Dubai Digital Nomad Visa (Virtual Working Program UAE) — 2025 Update
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Nadia Dardón
Immigration Content Writer
Last update
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UAE Rating from Citizen Remote
Overall 
3.6
Internet Infrastructure 5.0
Country Stability 3.0
Cost of Living 1.0
Ease of Obtaining Visa 4.0
Taxes 5.0
Quick Visa Facts
Visa length 1 year
Possible to extend? Yes, renewable annually as long as the eligibility criteria are met.
Who can apply? Remote workers and freelancers employed by companies outside the UAE, or entrepreneurs running businesses registered abroad.
Minimum Income Requirements At least USD $5,000 per month (or equivalent in other currencies)
Time for visa applications Typically 5 to 7 business days after submitting a complete application.
Want to know if you can apply?
Complete a visa quiz and see if you qualify!
Dreaming of living in Dubai while keeping your remote job? With year-round sunshine, futuristic skylines, and a tax-free lifestyle, it’s no wonder Dubai is one of the top choices for digital nomads in 2025. And the best part? You don’t need to quit your job or start a local business to live there.
Dubai’s Virtual Working Program, often called the Dubai digital nomad visa, lets you live in this vibrant city while working remotely for a company or clients outside the UAE. Whether you're a freelancer, a business owner, or a remote employee, this visa offers the chance to enjoy Dubai’s luxury lifestyle, world-class infrastructure, and unmatched global connections.
Ready to swap your home office for views of the Burj Khalifa? Let’s dive into everything you need to know.
Dubai Digital Nomad Visa Overview
Dubai’s Virtual Working Program, commonly known as the Dubai digital nomad visa, was launched in October 2020 as part of the UAE’s efforts to attract global talent and remote professionals. It’s a one-year residence permit that allows foreign nationals to live in Dubai while working remotely for an employer or business based outside the United Arab Emirates.
Designed with flexibility in mind, the program makes it easy for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and remote employees to enjoy Dubai’s tax-free lifestyle, excellent infrastructure, and high quality of life. Without needing a local sponsor or setting up a company in the UAE.
Who Is It For?
The visa is ideal for:
Remote employees working for a non-UAE company.
Freelancers with international clients.
Business owners running a company registered outside the UAE.
To qualify, applicants must show they have a steady income, valid health insurance, and proof of employment or business ownership for at least one year.
What Does It Allow You to Do?
With Dubai’s digital nomad visa, you can:
Live in Dubai for up to 12 months, with the option to renew.
Work remotely for a company or clients located outside the UAE.
Access essential services like housing, telecoms, banking, healthcare, and schooling.
Sponsor family members (spouse and children) to live with you in Dubai.
Enjoy zero personal income tax.
This visa offers all the perks of living in Dubai, without the need for a local job or investment. It's your gateway to working remotely in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.
Dubai Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
To apply for Dubai’s Virtual Working Program, you’ll need to gather several documents that demonstrate your identity, remote work status, financial stability, and health coverage. Below is a full list of the basic documents, followed by special requirements that deserve extra attention.
Completed visa application form.
Passport valid for at least 6 months.
Recent passport-sized photograph.
Proof of remote employment or business ownership.
Health insurance valid in the UAE.
Proof of income.
Bank statements from the last 3 months.
Payment of the visa application fee.
Proof of Financial Self-Sufficiency
Applicants must demonstrate that they can financially support themselves during their stay in Dubai.
Remote employees must show a minimum monthly income of USD $3,500.
Business owners/freelancers must provide proof that their company has been operating for at least one year, along with personal income meeting the same threshold.
Required documents include:
Recent payslip or income report.
Bank statements covering the last three months.
Private Health Insurance
Applicants are required to have valid health insurance that provides coverage in the UAE for the entire duration of their stay.
Travel insurance is not sufficient unless it explicitly covers medical services within the UAE.
If you're moving with family, each dependent must also be covered by health insurance.
Travel insurance is not accepted; it must be long-term residency health insurance. You can find our recommendations for the best health insurance plans for digital nomads here.
