The UAE's Virtual Working Programme (best known through Dubai's remote work visa) gives remote employees and business owners a one-year, annually renewable residence permit while they keep working for employers or companies outside the UAE. Requirements were tightened in 2026: reports indicate the income floor rose from US$3,500 to US$5,000/month with six months of bank statements and health insurance cover of AED 500,000, though the official GDRFA page still lists US$3,500 — verify the current figure before applying. The application fee is about US$287, with total first-year costs (medical test, Emirates ID, insurance) typically US$1,400–2,000.