Dubai Digital Nomad Visa (Remote Working Scheme): All You Need to Know

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Dubai’s remote working visa scheme, also known as the Dubai digital nomad visa, is a new visa category that allows digital nomads to live and work in Dubai. The visa is designed to attract foreign talent and entrepreneurs to Dubai and to boost the city’s economy.

The visa complements the digital nomad lifestyle so well — something which has become increasingly popular in the last few years. Working online gives us a chance to have a flexible working schedule, more job opportunities, and, most importantly, the ability to see different parts of the world.

One interesting city worth exploring is Dubai, a flourishing metropolitan in the United Arab Emirates offering a perfect balance between nature and urban city life. So digital nomads with a knack for traveling won’t be missing out on much when they are in this country.

Dubai is also the first city in the Middle East to issue a remote working visa scheme, which makes it really interesting. The following will be a deep dive into everything you need to know about the digital nomad visa for Dubai, along with the steps to apply and all the benefits of working from the beautiful city of Dubai. 

Also read: Digital Nomad Visa 101: Everything You Need To Know

Working as a digital nomad in Dubai

Working as a digital nomad in Dubai became possible when the country launched the Dubai digital nomad visa in March 2021, allowing remote workers to stay and work within the country for a year (with the possibility to extend).

When applying to get a digital nomad visa for Dubai, the process can be done through a fast online application system. Once approved, you are allowed to bring your family with you and enroll your kids in school. Most importantly, there are no tax charges for holders of the Dubai digital nomad visa. 

Applying is easy, but why choose Dubai? Businesswise, there are endless opportunities for you, whether you are working as a freelancer or aspiring to start your own business. With the sort of connection Dubai can offer, there is endless room for growth.

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Not just work, there is a lot to see and experience in Dubai with your remote working visa scheme. Attracting millions of foreign tourists and businessmen every year, you can easily find world-class dining experiences around the city. Nature lovers do not need to worry because Dubai has some of the most stunning beaches you can find in the Middle East.

Here is the complete list of perks you can enjoy working as a digital nomad in Dubai:

  • Fast online application
  • 0% tax
  • Bring your family
  • Enroll your children in school
  • Job opportunities
  • Fast internet connection (fixed broadband: 151.09 Mbps download/73.32 Mbps upload)
  • World-class dining
  • Easy access to stunning beaches
  • Balance of nature and urban life

Dubai also has an interesting expat community, so you’d find plenty of places to co-work and lots of people to connect with. It can be a great place to connect with like-minded expats and possibly build something incredible for the future — similar to how this magnificent city has been built.

Also read: Best Digital Nomad Jobs To Consider in 2022

Dubai digital nomad visa requirements

The requirements to apply for the digital nomad visa for Dubai are nothing complicated, but here are the few requirements that you need to fulfill to be eligible for the visa:

  • Passport

Your passport has to be valid for a minimum of six months when applying for the digital nomad visa

  • Work internationally

For you to gain the digital nomad visa and enjoy the 0% tax policy, you must own a company/business or work for clients/employers outside of the United Arab Emirates. There should be a contract with at least one-year validity with your current employer

  • Income of at least $3,500/month

It was $5,000/month at first but is now changed to a lower requirement of $3,500/month. This is non-negotiable, and you have to meet the minimum requirement to apply. You will also have to show income from the past three months to prove that you are financially stable.

  • Health insurance
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A reasonable requirement, you must have health insurance coverage during your stay in UAE

How to apply for the Dubai digital nomad visa (steps)

Whether you are already in the UAE or outside the country does not matter. You can start applying as soon as possible through the online application, simply follow the steps below:

  1. Collect necessary documents

It is most convenient to prepare all the required documents before applying for the visa. Everything should be digitized and translated into English.

You will have to prepare the following:

  • Copy of a valid passport
  • Proof of business ownership with an average income of $3,500 for at least a year
  • Proof of employment from an employer outside of the United Arab Emirates
  • Salary slip as proof of income
  • Bank statement for the last three months
  • Proof of a valid health insurance
  1. Submit your application

The most efficient way to submit your application is online. You can visit the official website for the Dubai digital nomad visa here. Scroll through the bottom of the page and complete the form application request.

There will be a non-refundable processing fee of $81 when you apply. You can expect to pay a total of $611 to sort all costs related to the residence permit and visa processing.

  1. Wait for the green light

Al Rais Travel Agencies LLC will process all digital nomad visas for Dubai. You can expect to receive the answer regarding your visa in 5-7 days after your application. 

Successful visa applicants receive a resident ID, which allows them to access most services — much like the city’s other residents. With the ID, renting accommodations and opening bank accounts can be easy. You could even apply for a loan from a financial institution.

You must, however, note that staying outside the UAE for a period of more than six months could automatically lead to the cancellation of your visa.

ALSO READ:  Belize Digital Nomad Visa: Everything You Need To Know

You must also be aware of COVID-19 restrictions (check them here) while traveling to the country.

What they say about Dubai’s digital nomad lifestyle

As a DN, I’d say it’s a little interesting to see this alternate economy function. The number of authentic restaurants due to the local immigrant population is awesome. I miss food there.

@considerfi/Reddit

It’s super easy to get a place if you’re an expat, and it requires a 25-35% downpayment. You can pay it off within 5-10 years.

Though the only time when it’s pleasant to live here is between late October until the end of Feb, and it’s pushing it.

u/Scorsone/Reddit

Wrapping up

UAE has given all the reasons for digital nomads across the globe to start thinking about a move to Dubai. It is a city full of business prospects and world-class entertainment. Most importantly, it has the perfect environment to support digital nomads mentally and financially with superb living conditions and the 0% tax policy. 

Everything you need to know about applying for the Dubai digital nomad visa is explained above. As long as you have all the required documents and the funds, applying for the visa should be no problem.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about living as a digital nomad in Dubai.

How much is the living cost in Dubai?

Statistics from the cost of living aggregator site Numbeo states the following: 3,648 AED ($993) for a single person excluding rent. For a family of four, it costs 12,768 ($3476), excluding rent. The figures above are just estimates and might change depending on your lifestyle.

How much does the digital nomad visa for Dubai cost?

As stated above, it costs a total of $611, including the $287 application fee, Emirates ID, processing fee, and a medical insurance premium.

How long is the processing time of the visa?

Once approved, the processing time will be from thirty to sixty days.

How long is the visa valid?

Dubai’s digital nomad visa is valid for a year and can be renewed upon re-application.

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