Who is eligible for the Dubai Remote Work Visa?

Eligibility requires proof of remote employment with a company outside the UAE, a minimum monthly income of USD 3,500, a valid passport (6+ months), health insurance covering the UAE, and evidence of ongoing remote work activity. The GDRFA sets all conditions.

Can I sponsor my family under the Dubai Digital Nomad Visa?

Holders of the Dubai Digital Nomad Visa may sponsor their spouse and children for the same residency duration, subject to meeting the required income threshold and providing suitable accommodation and insurance.

Is the Dubai Digital Nomad Visa the same as an employment visa?

No. The Virtual Work Visa does not authorise employment with a UAE entity, does not require a UAE work permit, and does not generate a labour contract. It is strictly a residency for remote workers employed outside the UAE.

How long is the Dubai Digital Nomad Visa valid?

The visa is valid for one year from the date of issuance. It may be renewed if the applicant continues to meet the eligibility criteria and provides updated proof of employment and income.

Can I switch to an employment visa after holding the Digital Nomad Visa?

Yes. If you receive a valid job offer from a UAE employer, you may apply for a UAE employment visa. Still, the employer must obtain a MOHRE work permit and sponsor your residency. The Digital Nomad Visa does not convert automatically.

How long does the Dubai Digital Nomad Visa take to process?

The typical processing time is 48 hours, provided all documents are complete, and the applicant meets the GDRFA’s eligibility requirements.

Does the Digital Nomad Visa allow me to open a bank account in Dubai?

Yes. Residency permits typically allow applicants to open a UAE bank account, lease property, and access essential services. However, individual banks apply their own compliance checks and may request additional documentation.

Virtual Work Visa in the UAE – Apply for Dubai Remote Work Residency via EGSH

Name: Virtual Work Visa
Brand: EGSH

Virtual Work Visa Services in Dubai

Official One-Year Remote Work Residency Through GDRFA

EGSH is an authorised AMER Centre that assists applicants in obtaining the Dubai Virtual Work Visa (one-year renewable residency issued by the GDRFA).

Through our centre, you can complete the full application in one visit—including eligibility checks, document preparation and submission through authorised government systems.

Your virtual work visa request is filed accurately with GDRFA, and once approved, your residency is issued electronically. You can also sponsor eligible family members under the same programme.

Why choose EGSH:

Government-authorised AMER Centre
Full handling of virtual work visa applications through the GDRFA/ICP
VIP, queue-free service
Transparent, government-regulated fees

Most Dubai Virtual Work Visa applications are completed within 48 hours.

Official One-Year Remote Work Residency Through GDRFA

Contact EGSH

Visit our authorised centre during working hours—no prior appointment is required. You may also book your visit online for convenience.

Document Review

Provide your passport, photograph, evidence of remote employment, income proof, and valid health insurance.

Application Submission

We submit your virtual work visa application through the official GDRFA system, process applicable fees, and track the application status until issuance.

Receive Your Entry Permit

Once approved, the GDRFA issues your entry permit. After arrival or status change in the UAE, you complete medical fitness and Emirates ID biometrics, and your one-year remote work visa is issued.

Visit EGSH for VIP Service Without Queues

You can stop by EGSH during working hours without an appointment or book your visit at a time that suits you best.

Address
Art of Living Mall, Al Barsha 2, Dubai

Operating hours
Monday — Saturday: 9:00 am — 5:00 pm
Sunday: Closed

Call +971 4 612 1810 WhatsApp

Identity Documents

A valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity and a recent passport-sized colour photograph with a white

Proof of Remote Employment

Evidence that you work for a company outside the UAE or operate your own business remotely, such as an employment contract, business licence, or company letter.

Income Verification

Proof of monthly income of at least USD 3,500 (or equivalent), supported with recent bank statements or payslips.

Valid Health Insurance

A health insurance policy that provides coverage in the UAE for the full duration of the virtual work residency.

Take a 3D Tour of EGSH

VIP Service

Personal assistance and priority processing with no queues.

Affordable Fees

Official government rates with transparent, fixed pricing.

All Services in One Place

Comprehensive range of UAE government services under one roof.

One-Visit Completion

Most procedures are completed in a single visit to the centre.

What Is the UAE Virtual Work Visa

The UAE Virtual Work Visa is a one-year renewable residency permit that allows foreign nationals employed by companies outside the UAE to live in Dubai while working remotely. The visa is issued by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) and does not require a UAE employment contract or a local employer sponsor.

This residency category is designed for remote employees, freelancers, and business owners who earn a minimum of USD 3,500 per month and hold valid health insurance coverage in the UAE. Once approved, the visa allows the holder to reside legally in the country, sponsor eligible family members for the same duration, and access essential services during their stay.

