Sudden worry installed by some rumors around “Remote work visa”, often referred to as “Virtual work visa” not being granted nowadays, I decided to tackle it early on. And when I say early on, I meant right after expiration and within 30 days grace period.
To get a general understanding of things, please refer to last year’s post where I explain it in detail – UAE / Dubai – Remote Work Visa Renewal in 2025
Some research led me to learning about Salama AI platform for quick visa renewals (launched in Feb 2025) but unfortunately it’s not LIVE anywhere. Maybe it’s just integrated deeply into the system now (smart.gdrfad.gov.ae + ai.gdrfad.gov.ae). The AI chat was helpful to jog my memory of document requirements, so worth a try.
This year, I first did the medical test (Costs 322.5 AED for 24hrs option). I was being tricked into an unnecessary upsell of getting my recent picture clicked to which I politely but firmly declined. I went to near closing time and found the center pretty empty, which was quite welcoming for a change. Next day, I did the Emirates ID renewal application online (icp.gov.ae) which costs 253.2 AED (34.65 AED cheaper than last year). And next day, headed to my favorite Amer Center Al Kifaf, after having a brief chat with the same lady who handled my renewal last time.
She confirmed she had no such news and as long as documents are good, should be all good. I love how this Amer center is not that crowded, people actually attend to you properly. Every counter has a mirrored screen so you can see what’s actually being done. Sure it’s pricey, but combined with less crowd and actually comfortable seating/waiting area, I ended up using that area as a co-working space for the next 3 hours. I wanted to hang around in case there was a response on the application so I could easily get that to their attention.
The residency renewal application (which is why I went to Amer) costs 450.91 AED (the same as last year), but I understood the breakdown a bit better or maybe I cared to look. The application itself was 370 AED and the rest (80.91 AED) was their fees on top of it. Usually, Amer centers charge typing fees, which were also there (100 AED within the 370 AED amount), but honestly, it was worth the experience, so I am happy.
Last year, the approval came as soon as I was walking away from the building. But this year, it came during early morning hours, like 4AM. Not sure what’s up with that, but I will happily take it. The renewal cost this time around was 1026.61 AED.
Also been hearing that now family members you sponsor, their visa can’t extend yours, which it what I thought would be the case when I came here 4+ yrs ago, but oh well, makes sense. I will know for sure in a month’s time, at which point I will come and update this post.
Maybe fresh applications from outside the country are being scrutinized more now. Or maybe their documentation is not convincing enough. I have had my share of bizarre document requests, which also included handling bugs in the forms on the website, but it’s much easier to apply from within the country. You would pay 650 AED, twice on top of what I mentioned above, but at least you would have the recourse of getting in touch with people if something were to go sideways. Outside of UAE, calls don’t get picked up and emails goes unanswered.
And if you are curious about the 650 AED X 2, once it’s for applying from within the country because how dare you? ? and another for visa status change – switching from tourist visa to remote work visa. Being granted a visa doesn’t mean that you are actually on it, so requires a database row update, which is going to cost you, as many things here.
Good luck!
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