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Virtual Working Programme (Remote Work Visa)
Virtual Working Programme (Remote Work Visa)
United Arab Emirates · Work
What it is
1-year residence permit for foreign remote workers, freelancers, and business owners working for employers or clients outside the UAE. Zero personal income tax.
Key facts
- Category
- Work
- Duration
- 1 year (renewable)
- Processing time
- 2 days
- Maximum validity
- 1 year
- Extendable
- Yes
- How to apply
- Online
- Health insurance
- Required
Standard figures for this route. Some applicants pay a reduced fee or none at all, so confirm your own case on the official page.
Fees
- Application fee (GDRFA Dubai: virtual work residence permit fee)
- AED 200
- Application fee (GDRFA Dubai: Knowledge Dirham, virtual work permit)
- AED 10
- Application fee (GDRFA Dubai: Innovation Dirham, virtual work permit)
- AED 10
- Application fee (GDRFA Dubai: fee if the applicant is inside the country)
- AED 500
- Application fee (GDRFA Dubai: delivery, virtual work permit)
- AED 20
- Proof of funds (Minimum monthly salary, stated in US dollars by ICP/GDRFA)
- USD 3,500 per month
Key requirements
- Proof of employment with a non-UAE entity, or ownership of a business outside UAE, or freelance for non-UAE clients
- Minimum monthly income of USD 3,500
- 6 consecutive months of bank statements proving income
- Valid passport with 6+ months validity
- Health insurance valid in the UAE
- Proof of accommodation in the UAE
Working on this visa
GDRFA files this permit under 'Issuance of Residency without work permission': the holder works remotely for an organisation OUTSIDE the UAE and holds no MOHRE work permit.
Facts checked against the official source. Last updated 4 August 2026.