UAE remote work visa (Virtual Working Programme): sourced answers
2 answers to specific questions — each with a verbatim quote from an official source and a link to it.
Every answer is checked against a verbatim quote from a stored copy of its source and has passed an independent review. This is reference information, not legal advice: rules change, and the outcome depends on your circumstances.
Citizenship, visa or residence programme
Does the status give the right to work in the country (employed or self-employed) without a separate permit
No. This permit does not itself grant local work authorisation.
«A foreigner who takes part in remote employment (virtual work) is given a residence visa without employment, which entitles him to remain in the country for (60) sixty days from the date of entry until the end of the requirements for granting residence. Service Details Expand All Requirements 1. A recent personal photo in colour with a white background. 2. A passport copy valid for at least 6 months. 3. Provide evidence that he works for an entity outside the UAE and that the work is being done remotely. 4. Submit proof that he has a monthly income of no less than (3,500) US dollars or the equivalent in foreign currencies. 5. Submit a valid health insurance document. Service Steps Digital channels (website/smart application): 1. Log in to the smart services system through (UAE Pass or username). 2. Search for the service to be applied for. 3. Fill in the application data, where applicable. 4. Pay the service fee (if any). Amer Service Center: 1. Visit the nearest Customer Happiness Center. 2. Get the automated turn ticket and wait. 3. Submitting the application that fulfils all conditions and documents (if any) to the customer service employee. 4. Pay the service fee (if any). …»
Source: gdrfad.gov.ae · source copy as of 2026-10-02
On what basis does the programme grant the status
Its official purpose is residence in the UAE while working remotely for an organisation outside the country
«A foreigner who takes part in remote employment (virtual work) is given a residence visa without employment, which entitles him to remain in the country for (60) sixty days from the date of entry until the end of the requirements for granting residence. Service Details Expand All Requirements 1. A recent personal photo in colour with a white background. 2. A passport copy valid for at least 6 months. 3. Provide evidence that he works for an entity outside the UAE and that the work is being done remotely. 4. Submit proof that he has a monthly income of no less than (3,500) US dollars or the equivalent in foreign currencies. 5. Submit a valid health insurance document. Service Steps Digital channels (website/smart application): 1. Log in to the smart services system through (UAE Pass or username). 2. Search for the service to be applied for. 3. Fill in the application data, where applicable. 4. Pay the service fee (if any). Amer Service Center: 1. Visit the nearest Customer Happiness Center. 2. Get the automated turn ticket and wait. 3. Submitting the application that fulfils all conditions and documents (if any) to the customer service employee. 4. Pay the service fee (if any). …»
Source: gdrfad.gov.ae · source copy as of 2026-10-02
If you have questions or need a consultation, our experts will be glad to help.
Request a callback
Your contacts are used to answer this request. No mailing lists.