Dubai Outlines Three Work Visa Pathways and Salary Thresholds for Foreign Workers

According to a report by Legit News citing the Dubai government's official investment portal, Dubai has outlined three work visa categories open to foreign nationals in 2026, alongside income thresholds for two of the streams.

The first category is the employer-sponsored work visa, which requires a foreign worker to be employed by a Dubai-based company that manages the sponsorship process. The portal indicates that the Dubai government has not established a universal minimum salary requirement for this category, leaving compensation terms to mutual agreement between the employer and employee.

The second route is the Green Visa designed for skilled workers. Qualification requires applicants to hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent credential, be employed in an occupation classified at level 1, 2, or 3 on the skills scale, and earn a monthly salary of at least AED 15,000. This permit allows holders to reside in Dubai without an employer sponsor for five years, with renewal options subject to maintaining the eligibility criteria.

The third category is the Remote Work Programme visa for individuals employed by companies outside the UAE who perform their duties remotely. To qualify for this pathway, applicants must earn a minimum of US$3,500 per month, with no requirement for a UAE-based sponsor.