If your job allows you to work remotely and you are considering living and working in the UAE, there is great news for you – the UAE offers a specific visa for international workers known as the virtual work visa.
By applying for this visa, you will be granted a one-year residency permit that can be renewed. If you are interested in applying for this visa, you can do so through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICP), the immigration authority responsible for issuing visas in the emirates of Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain.
Requirements of the UAE Virtual Work Visa
To apply for the visa, you must submit the following documents:
– Proof of employment from a company located outside of the UAE.
– A bank statement from the past six months demonstrating a deposit or monthly income of at least US$3,500 (Dh12,855.53) or the equivalent in another currency.
These documents are necessary to meet the requirements for the visa application process.
Required documents
To apply for the ICP visa, you will need to provide the following documents:
– A valid passport copy with at least six months of validity remaining
– A colored passport photo
– A copy of health insurance from a provider based in the UAE
– Proof of virtual work outside the UAE
– A salary certificate showing a minimum income of US$3,500 or its equivalent in foreign currency
– An attested police clearance certificate from your country of origin (optional)
Please note that the required documents may vary depending on the information provided in your application.
How does one apply for a virtual work visa?
Before initiating the application process, it is crucial to understand that upon applying for this visa, you will be granted an entry permit enabling you to enter the UAE and complete residency procedures within 60 days. This process includes undergoing a medical fitness test, providing biometrics, and obtaining an Emirates ID.
- To begin the application process, please visit the official ICP platform for online services at smartservices.icp.gov.ae. Navigate to the Public Services section and select Virtual Work, followed by the Virtual Work Worker – Issue New Visa category. Click on the Start Service button to proceed.
- Upon clicking the Start Service button, you will be directed to an application form where you will be required to provide the following details:
Applicant Information: In this section, please provide your full name in both English and Arabic. Once you have entered your name in English, the system will automatically fill in the Arabic translation. Additionally, please include your email address and phone number for contact purposes.
Personal Information: Please provide details such as your nationality, date of birth, place of birth, religion, and marital status. You will also need to include information about your qualifications, current company, profession, and monthly income.
Identification Information: You have the option to enter your UID number, visa file number, and identity number in this section.
Passport Information: Enter your passport details, including the country of issue, issue date, and expiry date.
Additional Personal Details: Include information about your religion, faith, marital status, qualifications, and your mother’s full name. Don’t forget to provide your email address.
Address in the UAE: Enter details about your residence in the UAE, including the Emirate, city, area, detailed address, building or hotel name, and contact information such as your residence telephone number and mobile number.
Address Outside the UAE: Lastly, provide details about your address outside the UAE.
- Check the captcha box and proceed to the next step.
- Upload all necessary documents for the visa application.
- Kindly make the payment for the application fee online using your debit or credit card.
Once your application has been submitted, you will receive a confirmation email containing information on the progress of your application and a reference number. Upon approval by ICP, you will receive an electronic version of the virtual work visa in the form of a PDF file.
How much does the virtual work visa cost?
- Request fees – Dh100
• Issue fees – Dh100
• E-service fees – Dh28
• ICP fees – Dh22
Total – Dh250
Please be aware that the service fees are subject to change based on the information provided in the application.
Also Read: What is the UAE Blue Residency visa, who can apply, and how to apply