Dubai Virtual Working Programme: Requirements & How to Apply (July 2026)
Live in Dubai for a year while working remotely — $3,500/month income, zero income tax.
Income requirement$3,500/month (proven with 3 months of bank statements)
SavingsNo separate savings requirement
Fees~$285 + medical insurance and Emirates ID costs
Processing timeTypically 2–4 weeks
Length of stay1 year, renewable
Requirements
- Remote employment or business ownership outside the UAE
- Income of $3,500/month, shown via 3 months of bank statements
- Passport valid 6+ months
- Health insurance covering the UAE
Documents you'll need
- Valid passport
- Employment contract or company ownership proof
- 3 months of bank statements
- Health insurance policy
- Passport photo
How to apply
- Apply online through the official UAE remote-work visa portal
- Complete medicals and Emirates ID after arrival
- Renew annually while requirements are met
Turn this into your personal timeline
Lyvos builds a phase-by-phase relocation plan for your exact route — visa steps, live cost of living, financial runway, and deadline alerts that recalculate when your dates move.
Build my UAE plan →Frequently asked questions
How much income does Dubai’s remote work visa require?
$3,500 per month, evidenced by your last three months of bank statements plus your employment contract or business ownership documents.
Do I pay income tax in Dubai?
The UAE levies no personal income tax — but your home country’s tax obligations may still apply. Verify your tax residency situation with a professional.
Can freelancers apply?
Yes — client contracts and company ownership documents substitute for an employment contract.
Figures current as of July 2026 and compiled from public sources. Visa rules change without notice — always verify with the official UAE virtual working programme portal before making decisions. This guide is information, not legal or immigration advice.