How to apply for a remote work visa in the UAE
Find out about eligibility, documents, cost, and how to apply
Dubai: If your job allows you to work remotely and you're considering living in the UAE, the country offers a specific visa for international remote workers, the Remote Work Visa. This visa grants a one-year residency permit, which can be renewed.
The UAE has become a major hub for digital nomads, ranking second globally in 2025 as a top destination for remote workers, according to the VisaGuide Digital Nomad Visa Index. This is a significant jump from its fourth-place ranking in 2023.
What is the UAE Virtual Work Visa?
The UAE Virtual or Remote Work Visa allows remote workers to live in the country for up to a year without needing a local sponsor. It's designed for individuals employed outside the UAE but able to perform their job remotely.
Benefits of the Virtual Work Visa
One-year residency in Dubai (renewable)
No UAE sponsor required
Access to UAE utilities and services
Freedom to travel in and out of Dubai
Ability to sponsor dependants (spouse and children)
Access to schooling for dependants
Who can apply?
You can apply for the Virtual Work Visa regardless of your nationality, provided you meet the following criteria:
You are employed by a company outside the UAE under a contract of at least one year.
You can prove that your job can be done remotely (e.g. through an employment contract or a letter from your employer).
You earn a monthly salary of at least US$3,500 (approximately AED12,856), or the equivalent in another currency.
Required documents
Valid passport (with at least six months' validity)
Coloured passport photo
Health insurance from a UAE-based provider
Proof of remote work with a non-UAE employer
Salary certificate showing a monthly income of at least US$3,500
(Optional) Attested police clearance certificate from your country of origin
How to apply
For all emirates except Dubai:
Submit your application via the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP): smartservices.icp.gov.ae
For Dubai residency:
Apply through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA): www.gdrfad.gov.ae
You will need to upload documents such as your passport, photo, proof of employment and income, and valid health insurance.
Applications can be submitted online via the ICP or GDRFA websites, mobile apps, or smart services platforms. Applicants do not need to be in the UAE for the visa to be issued. Once approved, the visa holder has 60 days to enter the UAE.
Cost
The total fee for the Virtual Work Visa is Dh350, which includes:
Dh100 application fee
Dh100 issuance fee
Dh100 smart services fee
Dh50 authority and e-services fee
If an application is incomplete, it will be returned. If not resubmitted within 30 days, it will be rejected. If returned three times, the application will be cancelled.
Tip: Before applying, ensure all your documents are accurate and up to date to avoid delays or cancellations.
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