The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced a relaxation in visa requirements for international freelancers, making it easier for them to live and work in the Country.
The new policy – announced by the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) – is expected to attract a larger number of freelancers to the UAE and boost the Country’s growing digital economy.
Under the policy, the Virtual Work Residence Visa will allow remote workers to live and work in the UAE for up to one year while remaining employed by a company outside of the UAE.
To be eligible, applicants must earn a minimum monthly salary, have valid health insurance, and be able to work from the UAE.
The visa is valid for 12 months and is renewable.
Virtual Work Residence Visa
The foreigners employed outside the UAE are permitted to live in the Country legitimately with a Virtual Work Visa.
The one-year visa allows foreigners to enter the UAE under self-sponsorship and work in line with the terms and conditions issued with the visa.
To apply for a remote work visa, the aspirant must provide proof that he/she works remotely for an organization outside the UAE as well as that he/she receives a monthly income of US$ 3,500 or its equivalent in a different currency).
Virtual Working Programme
The Virtual Working Programme is valid for one year for; the people who live and work outside the UAE; Entrepreneurs; and Start-Up Companies who meet the eligibility criteria.
How to apply for the Virtual Working Programme?
To apply for the Virtual Working Programme, the aspirant needs to have a passport with a validity of minimum six months and a Valid Health Insurance covering your residency in the UAE.
The fee for the Virtual Working Programme is AED 350 per person.
The applicants can apply for the visa through the ICP’s website or the smart application (UAEICP). However, applicants must enter the Country within 60 days once they receive an entry.
