Working remotely in the United Arab Emirates. Where to begin.
Choose the permission before the address.
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Where the visa stands
Dubai provides a renewable residence permit for people working remotely for an organization outside the UAE.
Start with your work plans
Dubai's Virtual Working Programme offers a one-year renewable virtual-work residence permit for people employed by foreign companies or owning a business abroad, who keep working for that overseas employer or business — no UAE clients or employers. The commonly cited income threshold is US$3,500 per month for employees (US$5,000 per month for business owners); since January 2026 applicants have been asked for six months of bank statements, plus valid health insurance. Official pages differ on details, so confirm the current requirements with GDRFA or ICP before applying.
Describe who pays you, where your employer or clients are based and what you would do while living abroad. Use those details when checking the official route. Employer approval and immigration permission are separate questions.
Employer approval and immigration permission are separate questions.
Take the first application step
Read the GDRFA entry and residence instructions.
The entry permit and completed residence permit are different. The guidance here is the Dubai process.
Keep two money questions separate
The visa income test concerns the evidence required for an application. A living budget concerns your housing, healthcare, transport and daily spending. Compare both before committing to a move.
This briefing reorganizes the existing visa summary. It does not represent a new source review. The visa section of the guide keeps the original review dates and qualifications.
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