Visa for Digital Nomads in Dubai: How to get it

The Digital Nomad Visa for Dubai is part of the “Work Remotely from Dubai” program. Therefore, foreign citizens can live and work legally in the country for one year. 

In detail, in this post, we will share the requirements of this visa, how to apply, and the benefits you get under this status in Dubai. Indeed, Dubai is listed as one of the best destinations in the world for digital nomads.

What does the Dubai Digital Nomad Visa include?

Certainly, this visa allows digital nomads to live and work remotely in this emirate, with foreign companies or clients, for a few months or a year (renewable), under their sponsorship and according to the terms and conditions defined by the United Arab Emirates Government.

Benefits of the Dubai Digital Nomad Visa

Of course, this visa has multiple benefits. Mainly, it allows holders to travel with their families and access all basic citizen services, such as education, public services, telecommunications, digital infrastructure, health, well-being, security, and zero income tax for individuals.

Dubai Digital Nomad Visa Requirements

Passport valid for at least the next six months.
A digital passport-size photo with white background (45 mm x 35 mm) or a 2-inch x 2-inch picture with no patterns (Applies to beneficiary family members). *If you’re submitting an electronic copy of the picture, it should be 300 px in width and 369 px in height.
You will need either a hotel booking, a lease, or a rental agreement to confirm your accommodation (for a year).
You need medical insurance designed for digital nomads and remote workers who are living abroad to travel to Dubai.
For employees: Proof of employment from a current foreign employer with a one-year contract validity and a minimum of $5,000 USD salary per month. Last month’s payslip and three preceding month’s bank statements.
For business owners: Proof of ownership of the company for one year or more, with an average monthly income of $5,000 (or its equivalent in foreign currencies) and three preceding months’ bank statements.
Please note: You can also provide proof of work or remote employment outside the UAE. And, if you request permission for family members, you must provide proof of medical insurance and a valid passport with the respective support for payment of the fees for each one.

Advantages for digital nomads in Dubai

• Infrastructure for remote work
• Availability of accommodation
• Internet speed and capacity rights and freedoms for remote workers
• Cost of living, health, and safety
• Culture, leisure, and good weather
• No tax payment for individuals
• Possibility of traveling with the family

Steps to apply for a digital nomad visa in Dubai

• Step 1: Fill out the application form
  Note: If you are in the UAE, submit the application documents at an AMER center. Toll-free number 8005111 / International: +97 1 4 313 99999 / e-mail: amer@gdrfad.gov.ae
• Step 2: Prepare the necessary documents. The documents must be translated into English by a sworn translator and duly apostilled.
• Step 3: Pay the fees. The application fee costs $287, but you must consider other processing charges, such as paperwork and medical tests.
• Step 4: Wait for the response. The response time is approximately 30 to 60 days and will be sent by email.

Information consulted on visitdubai.com and the official page of federal services of the United Arab Emirates

What happens after getting the visa approval?

When you get the welcome email to Dubai, you can start your trip. Remember that upon arrival, you have about a month to go to the medical appointment. Your results will be out in two weeks. After getting the medical results, you’ll need to get your biometrics done.

With this requirement, you’ll be able to receive the passport stamp and finally, they will give you the residency card, which will be sent by the government through certified mail.

Why is Dubai listed as one of the best destinations for digital nomads?

According to a study by Nestpick, Dubai is one of the most attractive destinations for digital nomads, in terms of living, infrastructure, telecommunications, legislation, climate, and equality, among other factors. 

Dubai, a balance between family and work life

Quality family time is a right in many countries. Although digital nomadism promotes a minimalist and somewhat loner culture, some make a difference and that is why, as a civil right, nations like Dubai decided to include this benefit in this new visa.

Fortunately, upon receiving a residency card, minor children will be able to access the country’s educational services, as well as the health system, among other essential services. We invite you to read more information on the official website of the United Arab Emirates.

Indispensable working equipment for digital nomads

Internet connection: Dubai is one of the countries that have a fast internet connection. This means that digital nomads will have no problems connecting to their meetings or carrying out their daily tasks.

However, keep in mind that in Dubai and anywhere else in the world, open or public WiFi networks are unsafe. Your information can end up in the hands of hackers, so it can become a real headache. So, to avoid this, we recommend the Holafly eSIM for the United Arab Emirates.

Technology resources: Make sure you bring a high-performance laptop, an external hard drive to increase storage capacity, a power bank because you can’t run out of battery, a power adapter, and headphones so you can attend your meetings.

Tools to manage projects: Trello, Shortcut, Miro, Notion, and Click Up are some examples of apps to organize your daily activities and monitor the fulfillment of the proposed objectives with your clients or employers.

What is the best alternative to get mobile internet in Dubai?

Remote workers often use prepaid SIM cards, Pocket WiFi, free WiFi, or expensive roaming services. But the cost-benefit ratio varies depending on the provider and the terms and conditions of these services.

However, currently, digital nomads, as good explorers of remote work tools, have found that data eSIMs are the best option when it comes to getting internet anywhere in the world, without wasting time or going through registrations or subscriptions of a plastic chip. To verify, we invite you to visit the official Holafly website.

FAQs about the Digital Nomad Visa for Dubai