The Dubai digital nomad visa: The Virtual Work permit explained
Plus, the moving-to-Dubai part is so much easier with the Virtual Work Visa, a one-year residence permit that lets remote workers live in the city without the need for a sponsor.
You'll be able to rent a home, sponsor your family, get healthcare access and enjoy the perks of city life like any other resident.
Dine at world-class restaurants, unwind at chic beach clubs and soak up stunning views of The Palm from rooftop bars.
Ready for a change of scenery? Here's how to get a digital nomad visa in Dubai.
The good thing is that the (easy peasy) process can be completed online, but first, check if you're eligible.
Check if you're eligible for the Virtual Work Visa
If you're an employee, the minimum requirements are:
You need to be working with a company outside the UAE with a contract valid for at least one year. The visa is not valid for companies based in Dubai or the UAE.
You must earn a minimum of approximately Dhs12,800 ($3,500) per month.
You'll need to show proof of employment, like your contract (for a year) or an official letter from your company.
Dubai digital nomad visa documents
Before you start packing, here's what you'll need on hand:
A passport with at least six months' validity.
Health insurance or travel insurance valid in the UAE for a minimum of one year.
Proof of remote work outside the UAE
A salary certificate that proves you earn a minimum of US $3,500 per month or its equivalent in a foreign currency
The result of a medical fitness test
Of course, a passport photo in colour on a white background
An Emirates ID receipt
Applicants can apply for a 60-day residency visa to allow them to apply for the one-year residence permit and get an Emirates ID.
The GDRFA outlines all the requirements for the application process online here.
How to apply for Dubai's Virtual Work residence permit
There are three different ways you can apply for the Virtual Work residence permit.
To apply online, head to GDRFA Dubai's website, log in through UAE Pass (the government's digital identity app for visitors, residents and citizens) or a username and password, and look for 'New Virtual Work Entry Permit'.
Once logged in, you'll need to search for the virtual work residence permit to get the one-year stay. For the 60-day visa, you'll need to look for a visa issuance work permit, which will allow you to fulfil the residency permit requirements.
You'll then need to fill in the application data and pay the service fees, which include the permit fee of Dhs200, the knowledge fee of Dhs10, the innovation fee of Dhs10 and the fee inside the country of Dhs500.
You can also apply for the permit via a GDRFA Dubai customer happiness centre or an Amer Service Centre if you want some help with your application.
In either case, you'll need an automated turn ticket and submit the application by fulfilling all the conditions and documents to a customer service employee.
Top places to work remotely in Dubai
Mohammed Bin Rashid Library
Mohammed Bin Rashid Library (Credit: DET)
This iconic Dubai library, located in Dubai Creek's Al Jaddaf, is a direct 10-minute walk from the Creek metro station. It's free to enter and offers free WiFi, with dedicated spaces on every floor featuring charging points, large desks, lounge chairs and bean bags.
Free entry. Mon-Thu, Sat, 9am-9pm. Fri, 2pm-9pm. Sun, closed. Al Jaddaf. mbrl.ae (800 627523).
Co-working at 25hours Hotel One
With bookable rooms, cosy seating areas and even hanging chairs, it's set up for focus times. Once your to-do list is ticked off, head to the cassette bar to spin your favourite tunes or blow off steam with a few rounds on the arcade games. And yes, the high-speed wi-fi is just as reliable as you'd hope.
Free (if you purchase food or drink). Open Mon-Sun 7am-10pm. 25hours Hotel One Central, Trade Cente, 25hours-hotels.com (04 210 2522).
Foundry
The gallery, library and co-working space not only gives you free entry to see some incredible art, but there's also a gorgeous little café inside. So grab a latte and climb into a library pod for some cosy and undisturbed reading.
Open daily 10am-10pm. Downtown Dubai, emarmalls.ae (04 367 3696).
Lulu & The Beanstalk
The independent bar, café and bookstore is the perfect spot for remote workers. It's usually less crowded during the day, so grab a matcha and get ready for a day of crushing productivity.
Open Mon-Thu 8am-11pm; Fri 8am-midnight; Sat 11am-midnight. ICD Brookfield Place, lulusbean.com (04 268 8664).
Continue reading: 11 of the coolest co-working spaces in Dubai, no matter your budget
More on living in Dubai
Every UAE golden visa category explained: How do I apply and what are the benefits?
You may well qualify without knowing it
The best restaurants in Dubai
More than 50 tried and tested venues
Your complete guide to the Dubai Metro: Timings, fares, routes and stations
Plus, are kids allowed to travel alone on the Metro?
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