Dubai Digital Nomad Visa: How to Apply [3 Steps]

If working remotely from one of the richest cities in the world is something that excites you, then you will be interested in applying for the Dubai digital nomad visa. 

You can live amongst some of the most well-known and desired restaurants, retail stores, beaches, and hotels in the world. Experience a completely new way of life while making unique business connections and memories. 

Still relatively new, the Dubai digital nomad visa has been available since March 2021 and welcomes remote workers to live in the UAE for one year. However, you can extend your stay, but you must re-apply for the visa. 

Visa holders will have access to many of the services other residents do, including enrolling children in school, opening a bank account, and even applying for a bank loan. 

Applicants may apply with their spouses, dependents, and parents. 

You may travel outside of the UAE, but you must not leave the country for more than six months at a time while on the Dubai digital nomad visa. 

Dubai is the first country in the Middle East to offer a digital nomad visa. This is excellent for remote workers who are looking to live somewhere long-term in places with digital nomad visas other than Europe or the Caribbean. 

What is a Digital Nomad Visa?

If you’re new to the lifestyle of traveling while working remotely, you may be wondering what is a digital nomad visa? 

A digital nomad visa offers remote workers temporary residency in a country. Typically, these visas are valid for at least a year and can be renewed. 

To be eligible for a digital nomad visa, you must work remotely either as an employee, own a business, or freelance with clients outside of the country where you are applying for a visa. 

Therefore, you may not search for employment while living in the country while holding the visa. 

A digital nomad visa is perfect for those who do not want to move around every few months. Instead, it allows them to stay in a place for a while and truly get to know the destination. 

Dubai Digital Nomad Visa Requirements

There are specific requirements you must meet to be eligible for the Dubai digital nomad visa. 

• Valid Passport – Your passport must be valid for at least six months at the time of applying
• Work Remotely – You must work for a company, own a business, or freelance for clients located outside of the UAE with proof of employment or business ownership for at least one year
• Earn $3,500/month – You must meet the minimum income requirement
• Health Insurance – You must have health insurance coverage in the UAE

If you meet these requirements, then you can start the application process. 

*Note: The income requirement decreased from $5,000 to $3,500 per month, and this article was updated 9/26/2022

Steps to Apply

You may apply for the Dubai digital nomad visa either in the country or outside of it. It can be all done online or at an accredited typing center. 

Step 1: Gather Documents

Before you begin the application process, it’s important to collect all of the necessary documents. These should be translated to English and digitized. 

You will need to submit the following:

• Copy of Passport
• Proof of Employment with One-Year Contract (if applicable)
• Proof of Business Ownership for More Than One Year (if applicable)
• Income Payslip to Prove Income
• Bank Statements from the Last 3 Months
• Proof of Health Insurance

Once you have gathered these documents, you can move to the next step.

Step 2: Submit the Application

The application can be done online. You’ll visit the Dubai digital nomad visa official website and complete the form requesting the application towards the bottom of the page. 

You must also pay an $81 non-refundable processing fee when you submit your application.

Important: All fees related to obtaining the visa and residence permit will amount to $611 in total.

Step 3: Wait for Approval

All digital nomad visa applications are processed by AI Rais Travel Agencies LLC. You should receive an answer via email within five to seven days concerning your visa. 

Dubai for Digital Nomads

One of the most appealing features of getting the Dubai digital nomad visa is that the country does not collect income tax from its residents. Therefore, digital nomads who are tax-savvy can find themselves saving thousands of dollars a year living in Dubai. 

As one of the fastest-growing tech and startup hubs in the world, Dubai is an excellent destination for entrepreneurs and those looking to network with like-minded people. With an impeccable internet connection, plenty of coworking spaces, and grand offices, it’s certainly easy to be productive. 

You certainly will not be overcome with boredom while living in Dubai as a digital nomad. From some of the best beaches and clubs in the world to the finest cuisine and extravagant shopping malls, you’ll live life of luxury in this unique city. 

Of course, we can’t ignore the fact that Dubai does come with a high cost of living. So, we do caution digital nomads to only apply for this visa if they can afford the price tag of living in Dubai. 

Frequently Asked Questions

While articles like this are helpful and informative, you may still have questions about the Dubai digital nomad visa. 

Below are answers to some of the most common questions we receive. 

Will I Owe Taxes in the UAE with the Dubai Digital Nomad Visa?

You will be considered a tax resident in the UAE with the digital nomad visa. However, the income tax is 0%, so you will not pay an income tax. 

You can read more about the UAE’s new tax laws in our article here. 

How Much are the Fees to Apply for the Dubai Digital Nomad Visa?

The application and residence permit fees are around $600 USD to apply for the Dubai digital nomad visa. 

What is the Processing Time for the Dubai Digital Nomad Visa?

It takes between five and seven days to process the Dubai digital nomad visa application. 

How Long is the Dubai Digital Nomad Visa Valid?

Dubai’s digital nomad visa is valid for one year. 

Can I Include Family Members on the Dubai Digital Nomad Visa Application? 

Yes, you may include family members on your digital nomad visa application to live with them in Dubai. 

Can I Apply for the Digital Nomad Visa While Already in Dubai?

Yes, since the application is done online, you may apply for the Dubai digital nomad visa while already in the UAE. 

Does the Dubai Digital Nomad Visa Lead to Permanent Residency?

No, the Dubai digital nomad visa does not lead to permanent residency in the UAE. 

Should I Work with an Immigration Lawyer to Apply for the Dubai Digital Nomad Visa?

While it isn’t required to work with an immigration lawyer to apply for Dubai’s digital nomad visa, it certainly makes the process easier! 

Relocating to a new country can be stressful and confusing, especially when doing it on your own. Working with an immigration lawyer ensures you submit the correct documents and obtain everything you need to successfully reside in Dubai. 

Get Help Applying for Digital Nomad Visas

Not every digital nomad visa is as easy to apply to as Dubai’s. Some are more intensive and require visits to embassies and consulates. 

If you’re interested in legal assistance with digital nomad visa applications worldwide, simply request our free eligibility assessment to get started!