Complete guide to obtaining a Digital Nomad Visa in Dubai

• Are you a remote worker?
• Do you own a business and you are not tied to a specific location?
• Are you making no less than $3,500 monthly from an employer or business outside the UAE?
• Do you want to live and work in Dubai?
• Do you want to have access to the UAE services such as healthcare, banking, and housing and car rentals?

If your answer is Yes, you could qualify for a visa for digital nomads in the UAE.

What is a digital nomad visa?

This is a one-year renewable residence visa issued to remote workers employed by companies outside the UAE or running businesses registered abroad.

It is a relatively new visa program implemented in Dubai. The UAE ranks 4th in the world among countries that are friendly to digital nomads. This visa is issued for 1 year and is renewable. It is ideal for remote employees and "frequent flyers"—those who can work from anywhere in the world.

The virtual work visa is issued by UAE immigration authorities (ICP and GDRFAD) and can be used to live in Dubai.

You can also consider other residence visas in Dubai:

• For investors, including property investors
• Golden visa
• For freelancers
• Work visa
• Visa for family members, and some others

Benefits of the UAE visa for digital nomads

What advantages will you gain as a remote worker in Dubai:

1-year residency: You can live and work in the UAE as a resident for one year. When the visa expires you can renew it.

No nationality restrictions: Anyone can apply for this visa, regardless of nationality.

Exemption from taxes: Digital nomads do not have to pay personal taxes in the UAE, such as personal income tax, as well as capital gains tax, and other local taxes. However, they remain taxable persons in their home country. VAT is only 5% and is paid by companies that sell goods and services in the UAE. Please note that activity under this visa does not grant the right to work for a UAE employer or conduct local commerce without a separate license

Family sponsorship: You can sponsor your relatives and family members, allowing them to move to the UAE with you.

High-quality healthcare: You can access Dubai's world-renowned healthcare services.

Resident benefits: As a resident of Dubai, you can rent housing and cars, use telecommunication services, banking services, and international payment systems.

Education for children: If you have children, you can enroll them in one of Dubai's schools.

Travel flexibility: You are not required to stay in Dubai all the time. You can enter and exit the country multiple times. However, you must not stay outside the UAE for more than six months continuously to meet the visa requirements. Otherwise your visa will be canceled.

Digital Nomad Visa requirements

1. For remote employees: 

• a labor contract with an employer that has been in effect for at least one year and ensure that your employer is based outside the UAE.
• a salary of at least $3,500 per month
• medical insurance with UAE coverage

2. For business owners:

• proof of owning a business for at least one year.
• a monthly income of $3,500 minimum from a business registered outside the UAE.
• health insurance 

These requirements ensure that applicants are financially stable and have access to healthcare while staying in Dubai under the visa program for virtual workers.

Documents 

• Passport (at least 6 months of validity)
• Application for visa
• Digital photo with dimensions 45*35
• Proof of accommodation (for example, a hotel booking)
• Proof of employment or ownership of business
• Health insurance 
• Bank statements that prove your income (for the last 6 months) 
• Salary slip for the last month

Mandatory health insurance 

At the application stage, you must provide proof of valid health insurance covering you in the UAE.

Once you receive your Emirates ID, you are required to obtain compliant local health insurance in the UAE.

How to apply for a Remote Worker Visa in Dubai?

You can try living a digital nomad life in Dubai. The UAE has no imposed restrictions on nationality. All you need to do is fulfill the requirements and undergo the application process. Since this remote workers’ visa program is relatively new and thus subject to changes, it is advisable to go along this road with the support from experienced business experts. 

 Step-by-step guide

1. If you apply for Dubai, use GDRFAD smart services (Visa Issuance – Virtual Work). If you apply for other emirates, use ICP smart services (Virtual Work Worker – Issue New Visa).
2. First, apply for an entry permit visa. Submit all the necessary documents on the GDRFAD portal.
3. Pay the related visa fees and charges.
4. Wait for the visa approval - it will be sent via email.
5. Arrive in Dubai and apply for a status change to get a digital nomad visa.
6. Undergo a medical check, which includes: 1) a blood test, 2) an X-ray of your chest. The results are usually ready in 24 hours.
7. The next step - apply for the Emirates ID card. You need a local phone number and address (a hotel booking is ok).
8. Finally, complete the biometrics procedure in one of the Emirates ID centers.
9. Once you have the results of your medical test and biometrics, your electronic visa will be sent to you by email. You can also find it in the UAEICP app.
10. Receive your Emirates ID (the waiting time may last 1-2 weeks) and fully utilize the benefits of the digital nomad visa. You have a whole year ahead of you. Processing typically takes around 2–3 weeks on average, but timelines may vary depending on your case and the emirate.
11. You can apply to open a resident bank account to conduct international transactions.

Visa application timeline and cost

Typically, it takes 2-3 weeks from the application date to the day when you receive the digital nomad visa and the Emirates ID.

As an example, the total cost can start from approximately $600 including government fees, medical tests, and Emirates ID. Exact fees depend on your specific situation and emirate

Advantages of living as a digital nomad in Dubai

The UAE is ranked 4th as the most suitable country for digital nomads. Reasons why digital nomads choose Dubai as their place of residence:

1. Warm weather year-round and coastal living. You can enjoy a pleasant climate and the chance to live by the sea throughout the year.

2. Diverse shopping opportunities. Dubai's malls feature world-renowned brands, offering a variety of shopping experiences.

3. International education for children. You get access to high-quality education in UAE schools with opportunities for international learning.

4. Business development opportunities. As a major trading and financial hub, Dubai hosts numerous multinational companies, providing ample business growth prospects.

5. Rich networking environment. Dubai is a melting pot for expats from around the world, fostering experience exchange, strong contacts, and business opportunities.

6. Tax-free environment. You can benefit from a tax-free lifestyle, enhancing financial savings and investment potential.