The Dubai Remote Work Visa Programme, or “nomad visa” programme, was launched in Dubai in early 2021.
The Dubai Remote Work Visa Programme allows people working for companies overseas to obtain a Dubai Remote Work Resident Visa to enable them to reside and live in the UAE.
The visa is valid for 1 year and renewable after 1 year.
What are the steps to obtain a remote work visa in Dubai?
The programme provides access to all standard services available to residents in Dubai, including banking, telecommunications, utilities, workspace rental, healthcare and schooling. It allows workers from all over the world to live and work in the UAE while working for or with companies in other countries.
To obtain a remote work visa in Dubai, you can apply through the Visit Dubai Visa portal.
Collect and submit the correct documents and meet the requirements for the one-year long distance independent resident visa.
The portal is connected to the UAE immigration system and immigration itself issues the visa.
What documents do I need to obtain a Dubai Remote Work Visa?
You will need the following documents in high resolution and up to date to apply for the Dubai Virtual Nomad Visa:
- Passport – with a minimum of 6 months validity remaining – a clear high-resolution copy
- Health insurance with valid UAE coverage – local health insurance or travel insurance covering the UAE
- For employees – proof of employment from a current employer with a contract validity of at least one year, a minimum of USD 5,000 per month salary, with last month’s payslip and bank statements for the previous 3 months.
- For business owners – proof of business ownership for one year or more, with an average monthly income of USD 5,000 per month and bank statements for the previous 3 months.
What are the costs of the Dubai Remote Work Visa?
The general government fee for the one-year Dubai Remote Work Visa is AED 2,300 (USD 620). This includes the visa processing fee and Dubai immigration costs, for a one-year visa.
The cost to renew the Dubai Remote Work Visa for year 2 is the same as above – AED 2,300 (USD 620) per year. Renewal of the visa will require a new application at the end of Year 1, with the same documentation requirement and process.
Please note that payment of the relevant fee does not guarantee the approval of the application. Fees and timelines may change depending on the country of citizenship, the application service required and whether you are applying from the UAE or abroad.
The above fees do not include the cost of health insurance – the Remote Work Visa holder will need to take out health insurance for themselves as part of the visa setup process. The cost of health insurance depends on a number of factors – including age and health status.
The applicant can use travel insurance, but this will need to be converted to a locally registered UAE health insurance policy once the visa application is made.
The above fees do not include foreign document certification fees which may be required if the applicant needs to have their qualification documents, company documents or proof of employment etc. legalised and certified in their home country.
If the visa applicant also wishes to bring their spouse and children to the UAE, this is possible and can be undertaken after the visa has been obtained remotely. Note that additional fees will apply for spouse and dependant visas, and the primary visa holder will need to rent accommodation in Dubai and produce a lease agreement from the Dubai Ejari Municipality as part of the dependant visa applications.
Although the above process can be completed by anyone on their own, it can make things much easier if you seek professional help. Request a quote for our visa application package.