Everything You Need to Know about Remote Working Visa UAE or Virtual Working Visa UAE -2023

The Ultimate Guide to Applying for a Remote Working Visa UAE or Virtual Working Visa UAE

Remote working visa UAE, also known as virtual working visa, are becoming increasingly popular as more people are able to work remotely due to technological advancements. The UAE is one of the countries that offer this type of visa, which allows individuals to work in the country without a sponsor. This type of visa is ideal for those who want to work in the UAE for a short period of time or who want to try living in the country before committing to a long-term visa.

The Remote working Visa UAE or virtual work visa UAE enables employees from all over the world to live and work remotely from the UAE even if their companies are based in another country. The new scheme aims to support the public and private sector, enhance the work-life balance, boost productivity and improve the business environment.

This one-year visa allows foreigners to enter the UAE under self-sponsorship and work in line with the terms conditions issued with the visa.

To apply for a remote work visa or virtual work visa in the UAE, the applicant must first prove that they work remotely for an organization outside of the country.

In Dubai, the remote work or virtual work visa is issued by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). Applicants must have a passport with at least six months of validity and valid health insurance that covers their residency in the UAE. Those who are employed must provide proof of employment from their current employer with a one-year contract validity, a minimum monthly salary of US$3,500 (Dh12,853), and the last month’s payslip and three preceding months’ bank statements. Business owners must provide proof of ownership of the company for one year or more, with an average monthly income of US$3,500 (Dh12,853) or its equivalent in foreign currencies, and three preceding months’ bank statements. Proof of work or employment outside the UAE and that the work is conducted remotely must also be provided.

In other emirates such as Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah or Fujairah, the visa is issued by the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Department at the Ministry of Economy (ICP).

By the end of this article you will understand the procedure to get the Remote or virtual work visa for :

1. Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah UAE (through ICA website)
2. Dubai (Dubai Corporation of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM) website visitdubai.com)

Here is the simple process of obtaining remote working visa UAE or virtual working visa UAE from any emirates Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah in the UAE :

• Step 1: Visit the ICA website – www.ica.gov.ae

• Step 2: Click on ‘E-channel Services’ from the main module on the website.

• Step 3: Select ‘Public services’.

• Step 4: Under the visa service, select Virtual Work Residency – People inside the country – Issue residence.

• Step 5: fill the required data including the name of the person who is applying for the visa and other details:

• Step 6: Attach the documents to complete the application process
• Step 7: Pay the fee after reviewing your application.

Here is the simple process of getting remote working visa or virtual work visa for Dubai:

Those wishing to apply for the virtual or remote work visa from Dubai must need to process their application through the Dubai Corporation of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM) website visitdubai.com.

• Step 1: Visit website: LINK and fill out details such as full name, e-mail, mobile number and current country of residence
• Step 2: To apply you need to have a passport with a validity of minimum six months and a valid health insurance covering your residency in the UAE.
• Step 3: Employees must have proof of employment with a one-year contract validity, a minimum of $5,000 per month salary, last month’s payslip and three preceding months’ bank statements
• Step 4: Business owners must have proof of ownership of the company for one year or more, with an average monthly income of $5,000 and three preceding months’ bank statements.

The fee for the virtual working program is USD 287 per person. In addition, you need to pay the premium for medical insurance valid in the UAE and the processing fees. Note that paying a processing fee does not guarantee approval of the application.

With the virtual work visa, you can obtain all services including telecommunications, utilities, medical, and schooling.

Overall, the virtual work visa is a great option for those who want to work in the UAE without a sponsor and enjoy the country’s many amenities and attractions while doing so. With the rise of remote work, the virtual work visa is becoming more popular among digital nomads, freelancers, and entrepreneurs who want to work from anywhere in the world.

How you can apply for the Remote Working Visa UAE or Virtual Work Visa in Dubai through Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA):

If you are a professional who is looking for a change of scenery or an entrepreneur who is seeking new opportunities, Dubai’s virtual work visa program might be just what you need. The UAE now offers a one-year visa that allows individuals to work remotely for companies based outside of the UAE while residing in Dubai.

To apply for the virtual work visa, you will need to go through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai. The application process is very simple you just need to provide the required documentation including proof of employment or ownership of a company outside of the UAE. The visa is valid for one year and can be renewed if you wish to continue living and working in Dubai.

It is a fantastic option for professionals and entrepreneurs who want to experience the beauty and excitement of Dubai while continuing to work remotely. With the UAE’s booming economy and excellent infrastructure, this program can be a game-changer for those who are looking to take their career or business to the next level.

To be eligible for the Dubai virtual work visa, applicants must meet certain criteria as outlined on the official Dubai Tourism website, visitdubai.com.

• a passport with at least six months of validity
• valid health insurance that covers their stay in the UAE. International health insurance with UAE coverage or travel insurance with healthcare coverage is acceptable during the visa application process, but it can later be changed to a UAE-based health insurance provider once the visa formalities are completed.
• In addition, if the applicant is an employee of a company, they must provide proof of employment with a minimum monthly salary of US$3,500 (Dh12,853), a one-year contract, and the previous month’s pay slip and three preceding months’ bank statements. If the applicant is a business owner or has a start-up, they must provide proof of ownership of the company for at least one year, with an average monthly income of US$3,500 (Dh12,853) or its equivalent in foreign currencies and three preceding months’ bank statements. These requirements are subject to extension.