The Virtual Work Visa does not provide work authorisation within the UAE labour market; its purpose is to permit remote workers to reside in Dubai while maintaining employment abroad.

Eligibility and Conditions for the UAE Virtual Work Visa

The UAE Virtual Work Visa is granted to foreign nationals who work remotely for an employer or business located outside the UAE and meet the criteria set by the GDRFA. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate the ability to work entirely online while residing in Dubai.

Eligibility requirements include:

Valid Passport — A passport with a minimum validity of six months at the time of application.
Proof of Remote Employment or Business Ownership — An employment contract, company letter, or independent business licence confirming that work is performed outside the UAE.
Minimum Income Requirement — Evidence of monthly earnings of at least USD 3,500 or the equivalent in other currencies.
Health Insurance Coverage — A valid health insurance policy covering the applicant within the UAE.
Compliance with UAE Entry and Residency Regulations — Applicants must meet immigration requirements and provide documentation as requested by the GDRFA.

The visa is issued for one year and may be renewed if all eligibility conditions continue to be met.

Benefits of the Dubai Digital Nomad Visa

The Dubai Digital Nomad Visa offers a legally recognised way for remote professionals to live in Dubai while continuing to work for organisations abroad. The programme provides access to many of the advantages of UAE residency without the need for a local employment contract.

Key benefits include:

Legal Residence for Remote Workers — Allows remote employees, freelancers, and entrepreneurs to reside in Dubai for one year, with the option to renew.
No UAE Employment Contract Required — Residency is granted independently of UAE labour sponsorship.
Family Sponsorship — Visa holders may sponsor eligible family members for the same duration of residency.
Access to Essential Services — Enables holders to benefit from services such as accommodation rentals, utilities setup, and banking procedures where permitted by individual institutions.
Live in Dubai While Working Abroad — Residency can be maintained while continuing work for overseas employers or clients.
Flexible Lifestyle and Global Connectivity — Dubai offers a safe, well-connected environment with strong digital infrastructure, ideal for remote work.

These advantages make the Dubai Digital Nomad Visa an attractive option for professionals seeking a stable, well-regulated base while maintaining international employment.

How the Dubai Digital Nomad Visa Is Processed

A Dubai Digital Nomad Visa (Virtual Work Visa) is issued through a regulated procedure overseen by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs.

Application Through Approved Channels

Applications may be submitted via the GDRFA’s smart services platform, the UAE Pass login, or through authorised Amer Service Centres, such as EGSH.

Document Verification and Compliance Checks

GDRFA verifies the applicant’s passport validity, proof of remote employment, monthly income requirement, and valid health insurance. Any missing or non-compliant documentation must be corrected before the file can proceed.

Status Review and Security Clearance

As with all UAE residency applications, the Virtual Work Visa is subject to identity checks and security procedures performed through the GDRFA and the ICP system.

Fee Assessment and Issuance

All applicable fees are calculated automatically during submission. Once approved, the visa is issued with a one-year residency validity, allowing the applicant to live in Dubai while continuing to work for an employer outside the UAE.

Digital Delivery of Results

Upon completion, the entry permit and residency visa are issued electronically. Applicants can access their digital visa through the GDRFA platform or receive it via email/SMS, depending on the channel used.

Official Fees for the Dubai Digital Nomad Visa

The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs regulates all Dubai Digital Nomad Visa fees. The total payable amount varies depending on whether the applicant is in or outside the UAE at the time of application.

Standard Fees (Outside the UAE):

Virtual Work Visa Fee: AED 200
5% VAT applied to the above
Additional service charges may apply depending on the submission channel.

Additional Fees (If the Applicant Is Inside the UAE):

Knowledge Dirham: AED 10
Innovation Dirham: AED 10
In-Country Processing Fee: AED 500

The total amount may vary depending on the applicant’s status and any additional requirements applied by the GDRFA. EGSH will provide you with a clear breakdown of the fees before submitting your application.

Where to Apply for the Dubai Digital Nomad Visa

The Dubai Digital Nomad Visa (Virtual Work Visa) can only be processed through official UAE government channels. All applications must be submitted using the authorised platforms of the GDRFA or through government-authorised Amer service centres such as EGSH.

GDRFA Smart Services

Applicants may complete the full application digitally via the GDRFA website or smart application, including form submission, document upload and fee payment.

Amer Service Centres (such as EGSH)

Applicants in Dubai may submit the Virtual Work Visa request through Amer Centres, where customer service representatives enter the application into the GDRFA system and process payment.

