The United Arab Emirates (UAE) have recently introduced a Nomad Visa / Remote work visa to offer flexibility and attract foreigners with no local sponsor company, but employed outside the UAE. One must however earn a minimum of USD 5,000 salary per month with his/her employer abroad to be eligible.

Here are its characteristics:

• Can be applied for in Dubai and the applicant can reside in any of the Emirates of the UAE
• Valid for 1-year, multiple entries 
• Renewable for the same duration provided the qualifications are met
• Can sponsor family dependent visa if needed
• Can rent a place /apartment in the UAE
• Can open a bank account in the UAE
• Must be cancelled before the employee leaves the UAE

Required documentation to apply is pretty straightforward and easy to gather:

• Passport copy with minimum 6 months validity and 3 empty pages
• Current visa status (entry stamp / tourist visa) if applicable
• Photo on white background (digital copy)
• Health insurance with UAE coverage (copy) – as long as it evidences the inclusion of UAE
• Proof of Employment from current employer (outside UAE) with a one-year contract validity, a minimum of USD 5,000 salary per month
• Last payslip
• 3-month bank statement (online extract)
• Degree certificate copy (no legalization is required) 

Finally, process and processing time (in working days) are as follows:

• Remote work permit application (3-4 working days processing time)
• Arrival to the UAE (1 day)
• Medical fitness test (1-2 days)
• Residence visa stamping (3-4 days)
• Emirates ID application and biometrics (1-2 days, subject to EID center’s appointment availability) 

This Nomad Visa process can accordingly be completed in a short timeframe (9-13 working days), making it a very interesting solution for those expats and families willing to settle in the UAE. 

This alert was prepared based on the information shared by our partner Florabel Bautista and her team from Sesam Immigration, and published with their permission.