Applying Dubai Remote Working Visa or Virtual work visa, through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) :

• Step 1: Register for an account by visiting the official GDRFA website https://gdrfad.gov.ae/en and selecting the ‘Register Now’ option. Enter your details, create a password, and log in with the one-time password (OTP) sent to your email.
• Step 2: Click on the ‘New Application’ button on the personal dashboard and select ‘New Virtual Work Entry Permit’ from the drop-down menu.
• Step 3: Fill in the virtual work visa application form with your passport details, personal details, contact details, and address details. Choose your preferred language for SMS updates.
• Step 4: Upload the required documents, including a valid passport copy, recent passport-sized photo, employment contract, bank statement of the last three months, salary certificate, and copy of valid health insurance coverage in the UAE.
• Step 5: Pay the fees and submit the application. After submission, you will receive a confirmation notification with a reference number. If any documents are missing, you will be notified to attach them within 30 days, or the request will be cancelled. Once approved, you will receive a digital version of the entry permit on your registered email address.

The cost of the virtual work visa for Dubai is US$611 (Dh2,243) which covers the application fee, processing fees, medical examination, and Emirates ID application. However, the total cost may differ depending on various factors such as the applicant’s details, information provided in the application, and whether the applicant is currently in the UAE or abroad.

The virtual work visa, issued by Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), offers several benefits. It allows individuals to obtain a residence visa, which in turn provides access to various necessities like an Emirates ID, banking facilities, and telecommunication services such as phone and internet connections. Additionally, it also enables individuals to get short-term leases and enroll their children in schools in Dubai.

How to Sponsor Residence Visa Online for Newborn’s and family members on a Remote Working Visa or Virtual Work Visa?

If you are living in the UAE on a Remote work visa or Virtual Work Visa and want to apply for your newborn’s visa or any family members you can easily get it done online through the website of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICA) – www.ica.gov.ae.

What are the Documents Required to get the newborn’s visa on a remote work visa or virtual work vis?

You would need to upload the following documents during the application process

• Coloured photo of the child
• Child’s passport Copy
• Medical insurance
• Medical fitness test result
• Virtual Work Proof – Outside UAE
• Salary Certificate (US$3,500) or equivalent in foreign currency.

In addition to the above, you are required to show proof of employment and the validity of the sponsor’s residency:

• Sponsor’s passport valid for at least six months;
• Attach proof of his work for an entity outside the country and that the work is done remotely;.
• Attach proof that he has earned a monthly income of at least $3,500 (Dh12,855)
• Attach a valid health insurance policy within the country.

The service cost and fees are approximate to AED 250.

What are the Steps for Issuing a Residency Visa for newborns online on a Remote Working Visa or Virtual Work visa?

1. Visit the website – ica.gov.ae

On the home page, you will see ‘smart channels’ which is a vertical menu tab on the right.

2. Click on the second option – ‘e-form’.

It will then transfer you to a page, which will present three options – individual services, establishment services and typing centre services.

3. Choose the Individual Services category to access the residence visa services and you will be then transferred to the login page.

Sponsoring Family Members Visa on a Remote Working Visa or Virtual Work Visa UAE

The first thing to keep in mind is that to sponsor your family members, when you are on a virtual work visa, you must ensure that your family members are already present in the UAE. They can come to the UAE on a Tourist Visa. You must visit a registered ICP typing centre or an ICP service centre to apply for the sponsorship.

Documents Required for sponsoring family members on Remote Work Visa or Virtual work Visa

1. Copy of medical fitness test
2. Passport copy of the dependent
3. Salary certificate or bank statement of the sponsor.
4. A copy of the lease contract may also be required.

Steps to be followed on Sponsoring Family Members Visa on a Remote Work Visa or Virtual Work Visa

Step 1: Visit a typing centre or ICP customer service centre, request for the virtual work visa sponsorship form and fill in the application.
Step 2: After completing the application, attach the required documents.
Step 3: Submit the form and pay the fees.

Cost of Sponsoring Family Members Visa on a Remote Work Visa or Virtual Work Visa

• Request fees: Dh100
• Issue fees: Dh100
• E-service fees: Dh28
• ICP fees: Dh22
• Total: Dh250
• You may also need to pay additional service charges if you apply through a typing centre.

How to create an account on the ICA WEBSITE?

Step 1: Enter your email address, you will be sent a verification email, click on complete registration

Step 2: Create an account with ICA. Enter your Emirates ID number, your phone number and date of birth.

Step 3: You will receive a verification number through SMS on your registered pone number to complete your registration process. You can also use your UAE Pass to log in to the website.

Step 4: After creating an account or signing in with UAE Pass, you will land on the ‘Smart Services’ page. Click on the Residency– Virtual Work Residency – People inside the country – Issue Residence.

Step 5: The residency visa application consists of four categories:

• a) Applicant Information:
• b) Identification Information of Sponsor (Service Beneficiary): Fill in the following details: UAE Unified Number, Visa file number (on the UAE residence visa page on your passport), UAE Identity Number (Emirates ID number)
• c) Request Information: Fill in the following details: Relationship, Type in the English and Arabic name of the child , nationality of the child, date of birth of the child, country of birth of the child, mother’s name in English and Arabic, qualification, profession and enter name of workplace, religion, monthly income of the sponsor.
• d) Passport information: Fill in the passport details: Type, issue and expiry date, issue country

Step 6: Click Next on the bottom right and pay the total cost of fees approximate AED 250. Once the visa is approved , it will be sent to your registered email id.

For any additional information you can call ICA’s toll free number – 600522222, which is available to 24/7.

Frequently Asked Questions FAQs on Remote Working Visa UAE or Virtual Work Visa in UAE: