Virtual work residence visa can be applied from abroad, clarifies UAE authority

Emadeddine Khalil, Staff Reporter

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, stated that applicants for virtual work residence visa in the UAE are not required to be in the country to apply for it.

This type of visa allows foreigners to live in the UAE while continuing to work virtually for their employers existing outside the UAE without a sponsor.

It is valid for a full year and can be renewed, in accordance with the terms and conditions issued with the visa.

The ICP allows applying for the visa through its website of the smart application (UAEICP). Once the entry permit is issued, applicant should enter the country within 60 days from the date of issuance to compete the procedures regarding the residence visa.

The permit will be considered invalid, if applicant fails to enter the country within this period, the ICP said.

Applicant must have a passport with a validity of minimum six months, recent coloured photo and a valid health insurance covering his/her residency in the UAE.

In addition, he/she must have a proof of employment with a contract valid for one year from his/her current employer with a salary of minimum $3,500 per month ( or its equivalent in a different currency).

The salary slip for the last month and bank statements for the preceding three months are required.The fees for the virtual working programme is Dhs350 per person.

After filling-in the required data, attaching the required documents and paying the fees, the entry permit, if approved, will be sent via the registered email, the ICP said.

The application will be declined electronically 30 days after returning it, due to incomplete data or documents, in case of applicant could not meet the requirements within this period.

Furthermore, it will be declined, if it is returned three times due to incomplete data or documents. The fees and financial guarantees (if any) are refundable, if the request is declined by the ICP. 

“The fees are refunded through the credit card within a period not exceeding six months from the date of submitting the application, or refunded through the procedures applicable to recover the fees by cheque or bank transfer to banks located within the country only and for a period not exceeding 5 years,” ICP said.

With aims to attract talents and expertise from all over the world, the UAE cabinet approved a new Remote Work Visas scheme to enable employees from all over the world to work remotely from the UAE. The one-year visa allows foreigners to enter the UAE under self-sponsorship and work in line with terms and conditions issued with the visa.

The major step, considered first of its kind in the region, provides the opportunity for entrepreneurs and talents to innovate in the UAE’s safe and attractive business environment, with access to all the necessary services including world-class utilities and telecoms.

Foreigners, under the Dubai’s virtual working programme, can relocate to Dubai (from outside the UAE) and continue working for their employers remotely.

The virtual working programme is for people who live and work outside the UAE, start-ups and entrepreneurs who meet the eligibility criteria. If application to live in Dubai is approved by the UAE’s authorities, applicant can also bring his/her family along.

The programme is valid for one year, renewable upon re-application.

Through the virtual working programme, beneficiaries can obtain all services including telecommunications, utilities, medical and schooling. Furthermore, they can take advantage of Dubai's robust and seamless digital infrastructure, global networking opportunities and zero income tax for individuals.