Processing is completed through the GDRFA’s secure system, and all approvals are issued electronically. Via EGSH, you receive a fully issued Dubai Virtual Work Visa and, if required, support with sponsoring eligible family members under the same programme.

Explained by

Amna Issa Abbas

Visa & AMER Services Consultant at EGSH

Amna Issa Abbas is a dedicated AMER centre service provider with two years of proven experience in delivering immigration and customer services, supporting clients, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

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Frequently Asked Questions About the Dubai Digital Nomad Visa

Still have any questions?

We are extremely pleased with the excellent visa services provided by EGSH in Dubai. From start to finish, their team demonstrated professionalism, efficiency, and deep expertise in handling visa applications for our workforce.

Ms. Zara Moshiri is extremely professional, patient, and supportive. She provided clear and thorough guidance and took the time to answer all my questions. I truly appreciate her help and highly recommend working with her.

Outstanding Service and Professionalism My wife and I recently applied for and obtained our 5-year Golden Visa (Retiree) in an exceptionally short time — mine in three days and my wife’s in just one day. We are extremely satisfied with the service provided by EGSH Emirates Government Service Hub.

Exceptional service every step of the way For showing your great example of services Remarkable dedication of consultant mrs Maria Garcia regalado. Thank you EGSH service Hub team

Amazing service! They went above and beyond to assist and resolved my concern there and then! Highly recommended anyone to visit this centre, the ladies are very helpful

Went there for a consulting. Booked an appointment in advance thro their website. Came early — no line — which is good. Very pleasant interior. My consultant Rachel, was polite. Answered all my questions. Can’t judge regarding the process once applied for an exact service, but consulting went well.

This trustee office is remarkably quiet, and it is unquestionably the finest I have experienced in Dubai. Umama Azeem was an absolute pleasure to work with; she ensured that all documentation and formalities were thoroughly prepared prior to the arrival of both the buyer and the seller. As a result, the transaction itself was completed within approximately ten minutes. For anyone uncertain about which trustee office to choose among the many available options, this is undoubtedly the correct choice. My sincere thanks to Umama Azeem for her exceptional assistance.

Amazing support and communication during the whole process. Rachel, Yara and Maria were super well organized and assisted in record time. We finished the whole process from star to end in 4 business days for 10 year Golden Visa!

I had an excellent experience with the wonderful help of Maria Claudia Garcia. Her professionalism and attention to detail made the whole process easy.

They are really very amazing very kind I was having problem with my residency and my license miss Zara and miss Amna they really help me from start to end and they are really very kind and professional highly recommend if any wants to setup there business go with egsh and thanks miss Zara 🙏 you are really very amazing person

I had a pleasure being assistanced by Ms. Natalia today and her support throughout the process. Everything was smooth, super professional, efficient and high level service was exceptional. Highly recommended for anyone looking for reliable and smooth government-related services.

I had such a great experience with EGSH (Emirates Government Services Hub)! Everything went super smoothly, and the team was really helpful. A big shout‑out to Ms. Zara Moshiri—she was kind and supportive the whole way through. Truly appreciate it!

Super quick and efficient service. Maria was available via WhatsApp and responded very quickly to all messages.

I got a delightful service from them to upgrade my visa category half of the expected timeline. Compared with my previous place, this the best and I would like to recommend any of visa service for all of you. * reasonable fair (I was asked twice my previous what I paid). * fast service and delivering before timeline. * Authentic service. Thank you so much Maria for your dedicated service.!

An exceptional service from Zara at EGSH. She guided us perfectly through the process and managed to get us even more than we had anticipated. A world class service center with exceptional staff. Would recommend them to anyone who wants to get sorted for government services

Hello, My Name is Kelvin it was my first time to hear EGSH Emirates Govt from my sponsor. I was assisted By Mrs Maria Claudia Garcia the experience was amazing from the beginning to the End she has been supporting and guiding me through all the process. I am grateful to her and the entire team for the help. I trust and believe EGSH is a place to recommend to family members and friends.

A very hassle free experience from EGSH. Special mention of Ms.Zara who was most helpfull. Her quick response to queries and swift action are much appeciated.

We had the pleasure of being assisted by the lovely Ms Maria and Ms Randa. They were clear concise and super professional throughout our whole process of renewing our Ejari and business licence. Maria provided continued support while we were waiting for our business Ejari to come through and made it a simple seamless process. I can’t thank these lovely ladies enough. We saved so much money going direct and it was refreshing knowing we are not over paying going through a PRO or typing service company that add so many fees. I saved over 6000aed just for reference. Thank you to EGSH staff. Especially Maria & Randa 🙏

EGSH in art of living is the best Hub center for every thing that you want in dubai Specially Ms.ZARA MOSHIRI is the advisor and assistance and she is beside you in every step Thank you Ms.ZARA MOSHIRI and EGSH

I recently visited this institution had an exceptional experience! Ms. Maria Claudia took the time to understand my needs and preferences. I really appreciate her support and services.

