What is Dubai Digital Nomad Visa?
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With the advancement in technology and the ongoing pandemic, several startups and established companies have now introduced remote jobs across the globe. Working remotely is a flexible option for those who cannot commute to their offices regularly due to various reasons. Likewise, the government of UAE introduced a scheme in March 2021 to promote the remote work culture. To avail of this opportunity, individuals would be required to obtain a Dubai Digital Nomad visa.
Applicants from all over the world are welcome to apply for this type of visa. Although you are required to work remotely, the government has made it mandatory that individuals must work from Dubai. So those who want to work with a Digital Nomad visa must move to the Emirate and work from their respective accommodation in Dubai.
Continue reading the article below to gain significant information about the benefits of applying for the Dubai Digital Nomad visa, visa eligibility criteria, documents required, the application process, and more.
Why Choose Dubai for Employment Purpose?
The UAE is one of the best countries for entrepreneurs and individuals looking forward to working in different organizations. And while Dubai is certainly one of the most expensive cities, many individuals still prefer the country for work purposes considering how it is among the fastest-growing hubs for startups.
Dubai offers plenty of job opportunities with a notable work culture and also has high internet speed and opulent co-working spaces that allow individuals to work conveniently without any hassle. Other reasons why people prefer to work in Dubai include the great healthcare infrastructure of the emirate, with the Dubai Health Authority offering well-established public and private healthcare services to all UAE nationals and expatriates.
Let’s not forget to mention the tax-free system of the UAE. Irrespective of the residency status, individuals residing in the UAE are not subject to paying any income taxes.
What are the Benefits of Working with a Dubai Digital Nomad Visa?
The following benefits can be enjoyed by individuals having a Dubai Digital Nomad visa –
- Access to different services: Individuals with a Dubai Digital Nomad visa can avail of numerous services such as access to phone lines, banking, housing rental, enrollment of children in educational institutes, and more.
- Quality healthcare system: The healthcare system of Dubai offers state-of-the-art facilities, and individuals with the mentioned visa can receive top-notch medical services. The Dubai Health Authority is responsible for both public and private healthcare services. Individuals can avail of any type of medical services as per their preferences.
- Individuals with a Dubai Digital Nomad visa can enhance their professional and technical skills by working in both the public and private sectors
- With a Dubai Digital Nomad visa, individuals have the flexibility to work remotely
- Having a Dubai Digital Nomad visa does not require you to pay any income tax, local taxes, withholding tax, or capital gain tax
- Family members of the Dubai Digital Nomad visa holders can also relocate to Dubai
- A seamless workflow is assured as the internet connection is fast in the UAE. This means individuals don’t have to face issues while connecting to their clients and colleagues via video calls.
What are the Eligibility Criteria for applying for a Dubai Digital Nomad Visa?
To find out whether you qualify for a Dubai Digital Nomad visa, refer to the eligibility criteria mentioned below –
- You must have a passport with a validity of at least 6 months
- You should have a health insurance policy with UAE coverage
- You must have a valid proof of employment from your current employer with at least a one-year contract
- You possess a minimum monthly salary of USD 5,000 (applicable to both salaried and business owners)
- Payslips and bank statements for the previous 3 months (for salaried applicants) required
- Valid proof of ownership (if the applicant is a self-employed individual)
Documents Required to Apply for a Dubai Digital Nomad Visa
If you want to apply for the Dubai Digital Nomads visa, refer to the list of mandated documents required –
- Passport: Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of your visa application date
- Visa application form: The application form must be filled out without any errors or incorrect information
- Photographs: You must submit a digital passport-sized photograph with a dimension of 45mm x 35mm. Additionally, the background of the photograph must be white.
- Proof of valid health insurance: You must present a valid health insurance certificate with UAE coverage
- Proof of accommodation: A valid document stating your accommodation details in Dubai is required – you may submit a lease agreement or detailed information about your hotel accommodation
- Additional documents for salaried employees:
- Valid proof of employment with at least a contract of one year
- The previous month's pay slip
- A document mentioning your salary
- Bank account statements for the last 3 months
- Additional documents for self-employed individuals:
- Valid proof of ownership of the company for one year or more
- Bank account statements for the last 3 months
- A document showing a monthly income
How to Apply for a Dubai Digital Nomad Visa?
Here is the step-by-step process of how to apply for a Dubai Digital Nomad visa –
- Gather all the required documents: Arrange all the mandated documents and ensure that all of them are in English and digitised
- Visit the official website of Dubai Government: Go to the official website of Dubai Government and register yourself. Login to your account using the newly created credentials and navigate to the AMER service section to apply for the Dubai Digital Nomad visa.
- Fill in the visa application form: Go through the online form and fill it out correctly by providing your personal details such as name, contact number, email ID, and so forth
- Wait for the response: A concerned representative will get in touch with you shortly after you submit the form. You will also receive an email stating further instructions for the visa application process.
- Submit the necessary documents: Compose an email, attach all the essential documents, and send them to workvirtual@dubaitourism.ae
- Get a reply: Dubai Tourism and commercial marketing travel partner Al Rais Travel Agencies LLC will review your submitted visa application and other documents.
- Pay the visa fee: After you make the payment, an email welcoming you to Dubai will be sent to your registered email ID
- Complete your medical checkup process: You can either go for a medical checkup before going to Dubai or after reaching the emirate
- Travel to Dubai: Once you receive your Dubai Digital Nomad visa, you can fly to Dubai
- Schedule a medical appointment: Book your appointment for the medical checkup (if you did not have it in your home country) – the medical checkup can be done within one month after you reach Dubai. You will receive your reports within 2 weeks.
- Visit the biometrics office: For further processes, you will be provided with a list of biometric offices and an application form. Once you receive your medical report, print it along with the application form. Visit one of the offices to complete the biometric process.
- Get your passport stamped: You will receive a call from one of the representatives of the visa authority to get your passport stamped. Keep in mind that this process may take a day.
- Receive your residency card: Finally, you will receive an SMS from the government notifying you about your residence card. Visit the mentioned post office and collect the card.
Cost of Dubai Digital Nomad Visa
To apply for a Dubai Digital Nomad visa, individuals are required to submit a fee of $611. This cost includes the amount of application fee of $287, medical insurance premium, Emirates ID, and other processing fees.
NOTE: Depending upon your country of citizenship, the types of services requested, and other factors, an additional fee may be charged on your visa application
Validity of a Dubai Digital Nomad Visa
A Dubai Digital Nomad visa remains valid for 1 year. Visa holders wishing to extend the duration of their visas can have them renewed by submitting a visa application form.
Processing Time for a Dubai Digital Nomad Visa
The concerned visa authority takes around 30-60 days to process your Dubai Digital Nomad visa application form. The processing time of your Dubai Digital Nomad visa depends on a number of factors, such as the following –
- The number of visa applications received by the visa authorities
- Mistakes in your Dubai Digital Nomad visa application form
- If you have any criminal history
