United Arab Emirates virtual work visa for founders: can you run your own company?
Can a founder run their own company on the United Arab Emirates' virtual work visa? The official pages don't say so directly. The UAE government portal describes the visa as for foreigners employed outside the UAE and working for a company outside the UAE, and ICP asks for proof of remote employment plus a salary certificate. Neither page says whether a founder can qualify through their own foreign company or as self-employed. The official pages don't say whether local clients are allowed. Income needed: Salary certificate showing at least US$3,500 or the equivalent in foreign currency (the pages do not state the period; it is presented as a salary figure).
the United Arab Emirates' virtual work visa, from the official pages
| What | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Scheme | The UAE virtual work visa lets foreigners employed outside the UAE live in the UAE. | u.ae |
| Income | Salary certificate of at least US$3,500 or the equivalent in foreign currency. | u.ae |
| Own company | The visa is framed around working for a company outside the UAE. No official line confirms or excludes founders working for their own foreign company. | u.ae |
| Local work | Holders must work within the terms and conditions issued with the visa; the page does not spell out whether local clients or employers are allowed. | u.ae |
| Stay | One-year visa, self-sponsored (no UAE employer sponsor needed). | u.ae |
| Fee | ICP lists AED 300 for the virtual work entry visa: AED 100 application, AED 100 issuance and AED 100 smart services fees. | icp.gov.ae |
| How to apply | Apply to the federal ICP or, for Dubai, to GDRFA Dubai. ICP's service runs through its smart app and website. | u.ae |
| How to apply | You do not need to be in the UAE when ICP issues the visa. | icp.gov.ae |
| Processing time | ICP states a service completion time of 2 days for the visa. | icp.gov.ae |
| Health insurance | You need health insurance, a medical fitness test result and proof of work outside the UAE. | u.ae |
| Requirements | ICP asks for proof of remote employment outside the UAE, plus passport and photo. | icp.gov.ae |
| Tax | The UAE government portal states the UAE does not levy income tax on individuals (VAT, excise and corporate tax still apply). | u.ae |
Questions founders ask about the United Arab Emirates
- Can I run my own company on the United Arab Emirates virtual work visa?
- The official pages don't say so directly. The UAE government portal describes the visa as for foreigners employed outside the UAE and working for a company outside the UAE, and ICP asks for proof of remote employment plus a salary certificate. Neither page says whether a founder can qualify through their own foreign company or as self-employed.
- Can I work for clients in the United Arab Emirates on it?
- The official pages don't say so directly. The portal says holders work in line with the terms and conditions issued with the visa and that the job is outside the UAE, but the pages read do not state in plain terms whether working for UAE clients or employers is barred.
- How much income do I need for the United Arab Emirates virtual work visa?
- Salary certificate showing at least US$3,500 or the equivalent in foreign currency (the pages do not state the period; it is presented as a salary figure).
- How much does the United Arab Emirates virtual work visa cost?
- AED 300 at ICP for the entry visa stage: AED 100 application fee, AED 100 issuance fee, AED 100 smart services fee. Residence permit, Emirates ID, medical test and insurance costs are extra and not confirmed. That's the government fee on the official page; translations, insurance and legal help cost extra.
- How long can I stay on the United Arab Emirates virtual work visa?
- One-year visa under self-sponsorship. The pages read do not confirm renewal terms or a path to long-term residence.
- Do I become tax resident in the United Arab Emirates?
- The UAE government portal states the UAE does not levy income tax on individuals (VAT, excise and corporate tax still apply). A visa doesn't settle where you pay tax, so take advice on your own case.
Other countries
Brazil · Colombia · Costa Rica · Croatia · Cyprus · Estonia · Greece · Hungary · Indonesia · Italy · Japan · Malaysia · Malta · Mexico · Portugal · Romania · South Korea · Spain · Thailand
To compare the routes, read digital nomad visas for founders and tax residency for remote founders.
- Official name
- Virtual work visa (residence visa for working outside the UAE; formerly promoted in Dubai as the virtual working programme)
- Own company
- Not stated
- Local clients
- Not stated
- Stay
- One-year visa under self-sponsorship. The pages read do not confirm renewal terms or a path to long-term residence.
- Government fee
- AED 300 at ICP for the entry visa stage: AED 100 application fee, AED 100 issuance fee, AED 100 smart services fee. Residence permit, Emirates ID, medical test and insurance costs are extra and not confirmed.
- Official page
- u.ae
- Checked
Visa rules, fees and income bars change, and consulates apply them differently. Check u.ae before you apply. Spotted something out of date? Tell us in the members' chat.