Overview
The one-year residence permit is open to employees earning at least US$3,500/month and to business owners earning at least US$5,000/month who have owned their company for a year or more.
As a UAE residence permit it brings perks such as the ability to open local bank accounts, sponsor family and access services — all in a 0% personal-income-tax environment.
Editor's note — Dubai's pitch is simple: keep 100% of your salary. The 0% income tax plus fast processing make it compelling for high earners — provided you can absorb the cost of living.
Who is eligible
- Employed by, or owning, a company based outside the UAE.
- Minimum monthly income of US$3,500 (employees) or US$5,000 (business owners).
- Valid passport with at least six months' validity.
- Valid international health insurance covering the UAE.
- Six consecutive months of bank statements proving income (rule tightened in early 2026).
Income & financial requirements
Per month, from a foreign employer.
Per month, plus 1+ year of company ownership.
Consecutive, proving the income (new 2026 rule).
The UAE levies no personal income tax.
Employees must show monthly income of at least US$3,500; business owners at least US$5,000 plus proof of owning the company for at least one year.
As of 27 January 2026, applicants must provide six consecutive months of bank statements (up from three) to evidence that income.
Costs & fees
- Government fee of roughly AED 1,535 (≈US$420) including the Emirates ID.
- A non-refundable application/processing fee (around US$287 via some channels).
- Mandatory international health insurance valid in the UAE.
Taxes
The UAE levies no personal income tax, which is the programme's defining advantage. There is a federal corporate tax, but it generally does not apply to foreign-sourced personal salary income of individuals.
Tax-residency certificates are available; if you are tax-resident elsewhere, confirm how your home country treats UAE income.
How to apply
Prepare documents
Passport, six months of bank statements, proof of employment/ownership and health insurance.
Apply online
Submit through the official Dubai Virtual Working Programme portal.
Get approval
Decisions typically issue within 5–7 business days.
Complete residency
Enter the UAE, do medical testing and biometrics, and collect your Emirates ID.
Duration & renewal
The permit is valid for one year and renewable as long as you continue to meet the income and employment conditions.
Bringing family
Holders can sponsor immediate family members (spouse and children) for residence under standard UAE sponsorship rules.
Pros & cons
Advantages
- Zero personal income tax
- Fast processing (5–7 business days)
- Can sponsor family and open local banking
- Excellent flights, safety and infrastructure
Considerations
- High cost of living in Dubai
- Six-month bank-statement rule (tightened 2026)
- One-year term with annual renewal
- Summer heat and conservative legal norms