Good morning, I needed to apply for the Golden Visa and went to this EGSH Emirates office. I was very impressed by their facilities and the peaceful atmosphere. We were fortunate to be assisted by María Claudia García, who provided exceptional service. She advised and helped us every step of the way, guiding us through the entire process until we obtained the Golden Visa. Honestly, people with this level of professionalism and personal touch make one feel more at ease and integrated into this country. Thank you!

I would like to express my appreciation to Ray from EGSH for his outstanding assistance in handling the transfer of our property at Rove Hotel. He was very helpful, accommodating, and patient throughout the entire process, from addressing transaction concerns and verifying documents to the actual property transfer and ensuring the new owner received the title deed…

I worked with Amir and Zara, they took care of everything, I only had to send the mandatory information. In a very short time, everything was completed. I was amazed, considering how difficult it had seemed before. Not to mention, the fees were the same or even lower than those of the other companies I mentioned. For me, it was a 10/10 experience, the quickest and smoothest process someone could have in this journey. Strongly recommend them.

Zara assisted me with my Ejari registration, and she was absolutely amazing. She demonstrated exceptional professionalism, efficiency, and delivered everything promptly. Truly a pleasure to work with!

THE BEST!!! Zara you are as always star

Thanks to EGSH and to Zara for Excellent service — professional, attentive, and truly pleasant experience. Highly recommended!

Had an amazing service for the transfer of property there, specially Rachel Rahmat she was very helpfull throughout the process, looking forward to work more.

Visited for the first time for a property transfer and had an amazing experience with Jessieca! She was professional, helpful, and made the entire process smooth and stress-free. Highly recommended for all government services excellent customer service!

Personally, I find this the best centre in Dubai. They always go the extra mile. Especially Maria Garcia has help out so much in such an efficient way! Thank you!

Went there for ejari cancellation. Excellent place. Staff was so cooperative. Ms Maria and Ms Fatima assist me and it was a fast process.

This is probably the best government service hub in Dubai. You come in, asked to be seated, and the staff will come to you instead of standing on the reception and on queue. They will offer you tea and water are available at each table. Really embodies the Emirati hospitality and what seamstresses Dubai is known for.

I was here the morning of this post. The concierge like service with a contact person arranging for you all the difeerent interactions is making the interactuon as smooth as possible. A truly delightful experience and a true commitment to service excellence, thank you for the great experience and for the initiative to present government interactions in this way!

Outstanding service — fast, friendly, and highly professional. Thank you very much!

I’ve been here for the first time and I can say that this organization definitely worth to come here and make all proceeds with their help! We were changing the owner and such difficult process was really easy for us with your help and most of the time it was done online. So I’m very grateful to Mrs Zara and her support during all the process❤️

I had an excellent experience with Natalia Baiamonte from EGSH while getting Ejari certificate. From the very beginning, she was professional, attentive, and extremely helpful. Natalia guided me through the process clearly, answered all my questions with patience, and made task feel simple and stress-free. Highly recommend Natalia for her outstanding customer service and dedication!

We had great experience with Amal She is so helpful and awesome She stayed with us over her duty today just to finish her work Thanks Amal

I had a really good experience with EGSH (Emirates Government Services Hub). Everything went smoothly and the team was super helpful. Special thanks to Zara and Amal. they were so supportive and kind throughout the process. Really appreciate it!

I had a great experience with this office. They handle everything related to company setup, residency, Golden Visa, DLD, and more. The office is very clean, modern, and welcoming, and the staff are extremely professional and polite. A special thank to Ms. Zara for her kindness and guidance throughout the process so smoothly and professionally, and to Ms. Amal for managing the administrative registration.

Zara is the best always attentive to every requests and helping with a solving problems without delay thank you Zara❤️🌸 …

Absolutely stunning office, i am awestruck. No one can beat Dubai for the kind of hospitality you get in a government office… Its mind-blowing 😍 i wish i could give a 10 star rating (double) on 5 🤩

I had a great experience with EGHS. I was assisted by Sarah Almeida and she delivered an amazing service. Very attentive, promptly responded my messages and guided me throughout the process. It was all very smooth and done very quickly. I highly recommend and I’ll definitely use their services again.