The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced stricter eligibility requirements for its Remote Working Visa programme, extending the income documentation period for applicants from three months to six months as part of efforts to ensure greater financial and employment stability among beneficiaries.
The update was disclosed in a statement reported by global immigration advisory firm Fragomen on Monday, January 26, 2026.
According to the statement, the revised requirements will take effect from January 27, 2026.
Under the new policy, applicants are now required to submit bank statements covering the last six months, rather than the previously required three months. This effectively raises the minimum employment history applicants must demonstrate before qualifying for the visa.
The move, authorities said, is aimed at ensuring that applicants have a consistent income stream and a stable work history before relocating to the UAE while working remotely for employers based outside the country.
The Remote Working Visa programme, which was launched in March 2021, allows foreign nationals to live in the UAE for up to one year while working remotely for overseas employers.
Unlike traditional work permits, the visa does not require applicants to secure a local employment contract or obtain sponsorship from a UAE-based employer.
In addition to the extended income documentation period, applicants must continue to meet other existing requirements, including a government-set minimum income threshold, valid health insurance coverage in the UAE, and an official letter from their employer confirming approval to work remotely from the country.
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Applications for the visa can be submitted online or through accredited typing centres, including facilities located in Abu Dhabi.
Successful applicants are also allowed to sponsor residence permits for immediate family members, including spouses, children, and parents, making the programme attractive to professionals seeking longer-term stays with their families.
The government fee for the Remote Working Visa is approximately USD 81, excluding additional costs such as medical examinations and Emirates ID issuance. Processing typically takes between five and seven working days, although timelines may vary depending on individual cases.
Meanwhile, the UAE continues to expand its visa offerings as part of a broader strategy to attract global talent, boost emerging industries, and strengthen tourism inflows.
In August, reports indicated that the country is set to introduce four new visa categories effective August 10, 2025.
The new visa categories are targeted at artificial intelligence professionals, event attendees, individuals involved in commercial gaming, and tourists arriving by sea.
One of the notable additions is the Artificial Intelligence Professionals Visa, designed for foreign AI experts, including researchers, developers, and consultants.
The multiple-entry visa allows stays of 60 or 90 days, extendable up to 120 or 180 days, enabling professionals to contribute to short-term innovation and technology-driven projects.