Are you a remote worker with no ties to a specific location?
Do you earn at least $5,000 monthly?
Would you love the opportunity to live and work in Dubai?
Do you want access to the UAE’s top-notch services, including healthcare, banking, housing, and car rentals?
If you answered “Yes,” you could be eligible for the UAE’s Digital Nomad Visa!
The Digital Nomad Visa is a relatively new program introduced by Dubai. Ranked 4th globally among the most digital nomad-friendly countries, the UAE offers this 1-year, renewable visa to remote workers and frequent travelers who can work from anywhere in the world.
This virtual work visa is managed by the Dubai government and provides a unique opportunity for those who seek the flexibility to live and work in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.
Golden Visa (for investors, including property investors)
Freelancer Visa
Work Visa
Family Visa
Explore the possibilities and take your career to the next level in Dubai!
1-Year Residency: Enjoy the privilege of living and working in the UAE for one year with the option to renew your visa upon expiration.
No Nationality Restrictions: The Digital Nomad Visa is open to applicants from all nationalities, so everyone is eligible to apply.
Tax Exemption: Digital nomads are exempt from personal income tax, capital gains tax, and other local taxes in the UAE. However, you will still be taxed in your home country. The UAE has a 5% VAT, which is paid by businesses selling goods and services.
Family Sponsorship: You can sponsor your family members, enabling them to join you in the UAE.
World-Class Healthcare: As a resident, you will have access to Dubai’s high-quality healthcare services, ensuring you and your family’s health needs are well taken care of.
Resident Perks: Enjoy the convenience of renting housing and cars, accessing telecommunication services, and utilizing banking and international payment systems.
Education for Children: If you have children, they can attend one of Dubai’s prestigious schools, offering excellent educational opportunities.
Travel Flexibility: You are free to enter and exit the UAE multiple times, with no requirement to stay in Dubai permanently. However, to maintain your visa status, you must not stay outside the UAE for more than six consecutive months.
For Remote Employees:
A labor contract with an employer that has been in effect for at least one year.
A monthly salary of at least $5,000.
Medical insurance with coverage in the UAE.
For Business Owners:
Proof of owning a business for at least one year.
A minimum monthly income of $5,000.
Health insurance coverage.
These requirements ensure applicants are financially stable and have access to healthcare while living and working in Dubai under the digital nomad visa program.
Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
Visa Application
Digital Photo (dimensions: 45x35mm)
Proof of Accommodation (e.g., hotel booking)
Proof of Employment or Business Ownership
Health Insurance
Bank Statements (showing income for the last 3 months)
Salary Slip for the most recent month
Mandatory Health Insurance
Tourist Premium Insurance: Upon arrival in Dubai, you must have a tourist premium insurance policy valid for one year.
Local Health Insurance: Once you receive your Emirates ID, you must obtain health insurance from a local UAE provider with coverage within the country.
You can embark on the digital nomad lifestyle in Dubai, as the UAE imposes no restrictions based on nationality. All you need to do is meet the necessary requirements and follow the application process. Since this visa program for remote workers is relatively new and may be subject to changes, it’s highly recommended to seek guidance from experienced business experts during the process.
Initiate Your Application:
You can apply both from within the UAE or abroad by submitting an online application through the GDRFAD website.
Apply for an Entry Permit Visa:
Submit all required documents via the GDRFAD portal and pay the related visa fees.
Wait for Visa Approval:
After processing, the approval will be sent to you via email.
Arrive in Dubai:
Once you arrive, you can apply for a status change to obtain your digital nomad visa.
Medical Check-Up:
Undergo a medical exam that includes:
A blood test
A chest X-ray
The results are typically available within 24 hours.
Apply for the Emirates ID:
You’ll need a local phone number and address (a hotel booking is acceptable).
Complete Biometrics:
Visit an Emirates ID center to complete the biometrics procedure.
Receive Your Digital Nomad Visa:
After receiving your medical test results and biometrics data, your electronic visa will be sent to you via email. You can also access it via the UAEICP app.
Receive Your Emirates ID:
The Emirates ID will typically be ready in 1-2 weeks, granting you full access to the benefits of the digital nomad visa.
Open a Resident Bank Account:
You can apply to open a resident bank account to facilitate international transactions.
Processing Time: Typically, the entire process takes 2-3 weeks, from application to receiving your digital nomad visa and Emirates ID.
Cost: The total cost is approximately $611, which covers the application fee of $287 along with processing fees, medical tests, and the Emirates ID issuance.
The UAE ranks 4th globally as one of the most favorable countries for digital nomads. Here’s why many remote workers choose Dubai as their home base:
Warm Weather and Coastal Living:
Enjoy a pleasant climate year-round, with the added benefit of living by the sea.
Diverse Shopping Experiences:
Dubai’s shopping malls offer a wide array of world-renowned brands, ensuring a premium shopping experience.
International Education for Children:
Access high-quality education with opportunities for international learning in the UAE’s top schools.
Business Development Opportunities:
As a global trading and financial hub, Dubai is home to many multinational companies, creating significant business growth prospects.
Rich Networking Environment:
Dubai is a diverse expat destination, providing a vibrant environment for exchanging experiences, building connections, and exploring business opportunities.
Tax-Free Lifestyle:
Benefit from a tax-free environment, allowing you to maximize savings and investment potential.
The digital nomad visa is valid for 1 year and can be extended by submitting a new application.
Yes, you can sponsor your family members and apply for family visas, allowing them to join you in Dubai under the digital nomad visa.
Freelance Visa: To obtain a freelance visa, you need a freelance permit (license) from one of the UAE’s free zones. This visa is suitable if you plan to conduct business in the UAE. However, note that you will be subject to a 9% corporate tax on income exceeding 1 million dirhams.
Digital Nomad Visa: With the digital nomad visa, you don’t need a UAE license. You simply need to provide proof of employment or business ownership. This visa allows you to live and work in Dubai while generating income from sources outside the UAE, without being subject to income taxes in the country.
No, the UAE does not impose personal income taxes. However, you may still be required to comply with tax obligations in your home country.
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