Remote Work Visa in Dubai
If your job doesn't require you to be in any specific location, the Remote Work Visa (also called the Virtual Working Program) lets you legally live in the UAE while continuing to work for an employer or business based outside the country. You don't need a UAE job or a local sponsor you just need to meet the income and documentation requirements.
PROBIZ handles the application process for remote workers relocating to Dubai and the wider UAE, and if you're nearby, our Al Barsha office is where clients come in to finalize documents that need to be handled in person.
Need Help With Your Remote Work Visa?
PROBIZ can check your eligibility, review your documents and handle the Remote Work Visa application and renewal process in Dubai and across the UAE.
What Is the Remote Work Visa?
The Remote Work Visa is a one-year, renewable residency visa designed for people who work remotely for a company or clients outside the UAE. Unlike an employment visa, it doesn't require a UAE-based sponsor or job offer your foreign employment or business ownership is what qualifies you.
Once approved, you can legally reside in the UAE, rent an apartment, open a local bank account, and enroll children in school, all while your income continues to come from outside the country.
Who Is the Remote Work Visa For?
- Employees working remotely for a company based outside the UAE
- Freelancers with an established client base abroad
- Business owners running a company registered outside the UAE
- Anyone who wants to live in the UAE without needing a local job or sponsor
Remote Work Visa Requirements
- Proof of employment with a company outside the UAE, or proof of business ownership
- Minimum monthly income, commonly around USD 3,500 (or the equivalent), though this should be confirmed at the time of application
- Valid passport (at least 6 months remaining)
- Recent bank statements showing consistent income
- Valid health insurance covering your stay in the UAE
- Passport-size photo (white background)
Exact income and documentation thresholds can shift, so PROBIZ confirms the current requirement before you apply.
Remote Work Visa Process — Step by Step
- Eligibility check — we confirm your income and employment or business documentation meet current requirements
- Document preparation — bank statements, work contracts, and health insurance are prepared to match government specifications
- Application submission — the visa application is submitted on your behalf
- Medical test and Emirates ID — once you arrive in the UAE, we assist with the mandatory medical fitness test and Emirates ID application
- Renewal — after your first year, we help you extend the visa so your stay isn't interrupted
Remote Work Visa Cost in Dubai
Costs depend on government fees, medical testing, Emirates ID processing, and whether you're applying individually or with dependents. PROBIZ provides a full itemized breakdown before you begin, so there are no surprises partway through.
Why the Remote Work Visa Makes Sense
- Your income isn't taxed at the federal level in the UAE
- You can sponsor a spouse and children under the same residency
- The visa is renewable annually, so you're not locked into a long-term commitment upfront
- You get full access to local banking, housing, and schooling while keeping your existing job or business abroad
Remote Work Visa Services in Al Barsha, Dubai
If you're based in or near Al Barsha, or already relocating to that area, our office is where clients typically bring in bank statements, employment documents, and passports for review in person. We also support applicants located elsewhere and manage the process remotely where that works better, but being local speeds up the document-heavy parts of the application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum income required for a Remote Work Visa?
The commonly cited threshold is around USD 3,500 per month, though this should be confirmed at the time of application since requirements can be updated. PROBIZ verifies the current figure before you apply.
Do I need a UAE employer to get a Remote Work Visa?
No. This visa is specifically designed for people employed by or running a business outside the UAE. You don't need a local sponsor or UAE-based job offer.
How long is the Remote Work Visa valid?
It's issued for one year and can be renewed annually as long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements.
Can I bring my family on a Remote Work Visa?
Yes. Spouse and children can be sponsored to live in the UAE alongside you under this visa.
Can I open a bank account in the UAE with a Remote Work Visa?
Yes. Once your visa and Emirates ID are issued, you can open a local personal bank account.
Do I need health insurance for the Remote Work Visa?
Yes. Valid health insurance covering your stay in the UAE is a required part of the application.
Can I switch from a Remote Work Visa to a different visa type later?
In many cases, yes, particularly if your circumstances change, such as starting a UAE-registered business or accepting local employment. This depends on your specific situation, which PROBIZ can review with you.
What happens if my income drops below the threshold during renewal?
Renewal is based on meeting the eligibility criteria at the time of renewal, so a significant drop in qualifying income could affect your ability to renew. It's worth discussing your situation with PROBIZ ahead of your renewal date if this applies to you.
