The Dubai digital nomad visa, officially known as the “Work Remotely from Dubai” program was introduced in March 2021 with the purpose of making the country an attractive destination for digital nomads.
UAE currently ranks 2nd in the VisaGuide Digital Nomad Visa Index of destinations for remote workers.
UAE: Quick facts
Who qualifies for the Dubai Digital Nomad Visa?
You can apply for the “Work Remotely from Dubai” program if you meet the following criteria:
- You receive your income from abroad. Essentially, what this means is that you have to:
- Work for an employer or company registered abroad, or
- If you are a freelancer or business owner, your business must be registered abroad.
- You earn at least US$3,500 per month.
- You don’t have a criminal background.
How to Apply for the Dubai Digital Nomad Visa?
There are two ways you can apply for the Dubai digital nomad visa — online (if you are abroad) or directly from Dubai.
Applying Online
Start by going to the official website of the Work Remotely from Dubai program. Once there, click on “Apply now” and you will be taken to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFAD) website, to start your online application.
The online application for the Dubai digital nomad visa is done as instructed below:
- Open an account. Once you are on the website, you must create a username and account to log in.
- Complete the application form. Log into your new account and complete the application form. Make sure you provide your personal information and give correct and true information.
- Attach the documents. Please prepare the documents by translating them when required and have them digitized.
- Pay the visa application fee. Pay the visa application fee as directed to have your application processed.
- Submit the application. Once you complete your payment, verify if everything is correct and then submit your application.
- Wait for the response. An email will be sent to you after submission. There will be further instructions therefore read them carefully.
Applying from Dubai
If you are already in Dubai and want to apply for the digital nomad visa your application is processed through AMER service centers. The application procedure is simple and includes the following steps:
- Go to the closest AMER service center.
- Hand in the necessary documents to the service staff.
- Cover the service charges.
- File the application.
- Wait to receive an answer.
How Much Does the Dubai Digital Nomad Visa Cost?
The Dubai digital nomad visa costs $611. This amount includes the application fee of $280 and other processing charges, medical insurance premiums of $96, and Emirates ID of $93.
Extra costs may apply based on your nationality, the services you need, and other factors.
What Documents Do I Need to Apply for the Dubai Digital Nomad Visa?
To apply for the Dubai digital nomad visa, you have to prepare the documents below:
- Completed visa application form. You can fill out the application form from the official website of Work Remotely from Dubai.
- Valid passport. Your passport needs to be valid for at least for six months at the time of your application.
- Digital passport photo. Your passport photo needs to be with dimensions 45mm/35mm and must adhere to the UAE visa photo requirements.
- Accommodation reservation. To confirm your accommodation, you can provide either a hotel booking, a lease, or a rental agreement.
- Medical insurance. You will need medical insurance for digital nomads with UAE coverage validity.
- Proof of remote employment:
- For employers:
- Proof of employment from the current employer with whom you have a one-year contract validity.
- A minimum salary of US$3,500 per month or its equivalent in foreign currencies.
- Recent bank statements of the last three months.
- For business owners:
- Proof of ownership of the business or company for a year or more.
- A minimum salary of US$3,500 per month or its equivalent in foreign currency.
- Recent bank statements of the last three months.
Can I Leave and Return to Dubai on a Digital Nomad Visa?
You can leave Dubai and return again as part of the “Work Remotely from Dubai” program. However, you cannot be out of the country for more than 6 continuous months, or your visa will be automatically invalid.
Do I Need to Pay Taxes as a Digital Nomad in Dubai?
Dubai offers 0% income tax to digital nomads even if they become tax residents. This means that as a digital nomad in Dubai, you are not subject to any income taxes.
However, you should make sure not to spend more than 183 days in another country throughout the year since that country can claim you as a tax resident.
Living Costs for Digital Nomads in Dubai
To live comfortably in Dubai, you should have between 10,000 AED (approx. $2,722.92) to 15,000 AED (approx. $4,083.98). However, if you are someone who likes to live a luxurious lifestyle, you should be prepared to spend more.
See the examples below to have a general idea of living costs in Dubai.
| Accommodation (Rent): | |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | From AED 5,500 to AED 12,500 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of Centre | From AED 3,500 to AED 7,000 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | From AED 10,000 to AED 25,000 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of Centre | From AED 6,000 to AED 18,000 |
| Groceries | |
| Milk | AED 7.24 |
| Rice | AED 9.94 |
| Eggs | AED 11.94 |
| Apples (1kg) | AED 8.66 |
| Banana (1kg) | AED 6.75 |
| Tomato (1kg) | AED 6.09 |
| Potato (1kg) | AED 4.16 |
| Utilities (Monthly) | |
| Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage (85m2 apartment) | From AED 450 to AED 1,200 |
| Transportation | |
| Local transport | AED 4.00 – AED 8.00 |
| Taxi 1km | AED 2.00 – AED 5.00 |
| Gasoline (1l) | AED 2.71 – AED 3.55 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the validity of the Dubai digital nomad visa?
The Dubai digital nomad visa is valid for 12 months (one year).
What is the processing time for the digital nomad visa?
The processing time for a digital nomad visa in Dubai is thirty days up to sixty days.
Can I renew the digital nomad visa?
You can reapply for the same digital nomad visa following the standard application process.
Can I apply for the digital nomad visa if I’m already in Dubai?
Yes, you can apply for the digital nomad program from Dubai.
Who processes the digital nomad visa applications?
All digital nomad visa applications are processed by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFAD).
Should I have insurance as a digital nomad in Dubai?
Digital nomads are recommended to have health insurance or travel insurance with healthcare coverage.