The UAE’s Remote Working Visa is officially open to applications, giving foreign nationals a legal way to live in the country while working for an overseas employer. The visa allows remote workers to stay in the UAE for up to one year. It can be renewed, as long as the eligibility rules continue to be met.
Here’s what the program actually looks like in practice, without the jargon.
No Local Sponsor or UAE Job Required
One of the biggest advantages of the Remote Working Visa is that it does not require a local sponsor or a UAE employment contract.
Applicants must be employed by a company outside the UAE. They also need to show they have been working with their current employer for a minimum period.
Important update for 2026
As of January 27, 2026, applicants must submit bank statements for the last six months. Earlier, only three months were required.
Because these statements are used to prove salary income, this change effectively means applicants must have been employed for at least six months, not three.
Minimum Salary Rules Apply
Applicants must earn a minimum salary set by the UAE government. The exact amount depends on current regulations, but proof of stable income is mandatory.
Salary deposits shown in bank statements are a key part of the application review.
Health Insurance and Employer Approval Are Mandatory
Remote workers must have health insurance valid in the UAE for the full duration of their stay.
They must also provide a letter from their employer confirming that there is no objection to them working remotely from the UAE. This letter is a required document, not a formality.
How to Apply for the UAE Remote Working Visa
Applicants can apply either from inside the UAE or from abroad. Applications are submitted online. In Abu Dhabi, accredited typing centres can also be used. The process is generally straightforward if the documents are complete.
Visa Fees and Processing Time
The government fee for the Remote Working Visa is around USD 81. This does not include medical examination costs or the Emirates ID card fee.
Processing usually takes five to seven working days, although timelines can vary depending on application volume.
Bringing Family Members to the UAE
Remote Working Visa holders are allowed to sponsor residence permits for their immediate family. This includes a spouse, children, and parents, subject to standard UAE residency rules.
Why the UAE Is Pushing Remote Work Visas
The visa allows professionals to work legally in the UAE without entering the local job market.
Remote workers benefit from the country’s strong internet infrastructure, modern cities, and its role as a major travel hub connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa.
At the same time, the UAE benefits from long-term visitors who spend locally while earning income abroad.
How This Program Started
Dubai first launched a Virtual Working Program in October 2020. That program is still active and has slightly different eligibility rules.
The federal Remote Working Visa, announced in March 2021, expanded the concept across the UAE with a clearer legal framework.
Part of a Global Trend
The UAE is not alone in offering remote work visas. Several countries introduced similar programs during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Examples include:
- Barbados
- Bermuda
- Cyprus
- Estonia
- Georgia
- Antigua and Barbuda
Most of these countries aim to attract long-stay visitors without adding pressure to local job markets.
A Quick Legal Warning for Remote Workers
Working remotely without a proper visa can cause serious problems in some countries.
Unregulated remote work may lead to fines, tax issues, or immigration penalties. In some cases, repeated violations can also affect an employer’s ability to hire foreign workers in the future.
The UAE Remote Working Visa helps reduce these risks by providing a clear legal option for remote professionals.
Final Thoughts
The UAE Remote Working Visa offers a simple, legal way to live in the country while working for an overseas employer.
The new six-month bank statement rule is an important change for 2026. Anyone planning to apply should prepare the documents early and ensure they meet the updated requirements.
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