The remote work visa in Dubai and the wider UAE is a one-year, self-sponsored residence for people who live here while working for an employer, or running a company, outside the country. You need no UAE employer or local sponsor, and your income keeps coming from abroad. Wordcraft checks whether your contract and income qualify, prepares and translates the documents, and files the application.
Who Can Get a Remote Work Visa
- Employees of a company outside the UAE: with a valid employment contract covering the visa period and an employer letter confirming you may work remotely.
- Owners of a company registered abroad: with proof of ownership and that the company is active.
- Minimum income: a monthly income at or above the level set by the authority, shown through payslips and bank statements. The current figure is confirmed at application.
- Health insurance: a UAE-valid policy for the full year, plus a passport with at least six months left.
The remote work visa does not allow you to take a job with a UAE company. If you plan to work locally, the employment visa or a self-sponsored long-term visa such as the Green visa may fit better, and we compare the options for you.
Documents From You and Your Employer Abroad
- Passport copy and a recent photo
- Employment contract or employer letter confirming remote work and your salary
- Recent payslips and bank statements for the period the authority asks for
- For business owners: proof of company ownership, such as the certificate of incorporation or trade license
- Health insurance with UAE coverage
- Current visa and Emirates ID if you are already in the UAE
Contracts, company certificates or bank letters issued in a language other than Arabic or English usually need a certified translation. Our legal translation team translates them in-house, so the file is complete when it is filed.
How the Application Moves
- Eligibility check: send your passport, contract and latest payslips on WhatsApp; we confirm the route and anything missing.
- Quote: within 10–30 minutes, including any translation of your employment letter or payslips.
- Documents and translation: we prepare the application file and translate foreign documents.
- Application: filed with GDRFA for Dubai, or ICP for the other emirates.
- Entry or status change: you enter on the approved permit, or change status if you are already in the UAE.
- Medical and Emirates ID: you attend both appointments in person after arrival.
Family, Insurance and Living Arrangements
Remote workers may be able to sponsor their spouse and children under the conditions in force, which we confirm at application; each family member needs attested relationship certificates. Keep your health insurance valid for the whole year, and arrange housing early: a tenancy contract helps with utilities, banking and any family sponsorship. See family visa for the family-side documents.
Renewal
The remote work residence is renewable if you still work for an employer abroad (or still own the foreign company) and still meet the income and insurance conditions. Start the renewal before expiry with an updated employer letter, recent payslips and bank statements. If your income or situation changes (for example you now meet a Golden visa condition), we check whether a longer visa is the better next step. All options are listed on our visa services page.
The virtual work residence is described on u.ae and GDRFA Dubai.
Last checked: 29 September 2026 against GDRFA and ICP guidance on the virtual work residence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the UAE remote work visa valid?
It is issued for one year and can be renewed if you still meet the conditions.
What salary do I need for a remote work visa?
You need a monthly income at or above the level set by the authority. We confirm the current figure at application.
Can I work for a UAE company on a remote work visa?
No. The visa is for people employed by, or owning, a company outside the UAE.
Can I apply from inside the UAE?
Yes, if you are in the UAE on another valid visa, we can usually file a status change instead of an entry permit.
How much does the remote work visa cost?
The residence, insurance and Emirates ID fees are listed in your quote, together with any translation your employment documents need.
