Virtual Working programme harmonised at federal level
The Virtual Working programme — originally a Dubai-specific 2020 initiative — was harmonised under the federal ICP framework from March 2024, with consistent processing across all seven emirates. Income threshold (US$5,000/month) and 1-year duration unchanged.
Who it affects: Remote workers using the Virtual Working Programme.
ICP — Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security ↗ · GDRFA — General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (Dubai) ↗ · verified 2026-04-19