Remote Work Visa

With aims to attract talents and expertise from all over the world, the UAE cabinet approved a new Remote Work Visas scheme to enable employees from all over the world to work remotely from the UAE. The one-year visa allows foreigners to enter the UAE under self-sponsorship and work in line with terms and conditions issued with the visa.

The major step, considered first of its kind in the region, provides the opportunity for entrepreneurs and talents to innovate in the UAE’s safe and attractive business environment, with access to all the necessary services including world-class utilities and telecoms.

For more information about remote work visa, please contact the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security-ICP.

Read related news coverage on WAM.

Related service

• Apply for remote work residency visa- ICP

Dubai’s virtual working programme

Under the virtual working programme, you may relocate to Dubai (from outside the UAE) and continue working for the organisation you are already working for, remotely.

Who is the virtual working programme for?

The virtual working programme is for people who live and work outside the UAE, start-ups and entrepreneurs who meet the eligibility criteria. If your application to live in Dubai is approved by the UAE’s authorities, you can also bring your family along.

Duration of the virtual working programme

The programme is valid for one year, renewable upon re-application.

How to apply for the virtual working programme?

To apply for the programme, you need to have a passport with a validity of minimum six months and a valid health insurance covering your residency in the UAE.

If you are an employee, you need to:

• provide proof of employment with a contract valid for one year from your current employer
• earn a salary of minimum USD 5,000 per month
• provide the salary slip for the last month and bank statements for the preceding three months.

If you are a company owner, you need to:

• provide proof of ownership of company for one year or more
• have an average monthly income of USD 5,000 per month
• provide bank statements of the company’s account for the preceding three months.

Cost

The fees for the virtual working programme is USD 287 per person. In addition, you need to pay the premium for medical insurance valid in the UAE and the processing fees. Note that paying processing fee does not guarantee approval of application.

Benefits

Through the virtual working programme, you can obtain all services including telecommunications, utilities, medical and schooling. You can take advantage of Dubai's robust and seamless digital infrastructure, global networking opportunities and zero income tax for individuals. Read more about the benefits of working remotely in Dubai.

Read news coverage about the announcement of virtual working programme in October 2020.