Can I work for a UAE company on this visa?

No. The remote work visa is designed for individuals employed by or owning a company registered outside the UAE. Working for a UAE-registered employer would typically require a different residency and work permit arrangement.

Do I pay income tax in the UAE on my foreign salary?

The UAE does not levy a personal income tax. However, you may have tax obligations in your home country depending on your nationality and that country's tax residency rules. You should seek independent tax advice relevant to your situation.

Can my family join me on this visa?

Dependant visas for a spouse and children can typically be sponsored by the remote work visa holder, subject to standard UAE dependant sponsorship requirements including proof of accommodation and meeting applicable income thresholds.

Is health insurance mandatory?

Yes. Valid health insurance covering you in the UAE is a requirement of the application. You must arrange this before or during the application process.

Can freelancers or self-employed individuals apply?

Self-employed individuals and business owners may be eligible if they can demonstrate ownership of a company registered outside the UAE and meet the income requirements. Confirm the current criteria on the official ICP or GDRFA website.

What happens if my employment situation changes during the visa period?

If you change employer or your employment status changes, you should seek guidance from the GDRFA or ICP to understand whether your visa remains valid or whether you need to apply for a different visa category.

Where do I apply officially?

Applications can be submitted through the ICP smart services portal at icp.gov.ae or the GDRFA Dubai portal. Approved typing centres can also assist with the submission process.

Does the remote work visa lead to long-term residency or citizenship?

The remote work visa is an annual renewable permit and does not automatically lead to permanent residency or UAE citizenship. UAE long-term residency options such as the Golden Visa are separate programmes with their own criteria.

UAE Remote Work Visa Guide

The UAE Remote Work Visa is a one-year residency permit that allows employees of companies based outside the UAE to live in the country while continuing to work for their foreign employer. It is issued under a programme introduced by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in coordination with the relevant authorities. The visa covers both Dubai and the broader UAE and is renewable on an annual basis.

Not legal advice. Immigration rules change. Confirm current eligibility, costs, and documents with the official authority or a licensed immigration consultant before applying.

Speak to an immigration consultant

Eligibility

-You must be employed by a company registered outside the UAE at the time of application.
-You must be able to demonstrate that your work can be performed remotely.
-You must meet a minimum monthly income threshold - see the official GDRFA or ICP website for the current required figure.
-You must hold a valid passport with sufficient remaining validity.
-You must provide proof of health insurance valid in the UAE.
-Self-employed applicants may qualify if they can demonstrate business ownership and sufficient income - confirm current eligibility criteria on the official authority website.
-Dependants including spouse and children can typically be sponsored under the visa holder, subject to standard UAE dependant visa requirements.

Eligibility rules change. Confirm with the official authority before applying.

Indicative costs

From editorial review. Fees can change - verify with the authority.

Item	Amount	Notes
Visa application fee	See the official authority website for the current figure.	Fees are subject to change and may differ depending on the processing channel used.
Emirates ID fee	See the official authority website for the current figure.	An Emirates ID is required as part of completing UAE residency registration.
Medical fitness test	See the official authority website for the current figure.	A medical fitness examination at an approved UAE health centre is a mandatory step.
Health insurance	Varies by provider and coverage level.	Valid UAE health insurance must be in place before or during the application process.
Document attestation or legalisation	Varies depending on country of origin and document type.	Employment contracts and other foreign documents may require notarisation and attestation before submission.

Application steps

Confirm eligibility. Review the current eligibility requirements on the official ICP portal (icp.gov.ae) or the GDRFA Dubai website to confirm your employment status, income level, and documentation meet the criteria.
Prepare your documents. Gather the required documents, which typically include a valid passport, a recent passport photograph, proof of employment or business ownership from a company outside the UAE, recent bank statements or proof of income, and valid health insurance. Foreign documents may need to be attested or legalised.
Submit your application. Applications can be submitted through the ICP smart services portal, the GDRFA Dubai portal, or through an approved typing centre. Select the remote work visa category and upload the required documents.
Pay the applicable fees. Pay the visa application fee and any associated government service charges through the online portal or typing centre at the point of submission.
Complete the medical fitness test. Attend an approved medical centre in the UAE for a standard medical fitness examination. This step is required before residency is confirmed.
Register for Emirates ID. Provide biometric data at an authorised ICP centre to obtain your Emirates ID. This is a mandatory step to complete your UAE residency.
Receive your visa and Emirates ID. Once all steps are completed and approved, your residency visa will be stamped in your passport and your Emirates ID will be issued, typically by post or collection from an authorised centre.

Processing time

Processing times vary depending on the application channel and document completeness. See the official ICP or GDRFA website for current indicative timelines.

What the visa allows

+Legal residency in the UAE for one year, renewable annually.
+Ability to continue working for a foreign employer while living in the UAE.
+Access to a UAE Emirates ID, which facilitates opening a bank account, signing a tenancy agreement, and accessing government services.
+Eligibility to sponsor dependants including a spouse and children, subject to standard UAE conditions.
+Access to the UAE's infrastructure, connectivity, and lifestyle without requiring employment with a UAE-registered company.
+No UAE personal income tax on employment income, as the UAE does not levy a personal income tax.

Validity and renewal

Validity: The visa is valid for one year from the date of issue.

Renewal process: Renewal applications are submitted through the ICP portal or GDRFA Dubai portal before the visa expires. Updated proof of employment, income, and valid health insurance are typically required at renewal. See the official website for the current renewal fee.

Conditions: You must continue to be employed by or own a company based outside the UAE throughout the visa period. Letting the visa expire without renewal may affect your ability to reapply and could result in overstay fines under standard UAE immigration rules.

Frequently asked questions

Can I work for a UAE company on this visa?: No. The remote work visa is designed for individuals employed by or owning a company registered outside the UAE. Working for a UAE-registered employer would typically require a different residency and work permit arrangement.
Do I pay income tax in the UAE on my foreign salary?: The UAE does not levy a personal income tax. However, you may have tax obligations in your home country depending on your nationality and that country's tax residency rules. You should seek independent tax advice relevant to your situation.
Can my family join me on this visa?: Dependant visas for a spouse and children can typically be sponsored by the remote work visa holder, subject to standard UAE dependant sponsorship requirements including proof of accommodation and meeting applicable income thresholds.
Is health insurance mandatory?: Yes. Valid health insurance covering you in the UAE is a requirement of the application. You must arrange this before or during the application process.
Can freelancers or self-employed individuals apply?: Self-employed individuals and business owners may be eligible if they can demonstrate ownership of a company registered outside the UAE and meet the income requirements. Confirm the current criteria on the official ICP or GDRFA website.
What happens if my employment situation changes during the visa period?: If you change employer or your employment status changes, you should seek guidance from the GDRFA or ICP to understand whether your visa remains valid or whether you need to apply for a different visa category.
Where do I apply officially?: Applications can be submitted through the ICP smart services portal at icp.gov.ae or the GDRFA Dubai portal. Approved typing centres can also assist with the submission process.
Does the remote work visa lead to long-term residency or citizenship?: The remote work visa is an annual renewable permit and does not automatically lead to permanent residency or UAE citizenship. UAE long-term residency options such as the Golden Visa are separate programmes with their own criteria.

Official sources

Verify current rules with the official authority: ICP - Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security.