Proof of Employment or Business Ownership
You must prove that your work is based outside the UAE:
Remote employees: Provide a work contract valid for at least one year and a letter from your employer confirming your role, income, and remote work arrangement.
Business owners/freelancers: Submit proof of business ownership (like a business license) and a description of your services or clients.
How to Apply for the Dubai Digital Nomad Visa – Step-by-Step Instructions
Applying for Dubai’s Virtual Working Program is a fairly straightforward process, and you can do most of it online. Here's a step-by-step guide to walk you through it:
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
Before starting your application, make sure you have all the required documents ready, including:
A valid passport (with at least 6 months of validity)
Passport-sized photo.
Proof of remote work (employment contract or business license)
Proof of income (minimum USD $3,500/month)
Bank statements (last 3 months)
Health insurance covering the UAE.
Completed application form.
Step 2: Submit Your Application Online
You can apply directly through the official portal run by Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or through Dubai’s tourism platform.
Go to the official application portal: Visit Dubai.
Complete the application form.
Upload your documents.
Pay the non-refundable application fee (USD $287 per person, subject to change)
Step 3: Wait for Processing
Once submitted, your application will be reviewed by the UAE immigration authorities. Processing typically takes 5 to 7 business days, but may take longer in some cases.
Step 4: Enter Dubai and Complete Local Steps
If approved, you’ll receive an entry permit that allows you to travel to Dubai.
Once in Dubai, you’ll need to:
Take a medical fitness test (standard procedure for all UAE residence visas)
Apply for your Emirates ID.
Finalize residency stamping in your passport.
These steps are usually done within the first 1–2 weeks after arrival.
Step 5: Start Living & Working in Dubai!
Once your visa is fully processed and your Emirates ID is issued, you’re officially ready to live in Dubai as a digital nomad. You’ll be able to rent accommodation, open a bank account, register for utilities, and enjoy life as a UAE resident.
How Much Does the Dubai Digital Nomad Visa Cost?
The cost of Dubai’s Virtual Working Program varies depending on how you apply, where you process it, and whether you bring dependents. The base visa application fee is USD $287, which covers the review and processing of your application. However, if you choose to apply in person at an AMER center in Dubai, you may be charged an additional service fee of around USD $334.
In addition to the application fee, there are a few required services that come with their own costs:
Medical fitness test (required upon arrival): USD $85–$270
Emirates ID (UAE identification card): USD $–165
Health insurance valid in the UAE: USD $500–$2,500 per year, depending on your coverage, age, and whether you’re insuring dependents
Altogether, the total cost for a single applicant typically ranges from $800 on the low end to around $3,000+ on the high end—especially if you opt for premium insurance or use a visa agent to help with processing.
Other optional or situational costs include:
Family sponsorship fees: around USD $287–$334 per dependent, plus insurance
Status change fee (if applying from within the UAE on a tourist visa): ~USD $150
Agent or PRO service fees (optional): USD $245–$33,0 depending on the provider
If you're planning to renew after one year, expect to pay most of these same fees again—application, medical, Emirates ID, and insurance all need to be updated or resubmitted.
For most applicants, a realistic total budget for the first year is between USD $1,400 and $2,000, but you can keep it lower by handling the process yourself and choosing budget-friendly insurance plans.
Taxes for People With a Dubai Digital Nomad Visa
One of the biggest perks of living in Dubai as a digital nomad is its tax-friendly environment. The UAE doesn’t charge personal income tax, meaning you won’t pay any local tax on the income you earn from abroad while living in Dubai under the Virtual Working Program.
That said, there are a few important things to keep in mind:
Dubai does not tax foreign-earned income: If you work remotely for a company or clients outside the UAE, your income is not taxed locally. There are no capital gains taxes or inheritance taxes either.
You may still owe taxes in your home country: Just because Dubai won’t tax your income doesn’t mean your home country won’t. Depending on your citizenship or tax residency rules, you might still be required to file tax returns or pay income taxes back home (e.g., U.S. citizens must file worldwide income regardless of where they live).
