Virtual Work Visa
Live in Dubai while working remotely for an employer or business abroad.
Starting from
AED 200
GDRFA government visa fee — outside UAE
- Typical timeline
- 7-14 working days
- Best for
- Remote workers, freelancers and digital nomads
- Validity
- 1 year, renewable
- GDRFA government visa fee — outside UAE
- From AED 200
About Virtual Work Visa
The virtual work visa lets remote workers and employees of overseas companies live in the UAE for a year, with a renewable option.
You need proof of employment or business ownership abroad, a minimum income, health insurance and a valid passport.
Live in the UAE
Residency without a local employer.
Family eligible
Spouse and children can be added.
Keep your job
Keep working for your overseas employer.
At a glance
The numbers that matter
Purpose
Remote work
Designed for eligible individuals working remotely while residing in the UAE.
Employment
Outside UAE
The programme is intended for applicants whose employment or business arrangement meets the applicable remote-work conditions.
Residency
Self-sponsored route
The programme provides a residence route subject to eligibility and authority approval.
Proof
Income required
Applicants need supporting evidence demonstrating the required employment or income position.
Is this right for you?
Who may consider the Virtual Work Visa?
Employees working remotely for overseas employers
Eligible remote professionals
International workers relocating to the UAE
Applicants who want UAE residence without joining a UAE employer
Live in the UAE while continuing eligible remote work
The Virtual Work Visa provides an option for eligible remote workers who want to reside in the UAE while maintaining their qualifying overseas employment or business arrangement.
Eligibility depends on meeting the programme's employment, income and documentation requirements.
- Review employment or business eligibility
- Prepare income evidence
- Prepare health insurance and identity documents
- Submit the application
- Complete residence and Emirates ID procedures
Your income and work arrangement need to be documented
Remote-work residence applications depend heavily on proving the applicant's employment, business relationship and financial position.
Before you start
Requirements & eligibility
Identity documents
- Valid passport
- Passport photograph
- Current UAE visa information where applicable
Employment evidence
Applicants may need employment contracts, employer letters or equivalent evidence confirming the qualifying overseas work arrangement.
Income evidence
Bank statements, salary records or other accepted evidence may be required to demonstrate the applicable income requirement.
Insurance
Valid UAE health insurance and other programme-specific documents may be required.
What is included
- Eligibility check
- Application submission
- Health insurance guidance
- Medical and Emirates ID
- Visa stamping
Documents you will need
Tick what you already have and we will help with the rest.
How it works, step by step
4 clear steps, and we handle each one. You always know where your file stands.
- 1
Check eligibility
Review your income and employment proof.
- 2
Apply
Submit the virtual work visa application.
- 3
Medical and ID
Complete tests and biometrics.
- 4
Visa issued
Receive your residence and Emirates ID.
Important to know
Before you proceed
Eligibility must be verified
Not every remote worker automatically qualifies for the programme.
Income thresholds can change
Always verify the current financial requirement before submitting an application.
Remote work is not UAE employment
The programme is distinct from an employment visa sponsored by a UAE employer.
Renewal requires continued eligibility
Applicants should retain evidence supporting their qualifying remote-work arrangement throughout the residence period.
Questions, answered
Can't find what you need? Message us and a consultant will reply.
Ask on WhatsAppA minimum monthly income applies, which we confirm with the current rule before you apply.
Yes, eligible spouse and children can usually be added to the application.
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Ready to start with Virtual Work Visa?
Tell us about your situation. A consultant will confirm what you need, the cost and the timeline.
Brightlink is an independent private consultancy and is not a government authority. Prices and rules can change.
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