Dubai Introduces Virtual Work Visa for Remote Workers

The Dubai government has launched a Virtual Work Visa, a one-year residency program aimed at foreign remote workers, which does not require a local employer or UAE-based sponsor. To qualify, applicants must earn a minimum of US$3,500 per month, equivalent to AED 12,856 or roughly ₦5.4 million.

This income can be sourced from foreign employers or clients outside the UAE, as the visa is specifically designed for remote work. The program is accessible to individuals of any nationality, making it one of the more inclusive remote work visa options in the Gulf region.

Visa holders are granted the right to live in Dubai for 12 months, access local utilities and services, and travel freely in and out of the country. Additionally, they can sponsor family members, including spouses and children, allowing them to relocate to Dubai for the visa's duration, with dependants having access to schooling.