The United Arab Emirates ranks second in the Digital Nomad Index by VisaGuide’s list of the best countries for digital nomads. This cements its position as a top place to live for a growing global population of traveling and perennially mobile professionals. The country’s fast internet speed, remote worker-friendly tax policies, and relatively lower cost of living (compared to other top digital nomad countries in the Index) are the reasons for the UAE’s competitive advantage.
Consider making Ras Al Khaimah your address in the UAE. You can do remote work from Ras Al Khaimah by obtaining the UAE visa that was made especially for digital nomads like you: the virtual work residence visa.
Read our digital nomad guide to Ras Al Khaimah to learn about the virtual work residence visa and why Ras Al Khaimah makes an excellent base for digital nomads.
The Virtual Work Residence Visa: The Visa for Remote Work in Ras Al Khaimah
The UAE virtual work residence visa is a one-year residence visa designed for working remotely in the UAE while employed by a company or an entity located outside the UAE. It enables digital nomads to live legally anywhere in the UAE, including Ras Al Khaimah.
Its most salient features are:
- Self-sponsorship: No need for an Emirati or a UAE resident sponsor.
- One-year term: Live legally in the UAE for one year.
- Renewable: Extend your stay by reapplying upon visa expiration.
The visa allows you to:
- Live in the UAE for one year
- Sponsor the residence visa of family members
- Get an Emirates ID
- Open a bank account as a UAE resident
- Gain a tax resident status and enjoy associated tax benefits
Obtaining the Virtual Work Residence Visa: Conditions, Limitations, and Application Requirements
To obtain the virtual work residence visa, you must satisfy these conditions:
- Your passport must be valid for at least six months.
- You must have health insurance for the full length of the visa.
- You must be in good health.
To be eligible for the visa, you must prove the following:
- Foreign entity employment: You must prove you’re working remotely for an employer located outside the UAE.
- $3,500 minimum income: You must make at least $3,500 (AED 12,8532.75) per month to qualify for the virtual work residence visa program.
To apply for the visa, you must prepare the following documents:
- Identity receipt
- Colored photo: Size 6” x 4”; must be recent with a white background
- Passport copy: Must be valid for at least six months at the time of your application
- Medical fitness test result: Proof you’re medically fit
- Health insurance copy: Proof you have medical insurance coverage for the duration of the visa
- Virtual work proof outside-UAE: Proof that you’re remotely working for an entity located outside the UAE
- Salary certificate: Proof to verify you’re making the minimum monthly income of $3,500 that the visa requires
Once you have your documents ready, submit these requirements to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) through:
- The ICP Smart Services website (24/7 availability)
- The UAEICP mobile application (24/7 availability)
- A customer happiness center (available during working hours)
- An ICP-accredited typing center (available during working hours)
The application process comprises five steps, as follows:
- Fill out the application form with the required information.
- Attach the required documents.
- Pay the service fees.
- Review the service rate and expected processing time.
- Receive your confirmation and corresponding visa documents by email.
Living in Ras Al Khaimah as a Digital Nomad
If you love travelling, immersing yourself in a land far from your usual stomping grounds, and getting to know different cultures, the digital nomad life in Ras Al Khaimah will suit you perfectly.
What You Can Do in Ras Al Khaimah
The multifaceted terrain and the variety of attractions give you a wide selection of activities to try. Ras Al Khaimah is like a lovely edition of “choose your own adventure” for remote workers.
Mountain Adventures
Ras Al Khaimah is bounded by the Hajar mountain range in the northeast. Here, you’ll find Jebel Jais, the tallest peak in the UAE.
- Driving and cycling up the mountain roads towards the Hajar mountains and Jebel Jais
- Sightseeing and enjoying the moonscape-like views from the Jais Viewing Deck Park.
- Zip lining (e.g.,Jais Flight and Jais Sky Tour)
- Climbing the vertical face of the Hajar mountains in Via Ferrata.
- Hiking the scenic mountain and wadi trails
Desert Adventures
Eighty per cent of the UAE is desert, so the desert is a significant part of the Ras Al Khaimah terrain. A desert safari will let you try the following desert activities:
Beach and Water Activities
Beautiful sandy beaches interspersed with mangrove forests comprise the 64-kilometer Ras Al Khaimah coastline along the Arabian Gulf. Visit private beach clubs, spend staycations at the best hotels and resorts, or go on an outing to the emirate’s best public beaches to:
- Swim
- Tan
- Play beach games (e.g., beach volleyball)
- Kayak
- Paddleboard
- Ride a banana boat
- Jet ski
- Parasail
- Try snorkeling and scuba diving
Lifestyle and Leisure Activities
Shop and dine to unwind. Spend your rest days at Ras Al Khaimah’s shopping malls. Your options include Al Hamra Mall, RAK Mall, Al Naeem Mall, and Manar Mall. You’ll find some of the best restaurants in Ras Al Khaimah, including cafés and bars at some of the malls, Ras Al Khaimah hotels, and the beautiful beach boulevards and promenades, such as Al Qawasim Corniche.
Some other time, you can visit the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah, the historic village of Al Jazeera Al Hamra, and the Suwaidi Pearl Farm and learn about the history of Ras Al Khaimah and the heritage of its people. You can also visit a souk to find authentic Emirati jewelry and shop for traditional spices, textiles, ceramics, and handicrafts.
The Best Places to Live in Ras Al Khaimah for Remote Workers
What are the best places to live in Ras Al Khaimah for remote workers? As a rule of thumb, stay in communities that are already popular among expatriates since such neighborhoods are likely to have the facilities and amenities you’ll want and need.
Top neighborhoods for remote workers include:
- Al Hamra Village
- Mina Al Arab
- Al Marjan Island
Ready for Remote Work in Ras Al Khaimah?
If you’re a digital nomad looking for your next global base, consider applying for a virtual work residence visa from the UAE. This digital nomad guide in Ras Al Khaimah teaches you what you must do to obtain it.
You’ll love working remotely in the UAE, particularly in Ras Al Khaimah. Try it and see how one year of work passes quickly and beautifully, like a wonderful workcation.
