United Arab EmiratesWork

UAE remote work visa (digital nomad residence)

Remote work visa (virtual work residence for employees of companies outside the UAE)

In short

People employed by a company outside the UAE can live in the Emirates on a one-year, self-sponsored virtual work residence. They must prove remote employment abroad and a monthly income of at least USD 3,500 or the equivalent, hold health insurance and pass the medical test; the visa does not allow work for UAE employers.

Apply on ICP Smart Services checked 23 October 2026

Key facts

Maximum stay
One year from issue, renewable
Validity
After issue, enter within 60 days; 60 days from entry to complete residence steps
Fee
AED 200GDRFA Dubai virtual work visa fee, plus 5% VAT; AED 520 more if issued inside the UAE. Medical, Emirates ID and insurance costs are extra.
Funds required
US$3,500 per monthMinimum monthly income from remote work for an employer outside the UAE, or the equivalent in another currency.
Processing time
About 48 hours (GDRFA Dubai)
Work
Only remote work for the employer abroad; not for UAE companies
Family
GDRFA states the holder can sponsor family members for the same period
Path to permanent residence
No; the visa is renewable year by year
Where to apply
Online with ICP or GDRFA Dubai, also from outside the UAE

Eligibility

The UAE calls this a virtual work or remote work visa. It is for foreigners employed by a company outside the country who want to live in the UAE under self-sponsorship and keep working for that company. GDRFA Dubai requires proof of remote employment abroad and a monthly income of at least USD 3,500 or the equivalent.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi apply the same USD 3,500 threshold; the Abu Dhabi Residents Office asks for six months of bank statements showing that income.

Documents

GDRFA lists a recent colour photo with a white background, a passport copy valid for at least six months, valid health insurance, proof of remote work for a foreign employer and proof of the USD 3,500 monthly income. The UAE government portal also mentions a salary certificate and the medical fitness result.

In practice this usually means an employment letter from the foreign company confirming remote work, recent payslips and bank statements.

Required documents

Identity

  • Recent colour photo with a white background

Travel

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months (copy)

Money

  • Salary certificate or bank statements showing at least USD 3,500 a month

Work

  • Proof of remote employment with a company outside the UAE

Insurance

  • Valid health insurance

Other

  • Medical fitness test result (in the UAE)

Fees and timing

GDRFA Dubai charges AED 200 plus 5% VAT for the virtual work visa; if you are already in the UAE, AED 10 Knowledge Dirham, AED 10 Innovation Dirham and AED 500 in-country fee are added. Expected completion is 48 hours.

Once issued, the visa must be used within 60 days, and after entry you have 60 days to complete the medical test, biometrics and Emirates ID. The residence then runs for one year from the issue date and can be renewed.

What the visa allows

You can live in the UAE, rent a home, open a bank account with your Emirates ID and travel in and out. Work must remain with your employer abroad; taking a job with a UAE company requires a regular work permit.

GDRFA states that holders can sponsor family members for the same period as their own residence.

How to apply, step by step

  1. Get a letter from your employer abroad confirming remote work and salary.
  2. Gather payslips or bank statements showing at least USD 3,500 a month, and buy health insurance.
  3. Apply online through ICP Smart Services or GDRFA Dubai; you may apply from outside the UAE.
  4. Pay the AED 200 fee plus VAT and wait about 48 hours.
  5. Enter within 60 days and complete the medical test and Emirates ID.
  6. Renew before the one-year residence expires if you still meet the conditions.

Forms

Frequently asked questions

Does the UAE have a digital nomad visa?

Yes, the remote work (virtual work) visa: one year of self-sponsored residence for people working for an employer outside the UAE and earning at least USD 3,500 a month.

Can freelancers get the UAE remote work visa?

The official conditions refer to employment with a company outside the UAE. Freelancers with clients abroad usually look at the freelance Green visa or a free-zone licence instead.

Can I work for a UAE company on a remote work visa?

No. The visa covers remote work for a foreign employer only.

Can I apply for the UAE remote work visa from abroad?

Yes. GDRFA allows applications from outside the UAE; after issue you have 60 days to enter.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for the United Arab Emirates

Visits and short stays

  • Tourist visa Maximum stay: 30 or 60 days per permit; the 5-year visa allows up to 90 days per visit, extendable once by 90 days
  • Family and friends visit visa Maximum stay: 30, 60 or 90 days; extensions up to 120 days in total
  • Transit visa Maximum stay: 48 or 96 hours, single entry
  • Medical treatment visa Maximum stay: Depends on the permit issued; healthcare-related permits can be extended to a total of 180 days

Business and self-employment

Study and training

  • Student visa Maximum stay: For the duration certified by the institution; renewed while enrolled

Work

  • Job seeker visa Maximum stay: 60, 90 or 120 days
  • Work visa Maximum stay: Length of the residence permit, usually two years, renewable
  • Skilled worker visa Maximum stay: Green visa 5 years; Golden visa 10 years; both renewable

Family

Residence

United Arab Emirates visa guide