UAE Digital Nomad Visa

Capital: Abu Dhabi
Population: 9,282,410
Area: 83,600 sq. km
GDP: USD 509.17 billion
GDP per capita: USD 49,451
Currency: AED (United Arab Emirates Dirham)
Political System: Constitutional federation of seven emirates

Work Remotely From Dubai (Virtual Working) Program

Government of Dubai (one of the UAE emirates) launched Work Remotely from Dubai Program4 in 2021. The program allows foreigners engaged in remote employment, or virtual work to receive a residence visa without a job requirement.

This visa allows the holder to stay in the UAE for a period of sixty days starting from the date of entry. During this period, the conditions for obtaining a residence permit with a one-year validity period must be fulfilled.

Family inclusion

After receiving a residence permit, a Digital Nomad Visa holder in the UAE can sponsor his/her family members to obtain dependent visas, provided that they provide proof of relationship and demonstrate sufficient funds to support them. Dependent visas require from applicants to undergo a medical examination at a government-approved medical center. Dependent visas do not allow to work in the UAE. They are valid for one year, with an renewal option.

Required documents

A recent color photo against a white background.

A passport copy with a validity of at least six months.

Proof of remote employment outside the UAE.

Evidence of a monthly income of at least USD 3,500 (bank statements).

Health insurance with UAE coverage.

Benefits

Lifestyle

The UAE and Dubai offer a high standard of living, encompassed with excellent infrastructure, public services and quality of life.

Tax advantages

Digital nomad in Dubai are exempt from paying income tax, capital gain tax, withholding tax, and local taxes.

Access to Premium Healthcare

UAE boasts a top-notch healthcare system with state-of-the-art facilities and a high standard of healthcare services, provided by public and private entities.

Emirati ID Perks

Successful applicants are granted Emirates IDs, which can be used for many things in everyday life, such as banking, phone lines, housing rentals, and, if a visa-holder has children, the ability to enroll them in local schools.

Investment Options

Conditions and Fees

Minimum monthly income

USD 3,500

Application fee

USD 611
(includes application fee of USD 287 and other processing charges, medical insurance premium, and Emirates ID)

Application Process

Step 1 : Eligibility

Meet the eligibility criteria set by the UAE authorities. Sign up at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs - Dubai (GDRFAD) portal. Creation of username and password is needed.

Step 2 : Gather Documents

Collect the necessary documents (Passport copy with at least six months' validity, recent color photograph, proof of remote employment and bank statements as proof of income. Apply for a health insurance certificate.

Step 3 : Submit Application & Initial Visa

Application and all supported documents must be filed online through GDRFAD portal. Application processing time may range from 30 to 60 days.

Step 4 : Visa Issuance & Residence Permit

Successful applicants are granted residency visas valid for one year, which allow the holder to live and work in the country. Visa holders must provide their biometrics to the authorities and schedule a medical appointment at a government-approved medical facility within 30 days of arrival. Digital Nomads will have 60 days to complete all necessary requirements for obtaining a residence permit, valid for one year. Once it is obtained, it’s possible to submit dependent visa applications for family members.