This Is The Minimum Income You Need Monthly In Order To Qualify For UAE’s Remote Work Visa!

Want to wake up to sunshine and skyscrapers and skip the commute but keep your job abroad? Good news, UAE’s Remote Work Visa is your golden ticket. Whether you’re a digital nomad or Zoom warrior, this visa lets you live in the Emirates while working for a foreign company. But, as always, there’s a checklist and a cost.

Live In The UAE, Work Anywhere: Remote Work Visa Explained

The UAE’s Remote Work Visa allows foreigners to live in the country without needing a local sponsor. It’s valid for one year and renewable, as long as you keep ticking all the right boxes. This means you can work remotely, soak up the lifestyle, and still clock in for meetings in Milan, Melbourne or Manchester, all without leaving Dubai.

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) runs the show. They’ve made it clear: if your office isn’t in the UAE, but you want to be, this is the visa for you.

Here’s What You’ll Need

Just showing a laptop won’t be sufficient. You need to prove that you’re employed by a company outside the UAE and earning at least $3,500 (around AED 12,860) per month. That income can be in any currency, but the monthly threshold is non-negotiable.

Next up: paperwork. You’ll need:

• A valid passport (with at least six months left before it expires)
• A coloured passport photo
• Proof of employment
• Salary slips or bank statements to confirm your monthly income
• Health insurance valid in the UAE

Once you’ve gathered your documents, apply through the ICP’s official website or the UAEICP mobile app. You’ll get 60 days to enter the UAE from the date your visa is issued.

How Much Does It Cost?

It’s not bank-breaking, but it’s not free either. The total cost is AED350. Here’s the breakdown:

• AED100 for issuing the visa
• AED100 for the application fee
• AED100 for smart services
• AED50 for the ICP service fee
  

Once you’ve registered, filled in the forms, uploaded your documents and paid, you’ll get your visa by email. Yes, it’s that simple.

Also Read: Dates Are Here! UAE Announces Eid Al-Adha Break For Private & Public Sector Employees

Why It’s A Big Deal

This visa is a big win for freelancers, contractors, and employees of global companies who crave the UAE lifestyle. Think sandy beaches, a booming expat community, and the safety and glam that only the UAE offers. Plus, you skip the sponsorship shuffle.

It’s all part of the UAE’s plan to attract global talent, boost digital innovation, and stay one step ahead in the remote work game.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/sturti