United Arab Emirates · Digital Nomad Visa
Remote-work visa programs, income requirements, duration, taxes, and application steps.
Program at a glance
- Program
- Virtual Working Programme (Dubai)
- Launched
- 2021
- Initial stay
- 12 months
- Renewable
- Yes
- Income requirement
- $5,000/mo
- Application fee
- $287
- Foreign income
- Exempt from local tax
- Family eligible
- Yes
- Path to residency
- No
Frequently asked questions
Does UAE have a digital nomad visa?
Yes — the Virtual Working Programme (Dubai), introduced in 2021.
How long can I stay on the UAE digital nomad visa?
12 months initially, and the permit is renewable.
How much income do I need for the UAE digital nomad visa?
About $5,000 per month.
Is my foreign income taxed in UAE?
Under this program foreign-sourced income is exempt from local tax. Residency may still create obligations in your home country or elsewhere — confirm before relying on it.
How much does the UAE digital nomad visa cost?
The application fee is approximately $287.
Can I bring my family to UAE?
Yes — spouse and dependents are eligible under this program.
Can the UAE digital nomad visa lead to permanent residency?
No — this permit is not a documented route to permanent residency.
AI-drafted, editorially reviewed. Confirm specifics with the official authority.
The UAE offers a remote-work residence visa (a one-year virtual-working programme) that lets people employed by a company outside the UAE live in the country while working remotely. Applicants must show employment with a foreign employer, a minimum monthly income, and valid health insurance. It is issued at federal level and via Dubai's programme.
- The remote-work (virtual working) visa is for people employed by a company outside the UAE.
- Requirements include proof of foreign employment, a minimum monthly income and health insurance.
- It is typically a one-year residence that can be renewed.
- Apply via the federal channel (u.ae) or Dubai's virtual working programme.
- Remote-work visa (u.ae)
Official UAE Government portal — remote-work residence.
Government portals
- The UAE Government Portal — Official UAE government portal — services, visas, residency
- Federal Authority for Identity & Citizenship (ICP) — Entry permits, residence visas, Golden Visa, Emirates ID
- Federal Tax Authority (FTA) — VAT and corporate-tax registration and filing
- Ministry of Economy and Tourism — Company registration, business licensing, foreign investment