The visa does not grant UAE tax residency by default: While the Dubai nomad visa allows you to live in the UAE, it does not automatically qualify you for tax residency. To become a tax resident, you usually need to stay in the country for 183 days or more per year and apply for a UAE Tax Residency Certificate, if needed.
No corporate taxes apply to your foreign business: If you run a business that’s incorporated outside the UAE and you're simply managing it remotely while living in Dubai, local corporate tax rules won’t apply to your business either.
In short, Dubai won’t tax your income, but it’s a good idea to check with a tax advisor in your home country to make sure you're still compliant with any filing obligations. You get to enjoy the benefits of a tax-free lifestyle in Dubai—just be mindful of what your home country expects while you're living abroad.
Living in Dubai as a Digital Nomad
Capital Dubai (Emirate of Dubai)
Form of Government Absolute monarchy
Population Around 3.5 million
Climate Hot desert climate
Language Arabic
Currency Emirati Dirham
16 people in UAE!
Join the community of remoters!
Living in Dubai is a unique experience. You won’t find anywhere that’s like this city. It provides a luxurious lifestyle, with one-of-a-kind architecture and man-made structures that are an amazing sight. Unfortunately, this lifestyle comes with a price. It can be quite expensive to live in Dubai, but it can be worth it for the quality of life you can get. The community is amazing, and the services and experiences Dubai has to offer are unique and interesting.
Dubai is the UAE’s most iconic and cosmopolitan city—and the main hub for digital nomads. With world-class infrastructure, vibrant coworking spaces, year-round sunshine, and a buzzing expat scene, Dubai offers everything you need to work remotely in style. It’s home to endless cafes with fast Wi-Fi, sleek accommodation options, and a never-ending list of things to do, from beach clubs and rooftop bars to desert adventures and luxury shopping. Plus, it's where the digital nomad visa program is based, making it the most convenient option.
Cost of Living
The official currency of the United Arab Emirates is the UAE Dirham (AED). 1 AED = $0.27 USD (exchange rates can fluctuate slightly).
The average net monthly salary in the UAE is around AED 13,500, which equates to approximately $3,675 USD.
Here’s a rundown of what you should expect to pay in Dubai:
Rent (1 bedroom in city center) – $2,520 USD per month
Rent (3 bedrooms outside city center) – $4,798 USD per month
Basic Utilities – $222.42 per month
Wi-Fi – $100.91 per month
Public Transport – $1.63 one-way ticket
Groceries (2 people) – approximately $400-$650 USD
FAQs About Dubai Digital Nomad Visa
Can I bring my family with me on the Dubai digital nomad visa?
Yes! You can sponsor your spouse and dependent children to join you in Dubai under this visa. You'll need to show proof of your relationship (like a marriage certificate or birth certificates) and meet the financial requirements to support them. Each dependent will have to go through the same medical and Emirates ID processes as you.
Can I work for a UAE-based company while on this visa?
No. The Dubai digital nomad visa is strictly for remote workers employed by companies outside the UAE. You're not allowed to take on work for local UAE employers or clients under this visa. If you want to work for a UAE-based company, you’ll need to switch to a different type of work visa sponsored by that employer.
How long is the Dubai remote work visa valid?
The visa is valid for 1 year and can be renewed annually, provided you still meet all the eligibility requirements (like income and valid remote employment). Renewal requires reapplying with updated documents and repeating the health test and ID process.
Do I need to rent long-term housing to apply?
Not necessarily. You don’t need a long-term lease to apply initially, but you will need to provide a valid Dubai residential address for your Emirates ID and visa processing. Many nomads start with short-term rentals (like Airbnb or serviced apartments) and switch to a longer lease after arrival.
Can I get help applying for the Dubai Digital Nomad Visa?
If you need help applying for a visa, you can talk to Citizen Remote. Get specific advice from one of our experts, or outsource the entire application to our team.
Author
Nadia Dardón is a content creator from Guatemala. She has worked fully remotely for the past six years as a copywriter, editor, and content creator, working for different industries. She started her digital nomad journey in 2022 and currently lives as an expat in Spain.
