Remote Work Visa
UAE Virtual Working Programme — 1-year renewable residency for employees and business owners of foreign companies who want to live in the UAE while working remotely. No UAE employer required.
What Is the Remote Work Visa?
The UAE Remote Work Visa (officially the Virtual Working Programme) was launched in 2021 to attract foreign professionals working remotely for non-UAE employers. The visa allows you to live in the UAE for 1 year (renewable) while employed by a foreign company or owning a foreign business. You do not need a UAE employer or company — the visa is self-sponsored based on proof of foreign employment.
Remote Work Visa suits digital nomads, remote employees of US/EU/Asian companies, foreign business owners, and consultants serving overseas clients. Compared to a Tourist Visa, it offers proper residency rights (Emirates ID, bank account, family sponsorship in some cases). Compared to a Freelance Visa, it doesn't require a Free Zone setup or UAE freelance permit — your foreign employment is the basis.
Who Can Apply
- Proof of employment with a foreign company OR foreign business ownership
- Minimum monthly income USD 3,500+ (verified)
- Valid passport (6+ months remaining validity)
- Health insurance with UAE coverage
- For employees: contract showing 1+ year of employment OR letter from current employer
- For business owners: 1-year proof of ownership + USD 3,500+/month income
Cost Breakdown
Government fees + Insight service fee. No hidden costs.
Estimates only. Final quote depends on dependents, urgency and current government fees. We confirm in writing within 24 hours.
Step-by-step Application
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01
Employment / ownership verification
We confirm foreign employment contract OR foreign business ownership documents. Income proof: payslips, bank statements (3+ months).
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02
Document legalisation (if needed)
Foreign employment contract or business registration documents may need legalisation in the country of issue + UAE embassy.
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03
Entry permit application
Submitted via ICA Virtual Working programme. Entry permit issued in 3-7 days.
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04
Medical, biometrics, Emirates ID
You complete medical fitness and biometrics in the UAE. Emirates ID issued as 1-year card matching visa validity.
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05
Visa stamping + bank account
Visa electronically issued. With Emirates ID + visa, you can open UAE bank accounts (Mashreq Neo, WIO are remote-worker-friendly with low minimums).
What You Need to Provide
- Passport copy (6+ months validity)
- Passport-size photo with white background
- Entry permit / current UAE visa copy
- Emirates ID (if existing UAE resident)
- Medical fitness test result
- Application form signed by sponsor / self
- Foreign employment contract (legalised if non-English/Arabic)
- Recent payslips (3+ months) OR salary certificate
- Foreign business registration (for business owners)
- Bank statements showing USD 3,500+/month income
- Health insurance certificate
Remote Work Visa vs Other UAE Visas
| Visa | Validity | Cost from | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remote Work Visa this visa | 1 year, renewable | AED 6,500 | Foreign-employed remote workers | |
| Freelance Visa | 2-3 years | AED 12,500 | UAE Free Zone freelancer | Details |
| Green Visa | 5 years | AED 5,200 | Higher income (AED 360K+/year) | Details |
| Employment Visa | 2 years | AED 5,000 | Employer-sponsored | Details |
Remote Work Visa — Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — that is the entire purpose of the visa. You must work for a foreign (non-UAE) employer or own a foreign business. UAE employment is not permitted under this visa — for that you need an Employment Visa with a UAE employer.
USD 3,500/month (approximately AED 12,900) verified via payslips or bank statements covering the previous 3 months. The income must be from foreign sources — UAE-sourced income doesn't qualify under this visa.
Family sponsorship rules apply normally — subject to income threshold (AED 4,000-6,000+/month). Since the Remote Work Visa requires USD 3,500+/month, you typically qualify to sponsor family. Need separate visa application for each dependent.
Potentially yes — if you stay in the UAE for 183+ days in a tax year, you can claim UAE tax residency under the UAE-foreign tax treaty rules. Combined with Emirates ID and bank account, you typically qualify. Consult a tax advisor for your specific country of citizenship.
Tourist Visa is 30/60/90 days, no Emirates ID, no bank account, no family sponsorship, must leave or extend. Remote Work Visa is 1-year, full residency rights (Emirates ID, bank account, family sponsorship), renewable annually. Different categories entirely.
Yes — renewable annually if you continue meeting the criteria (foreign employment + USD 3,500+/month income). Renewal is online via ICA. The visa is designed to be used long-term by digital nomads and remote employees.
Apply for Remote Work Visa
