Remote work (digital nomad) United Arab Emirates
Virtual work residence (remote work, Dubai)
Run by General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai (GDRFA)
People who work remotely for an employer outside the UAE and earn at least USD 3,500 a month. One year residence, renewable. You can sponsor family for the same period.
- Job offer
- Not needed in the UAE. You must prove remote work for an organisation outside the UAE.
- Language
- Not stated on the official page
- Education
- Not stated on the official page
- Work experience
- Not stated on the official page
- Government fee
- Visa: AED 200 plus 5% VAT. Residence permit: AED 200, plus AED 10 Knowledge Dirham, AED 10 Innovation Dirham, AED 20 delivery, and AED 500 if applying inside the country.
- Processing time
- 48 hours expected completion time.
- Money you must show
- Monthly income of at least USD 3,500 or the equivalent, plus valid health insurance.
- When and to whom you pay
- To GDRFA Dubai when applying online or at an Amer centre.
Checked on 18 October 2026. What the page says
Read on gdrfad.gov.ae on 2026-10-18: "The permit applicant provides proof that the work is being done remotely and with an outside organization."; "at least $3,500 (US) per month or the equivalent amount in other currencies."; visa page: "Virtual work visa fee: AED200 Dirhams. Plus VAT (5%)." Another official page.