2026 Program Guide
UAE Digital Nomad Visa
The UAE's Virtual Working Programme (Dubai remote work visa) lets remote workers live in the UAE for one year, renewable, with income of about USD 3,500 per month for employees (about USD 5,000 for business owners). There is no UAE personal income tax; as of early 2026, applicants must show six months of bank statements.
Last updated: 2026-07-07 · Reviewed by: Burak Ünal
At a glance
- Program
- Virtual Working Programme (remote work visa)
- Income
- ~USD 3,500/month (employees) / USD 5,000 (owners)
- Duration
- 1 year, renewable, multiple entry
- Tax
- No UAE personal income tax (0%)
- Note
- 6 months bank statements; health cover AED 500,000
Who is it for?
- Remote workers wanting a tax-free, high-infrastructure base.
- Employees with ~USD 3,500/month or owners with ~USD 5,000.
- Nomads who value connectivity and a global hub.
- Those able to show six months of bank statements.
Live in Dubai, Tax-Free
The UAE's Virtual Working Programme lets remote workers live in Dubai and the wider UAE for one year, renewable, with multiple entry. The income requirement is about USD 3,500 per month for employees and about USD 5,000 per month for business owners. There is no UAE personal income tax, a major draw for higher earners.
2026 Requirements
As of early 2026, applicants must provide six months of bank statements (up from three), and health insurance with coverage of AED 500,000 is required. The exact income figure has been reported inconsistently across sources during 2026, so we confirm the current requirement on the GDRFA portal before you apply.
Benefits
- No UAE personal income tax.
- World-class infrastructure and connectivity.
- One-year visa, renewable, multiple entry.
- A global hub for business and travel.
Requirements
- Income of ~USD 3,500/month (employees) or ~USD 5,000 (business owners).
- Six months of bank statements.
- Health insurance (AED 500,000 cover) and a clean record.
Costs
- Proof of income
- ~USD 3,500/month (employees) / USD 5,000 (owners)
- Health cover
- AED 500,000
Process
Eligibility check
Confirm income of ~USD 3,500/month (employees) or ~USD 5,000 (business owners).
Document preparation
Gather six months of bank statements, proof of employment or ownership and health insurance.
Application
Apply online through the GDRFA / Virtual Working Programme portal.
Approval and visa
On approval, receive the one-year remote-work residence visa.
Renewal
Renew annually while conditions are maintained.
FAQ
- What income is required?
- About USD 3,500 per month for employees and about USD 5,000 per month for business owners; we confirm the current figure.
- Is there any income tax?
- No, the UAE has no personal income tax.
- How long is it valid?
- One year, renewable, with multiple entry.
- What changed in 2026?
- Applicants must now show six months of bank statements (up from three), with health cover of AED 500,000.
Sources
Disclaimer: Golden Visa Partners is an investment and immigration advisory firm; it does not provide legal or attorney services. The investment amounts, timelines and program conditions on this page are for general guidance only and, because regulations change quickly, may be out of date. Before making any decision, we recommend consulting current official sources and obtaining independent legal and financial advice.
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