United Arab Emirates UAE Virtual Working Programme

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Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining at the time you submit your VWP application.

A recent color passport-style photograph against a plain white background, full face, neutral expression. Most UAE applications need one digital upload.

Sign up for UAE Pass — the federal single-sign-on used by GDRFA and ICP smart services. Required to submit and track the application.

If you intend to live in Dubai, apply through GDRFA Smart Services. For any other emirate, apply through ICP Smart Services. Stay in one channel for the entire application.

If you're an employee: a current employment contract issued outside the UAE with at least 1 year of remaining validity. If you're a business owner: company registration or ownership documents showing the company has been operating for at least 1 year.

Salary certificate from your employer (employees) or equivalent business-income statement (business owners) showing monthly income at or above the visa threshold.

Bank statements covering at least the last 3 consecutive months — Q1 2026 reports indicate GDRFA and ICP increasingly expect 6 months. Statements must show income deposits at or above the visa threshold.

A health-insurance policy that explicitly covers UAE residency for the full 1-year visa period. Travel-only insurance is not accepted. Most applicants use a UAE-licensed insurer or an international policy with explicit UAE coverage.

Log in with UAE Pass and complete the application form. Upload all supporting documents (passport, photo, employment / ownership proof, salary statement, bank statements, health insurance).

Pay online via debit/credit card. Indicative fees: AED 750 (≈ USD $204) via ICP; AED 1,225 (≈ USD $334) via GDRFA. Re-verify on the portal at submission.

GDRFA / ICP issues the entry permit electronically (typically within 2–10 working days). Book travel to arrive within the 60-day entry-permit validity window.

Enter the UAE before the entry permit expires (typically 60 days from issue). Missing this window voids the permit and requires re-application.

Attend the medical fitness examination at an Emirates Health Services or DHA-approved centre. Includes blood tests for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B/C, and a chest X-ray for TB. Required for all applicants aged 18+.

Visit an ICP service centre or authorised typing centre to apply for the Emirates ID and provide biometrics (fingerprints + photograph). Required for all applicants aged 15+.

Sign a tenancy contract for your UAE address and register it. In Dubai, this means Ejari registration with the Dubai Land Department. Other emirates have equivalent municipality processes. Required to complete address proof.

Once medical, biometrics, and tenancy registration are complete, GDRFA / ICP links the 1-year residence visa to your passport (digital stamping is now standard) and issues the Emirates ID. You're a UAE resident.