If your job allows you to work remotely and you want to use this option to live and work outside of the UAE, there is good news: the UAE offers a virtual work visa for international workers.
If you apply for this visa, you will be granted a one-year residency permit, which must be renewed every year.
If you want to apply, go to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP), the immigration authority that issues visas in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain.
How does one apply for a virtual work visa?
Before you begin the application process, keep in mind that you must be in the UAE – whether on a tourist or visit visa, or if you already have a virtual work residency visa that you wish to renew. If you are already in the UAE, you can apply for the visa through ICP by following these steps:
- Go to the ICP website at http://www.icp.gov.ae and click on ‘eChannels Residency & Citizenship’ under the ‘Services’ tab.
- Next, select the ‘Virtual Work Residency Permit’ option and click the ‘start service’ button. You will then be directed to an application form where you must fill out the following information:
– Applicant information: You must enter your full name in both English and Arabic in this section. The system will automatically fill in your name in Arabic after you enter it in English. In addition, you must enter your email address and phone number.
– Personal Information: Enter your nationality, date of birth, place of birth, religion, and marital status. You must also enter your qualification, company name, profession, and monthly income in this section.
– Identification information: Enter your UID, visa file number, and identity number if applicable.
– Passport information: Enter your passport information, such as the country that issued it, the issue date, and the expiration date.
- After completing the form, click the ‘next’ button and upload the necessary documents.
- Pay the application fee with your debit or credit card online.
- After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation email with your application’s status and reference number. After ICP approves your application, 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
Required documents
- Passport copy
- Coloured Photo
- A copy of Health Insurance – the ICP website states that the applicant must attach a valid health insurance policy from an insurance provider based in the UAE.
- Your medical fitness test result
- Proof of virtual work, outside the UAE
- Salary Certificate of US$3,500 (Dh12,855) or its equivalent in foreign currency
Also Read: Are you looking for a job in the UAE? How to apply for a jobseeker visa