Dubai, one of the most bustling cities in the United Arab Emirates, is an attractive tourist destination and a popular digital nomad hotspot. This city also has a low cost of living, accessible public transportation, infrastructural necessities, and various facilities for the digital nomads, making it highly desirable.
The new Dubai digital nomad visa has made things a lot easier, allowing remote workers and digital nomads to reside in the country while working remotely. This article delves into just that and explores how Dubai accommodates the digital nomad community with its visa policy.
Keep reading to learn all about it!
Does Dubai have a Digital Nomad Visa?
The Dubai digital nomad visa, also known as the “virtual working program” is an amazing one-year visa option for interested individuals. This visa allows you to stay in the country for up to 1 year and work remotely outside the country. This is a great option for remote workers, freelancers, and business owners who can carry on their work operations digitally.
This visa allows digital nomads to enjoy Dubai temporarily while keeping their long-term jobs. The virtual working program is designed to cater to a niche community. Remote workers would be happy to learn that the Dubai digital nomad visa has a lot of benefits and it’s one of the best options out there.
Who can Apply for the Dubai Digital Nomad Visa?
Here are the factors that determine whether you are eligible for a Dubai Digital Nomad Visa.
Eligibility criteria
- Remote workers, employed by a foreign company with a minimum one-year contract
- Business owners who own a company in a non-uae country
- Freelancers, providing services to foreign employers (freelancer visa may be a better option for them)
- Foreign nationals, not associated with local Dubai companies
- Meet the minimum income requirement (as discussed below)
How do you apply for a Digital Nomad Visa in Dubai?
Look at the step-by-step guide below to learn exactly how to apply for a Dubai digital nomad visa.
- Gather the necessary documents
This article will guide you regarding the required documents while applying for the visa. This first step requires special attention because the accuracy of your application determines the processing time. In case you aren’t sure about the required documents, keep reading to get a brief overview.
- Fill out the online application form.
Following that, you’ll need to go to the GDRFAD website and fill out the visa application form. This is one of the most attention-demanding parts of the process. You can easily get the form online after creating an account. Make sure to be extra careful and double-check all of your information.
- Pay the visa fee
Once you have filled out the form and submitted the documents, the next step is to pay the visa application fee. You can choose your preferred payment method here.
- Wait for feedback
Once you have completed all the steps, you just need to sit tight and wait for the authorities to process your application. You’ll most likely receive feedback within a few weeks.
- Enter Dubai
You’ll receive a confirmation if your application is approved. Following that, you can receive your visa and enter Dubai.
How Much Does it Cost?
The cost of a Dubai digital nomad visa varies on various factors such as your nationality and country of origin. Individuals applying from abroad can expect a fee of $101 (inclusive of VAT) while people already in Dubai will be subject to $334 (including VAT). These costs can change over time so make sure to check the official website before applying.
Dubai Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
There are some requirements that you must fulfill to get this visa.
Required documents
You must have the following documents with you during the time of your visa application.
- Valid passport: a passport that will remain valid for at least 6 months beyond the duration of your stay.
- Valid health insurance: health insurance that will remain valid and cover all expenses for the duration of your entire stay.
- Proof of employment: Applicants must submit proof that they are currently working for a business based in a non-uae country. This could be proved by submitting an employment contract, Pay Slips, or any other documents from current employers.
- Proof of income: you can submit proof in the form of payslips or bank statements.
- Bank account statements from the last 6 months
- Photo: passport-sized, colored, white background, and correct dimensions.
- Proof of company ownership, if applicable.
You’ll need to submit additional documents if you are bringing dependents and family members such as a spouse or child with you. Examples may include proof of relationship etc.
Financial requirements
This remote work visa “Dubai virtual work visa program” poses specific requirements for minimum income as well. Applicants must be able to prove that they make a minimum of $3500 on a monthly basis. The stability of this income must be proved.
This measure is in place to ensure that digital nomads can support their stay in Dubai.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Dubai Digital Nomad Visa?
