UAE Work and Remote Visas: Who's eligible, what they cost, and how to apply

Foreign nationals looking to live and work in the UAE have two distinct visa options — the employer-sponsored Employment Visa and the Remote Work Visa for individuals employed by companies based outside the country. Each visa serves a specific purpose and follows its own legal and procedural pathway. Here's a complete breakdown of what each visa involves, who it's for, and how to apply.

UAE Employment Visa – what it covers and how it works
A UAE employment visa is a residency and work permit that allows foreign professionals to legally live and work in the country. It is issued based on employer sponsorship and is a mandatory legal requirement for any foreigner employed within the UAE, whether in the mainland or a free zone.

Key Process Steps:

Job Offer Secured: The process begins once the foreign national signs a contract with a UAE-based company, free zone authority, or government entity.

Work Permit (Entry Permit): The employer applies for an employment entry permit through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).

Arrival in UAE: Upon entering the country with the permit:

• The employee must complete a medical fitness test.
• Submit biometric data for the Emirates ID.
• Undergo residency visa stamping in their passport.

Emirates ID Issuance: This ID is vital for accessing services like healthcare, housing, banking, and utilities.

Validity and Duration:

• Mainland employment visas: Typically valid for 2 years.
• Free zone visas: Validity ranges between 2 to 3 years.
• All employment visas are renewable if the individual continues employment with the sponsoring entity.

Costs and Legal Obligations:

• All visa-related expenses — including medical exams, visa stamping, Emirates ID processing, and health insurance — are the legal responsibility of the employer.
• Estimated cost: AED 3,000 to AED 7,000 (excluding Emirates ID, medical tests, and insurance).
• Medical insurance is mandatory and must be provided by the employer.
• Processing Time: Typically 10–15 working days, and up to 2–3 weeks in some cases.

Essential Documentation:

To complete the employment visa process, the following are required:

• Valid passport (minimum 6-month validity)
• Passport-sized photographs
• Signed employment contract
• Entry permit issued by MoHRE
• Medical test results
• Emirates ID application
• Educational or professional certificates (attestation may be required)

Important Legal Note:

• Working on a tourist or visit visa is illegal and strictly prohibited by UAE law.
• Any individual found working without a proper work visa is liable for legal action.

UAE remote work visa – for foreigners employed abroad
The UAE also offers a Remote Work Visa, tailored for professionals working for companies outside the UAE, allowing them to reside in the UAE while continuing their remote employment abroad.

This visa is not employer-sponsored and does not require a UAE-based job offer. It is designed for location-independent professionals looking to base themselves in the UAE.

Core Features:

• Validity: 1 year, renewable annually, subject to ongoing eligibility.
• Sponsorship: No local sponsor required.
• Processing Body: Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP).
• Entry Window: Visa holders must enter the UAE within 60 days from the date of visa issuance.

Who Can Apply:

Applicants must demonstrate:

• A valid remote job with a company or entity based outside the UAE.
• Minimum monthly income of $3,500 (or its equivalent in other currencies).

Required Documents:

• Proof of employment outside the UAE
• Salary certificate or bank statement showing the income threshold
• Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
• Passport-sized color photo
• Valid health insurance coverage for the UAE

Application Process:

The entire process is digital and handled via the ICP portal or the UAEICP mobile app:

Register and log in to the smart services platform.

Fill out the application and upload required documents.

Pay the application fees.

Submit for review and await approval.

Receive the visa via email upon approval.

Cost Breakdown:

Total application cost: AED 350, including:

• Visa issuance: AED 100
• Application processing: AED 100
• Smart services fee: AED 100
• ICP service fee: AED 50

Key differences – Employment Visa vs Remote Work Visa