This suits people who keep an overseas job or client base but want to be based in the Gulf, and it is distinct from a local work permit, which authorizes employment by a company inside the country. You self-sponsor, so there is no local employer tying down your residency. Income thresholds, documents, and availability change, so confirm the current programme rules on the UAE ICP portal. How to present location and availability: UAE CV format guide.
Remote Work Visa
A remote work visa lets you live in a Gulf country while working for an employer based abroad, without a local sponsor. The UAE's virtual working programme grants a one-year renewable residence to remote employees and freelancers who meet an income threshold and show proof of employment or business ownership.
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Adil Dahmani
Adil Dahmani is the founder of Yalliq, the AI career copilot for Arabic-speaking professionals across MENA.