing is typically 1-3 weeks. It is a 1-year renewable residence.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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