There is no fixed time for this application process but it can be estimated to take 30-60 days. Ideally, your application will be processed within a few weeks of submission and you’ll receive feedback. However, you should keep in mind that the time will vary based on factors such as the accuracy of your application, the competency of the departments, the amount of burden they are dealing with, and perhaps even some government policies
Benefits of the Dubai Digital Nomad Visa
Good internet
Internet speed is one of the main things that a digital nomad or remote worker considers before moving to a new place. The good news is that Dubai has an average downloading internet speed of 204.24 Mbps. As for uploading, it’s also good with 134.95 Mbps. The internet speed is not only fast but reliable and easily available as well. The high-speed internet allows you to keep a healthy work-life balance and stay up to date with your remote work.
If you wish to ensure extra reliability, you can also purchase local SIM cards after arriving in the country. There are a bunch of good providers in this country that offer fast wifi speeds and affordable packages
Diverse culture
The atmosphere and environment of a place are also impactful factors that can influence your decision. Dubai is a multi-cultural place and the diversity is well depicted in art, music, and architecture. This city is known for its vibrancy and range of culture. You can immerse yourself in its history and live in a bustling environment. Essentially, it is the kind of place where you can find your community easily and form meaningful connections.
Friendly locals
Another good thing about Dubai is the friendly and welcoming local community, digital nomads and remote workers will feel right at home and enjoy hospitality. This will make their life easy in a foreign country and elevate their living experience.
Affordable cost of living
Dubai experiences an affordable cost of living that is best described as average. While it is not the cheapest digital nomad destination out there, it’s certainly budget-friendly. A digital nomad can access various facilities and modern amenities at a cheap rate. Here is a rough breakdown of general expenses there. You can live here on a tight budget and make the best out of your time. However, please note that the cost of living is defined by an individual’s spending pattern and lifestyle. If you follow a standard digital nomad lifestyle, you’ll find these estimates to be quite accurate.
Do Digital Nomads Pay Tax in Dubai?
The Dubai virtual working visa offers great tax benefits including exemption from personal income tax. The government doesn’t levy taxes on local income, meaning your personal income won’t be taxed.
Digital nomads will need to pay taxes in Dubai if the income is generated locally. Hence, you won’t be required to pay any taxes if you are working remotely and earning your income from a foreign country. This is a favorable outcome as you get to keep a larger portion of your income.
However, make sure to check your home country’s visa policy because some incur worldwide taxes.
Renew Digital Nomad Visa Dubai
Another good thing about Dubai’s digital nomad visa is that it has an amazing renewal policy. This visa is originally issued for a period of 1 year. Once that time has passed and you wish to extend your stay, you can apply for a renewal and possibly get an additional year, making 2 in total.
The renewal process is similar to the original one. You’ll need to prove that you continue to meet the earlier defined eligibility requirements and pay the necessary fees.
If your visa application is up to par, you’ll be granted an extension. If not, you’ll be asked to leave the city upon your expiration date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need a visa for Dubai?
Citizens of the United States can enter and stay in Dubai without a visa. However, they must possess a valid passport and proof of return ticket.
Do EU citizens need a visa for Dubai?
Citizens of the European Union can enter and stay in Dubai without a visa as long as they stay for less than 90 days. They will be granted a visa on arrival. Remember that this doesn’t apply to Ireland.
What are some other visa options in Dubai?
Interested individuals can explore various visa options including tourist visa, residence visa, golden visa, freelance visa, blue visa, green visa, and job exploration visa. Depending on your specific circumstances, you can find one that fits your needs.
Does Dubai grant visa-on-arrival for digital nomads?
If your country has access to a visit visa in Dubai, you can start the process abroad (in your home country or otherwise) and apply for the virtual work visa residence permit. The process can be completed when you get to Dubai.
Final Thoughts
Dubai is undoubtedly an inviting place that promises an unsavory and clamorous experience. With its bustling surroundings, vast digital nomad community, welcoming locals, and accommodating specialties for digital nomads, Dubai lures several people to pack their bags and move here.
If you are one of the people who couldn’t resist Dubai’s beauty then the Dubai digital nomad visa programme is your ultimate helper.
We hope this article provides you with the necessary information and clears your doubts about the Dubai program in question. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us and we’d be happy to help.
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