Freelancers Can Apply for UAE virtual Work Residence Visa

If your job allows you to work remotely and you want to use this option to live and work outside of the UAE as a Freelancer, there is good news: the UAE provides international workers with a UAE virtual work residence visa. This one-year virtual work residence visa can be extended if the terms and conditions of the visa are fulfilled.

A significant decision made by the UAE's Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) will be extremely beneficial to anyone seeking a virtual work residency visa.

As proof of employment, the applicant must have a one-year employment contract from the company and a minimum monthly income of $3,500 (or its equivalent in another currency). Bank statements from the previous three months, as well as a salary slip from the previous month, are also required. According to the ICP, visa applicants will no longer need to be physically present in the UAE when filing their applications.

Required documents for UAE virtual work residence visa

If you’re a freelancer exploring remote work options in the UAE, our Dubai visa application tips guide is a great starting point. It covers visa eligibility, required documents, and application timing in detail—essential for anyone considering the virtual work visa route.

To be eligible to apply for a UAE virtual work residence visa, you must meet the following requirements:

• A copy of the applicant's passport
• A colored photo
• A copy of their health insurance policy - according to the ICP website, the applicant must attach a valid health insurance policy from an insurance provider based in the UAE.
• The results of your medical fitness test
• Proof of virtual work performed outside of the UAE
• Salary Certificate for US$3,500 (Dh12,855) or its foreign currency equivalent

How do I apply for a UAE virtual work residence visa?

Before you begin the application process, remember that you must be in the UAE - whether on a tourist or visit visa, or if you already have a UAE virtual work residence visa that you want to renew. For self-employed professionals looking for a longer-term visa option beyond the initial year, check out the 2‑Year Freelancer Visa. It provides self-sponsorship, multi-year validity, and stronger stability for freelancers wanting to live and work remotely from the UAE.

If you are already in the UAE, you can apply for the visa via ICP by following the steps below:

• First, go to the ICP website.
• Next, choose 'Virtual Work Residency Permit' and click the ‘start services’ button.
• You will then be taken to an application form where you must enter your full name in both English and Arabic. After you enter your name in English, the system will automatically fill it in Arabic. You must also enter your email address and phone number.
• Enter your nationality, birth date, birthplace, religion, and marital status. In this section, you must also include your qualification, company name, profession, and monthly income.
• Then enter your UID, visa file number and identity number (optional).
• Enter information about your passport, such as the country that issued it, the issue date, and the expiration date.
• After filling out the form, click the 'next' button and upload the required documents.
• Pay the application fee online with a debit or credit card.

According to the Official UAE Government Portal, the Virtual Work Residence Visa allows foreigners working remotely for companies outside the UAE to live in the country for one year under self-sponsorship. Requirements include a passport valid for six months, health insurance, and a monthly income of at least USD 3,500. Applications can now be completed online without needing to be in the UAE

After submitting your application, you will receive an email with the status and reference number of your application. After ICP approves your application, You will receive an electronic version of the virtual work visa in the form of a PDF file after ICP approves your application.