Freelancers Can Now Get a UAE Visa Online

Are you a freelancer looking for a UAE Visa? Those seeking virtual work residence visas will greatly benefit from the announcement made by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) in the UAE. Freelancers who are interested in applying for the visa will no longer be required to be physically present in the UAE during the application process. They can easily apply online on their portal.

With this new change, those who wish to work remotely from the UAE can now complete the application process process from their current location. This visa (virtual work residence) is only valid for one year (365 days) and can be renewed further under the revised terms and conditions of the visa by the UAE Government.

For visa applications, individuals can use the ICP’s website or the smart application (UAE-ICP).

After the visa is approved, the applicant must enter the UAE within 60 days to complete the residence visa application process. In case of failure to enter UAE within the permitted timeframe, the permit will become invalid.

The virtual work residence visa is only available to applicants who hold a passport with a minimum validity of six months, have a recent photograph, and have a valid health insurance policy.

However, to be eligible, the freelancer needs to provide a bank statement showing an earning of a minimum of 360,000 Dirhams for the last two years or the equivalent amount earned in any other currency. An applicant must also provide a salary slip from the previous month and three months’ worth of bank statements.

If an applicant does not meet the requirements, their application will be declined automatically online after 30 days. It is important to note that the fee and financial guarantees are refundable if the request is declined by the ICP, in case the application is returned thrice for the same reason. The fee for the virtual working program is AED350 per person.

The UAE, particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi, has emerged as a thriving hub for freelancers and entrepreneurs in recent years.