The Digital Nomad in Dubai!

Dubai has a thriving expat community. It is an exotic and exciting city that is worth paying a visit, now especially as there is a digital nomad visa for Dubai. Living in Dubai is a unique experience, you will not find anywhere that is like this city. It provides a luxurious lifestyle, with one of a kind architecture and man made structures that are of an amazing sight. Unfortunately, this lifestyle comes with a cost; it can be quite expensive to live in Dubai.

However, remote work culture is flourishing nowadays with numerous companies worldwide adopting 100% remote or hybrid work policies. Empowered with the choice to work from anywhere, many are choosing the digital nomad lifestyle. Countries like the UAE are supporting virtual working programmes with even remote work visas, thus increasing the opportunities. Becoming a digital nomad in Dubai is quite easy as the city is among the fastest growing hubs for the digital nomads.

Dubai has a lot to offer digital nomads and remote workers, there are multiple opportunities for expats. There are plenty of places to work from, great accommodation options, and the people are very open and welcoming.

Dubai (a smart city) provides the best infrastructure for nomads to work remotely. Along with connectivity and safety, the quality of living conditions makes it an ideal place for digital nomads.

Furthermore, according to the 2022 Savills Executive Nomad Index, Dubai is the third best digital nomad destination on the planet. It meets all five criteria for being an ideal remote working location, such as internet speed, quality of life, climate, air connectivity, and prime rents

Who is basically a nomad?

A digital nomad is a person who works remotely from wherever they want. They travel to different locations and use places like co-working spaces, cafes, beaches, mountains, or anywhere to do their work. They don’t work in an office setup or on a strict 9 to 5 schedule. 

What are the benefits of being a digital nomad?

It offers more freedom compared to the traditional work culture. One can balance both travel and work perfectly; to no longer have to wait for your retirement to travel the world.

Other than this there is greater satisfaction, when you do things that you enjoy, you feel more satisfied with your life. This is reflected in the quality of your work. 

The new air can make you even more productive and focused. Productivity software like clock in clock out apps can help you stay on track and be effective with your time. Welcoming new experiences every day brings with it some challenges. When you learn to work through these challenges it builds resilience in you, which makes you more adaptable and better prepared to deal with things. 

When you work as a digital nomad, you are exposed to several new things that help you develop creative ideas. Moreover, you make new relationships as a digital nomad wherever you go, you meet new people and create connections with them. You get to be a part of different cultures and forms an amazing bond that will fill your life with values. 

Why is Dubai an ideal choice for Digital nomads?

Most of the digital nomad communities agree that Dubai is an ideal location for digital nomads. As several factors contribute to this opinion, such as quality infrastructure, safety, taxes, living conditions, etc.

Today, one of the first concerns of digital nomads while choosing a location is the safety and COVID resilience of the place. Dubai in this aspect stands out as the way it dealt with the pandemic and continues to do so is outstanding, strict sanitization and sterilization process, efficient COVID tests, quarantine rules, and insistence on wearing masks make Dubai a safe place to choose. 

Also, traveling to Dubai is cost-effective, with flight tickets available at low prices. Moreover, Dubai has a large number of hotels with various budgets so, whatever your budget may be, you will be able to find a great place to stay. Also, traveling within the city does not cost you a lot. Local taxi services like Careem and Dubai Metro make it easy for you to travel cost-effectively. 

Digital nomads will be working remotely, and internet connectivity is an absolute must for them. In Dubai, you can be assured of having a strong WiFi connection. So, you will have no problem attending meetings or collaborating online. Also, Dubai promises a wide range of experiences, you will never run out of activities in Dubai. From working on the beach side to exploring shopping malls, restaurants, and outdoor activities, Dubai offers a lot. Therefore, you will have a diverse travel experience and feel enriched. 

For digital nomads, the city gives great options to explore their interests, learn new things, and even check out new career options or side hustles.

Which are the popular workplaces in Dubai for digital nomads?

Dubai has lots of co-working spaces and cafes that host digital nomads. Enjoy your work and experience all the luxuries that the city offers you. The city of Dubai is divided into different districts. The most traditional and authentic ones are the Bur Dubai and Deira districts.

The popular hotspots for digital nomads and other remote workers are Downtown Dubai and Business Bay. You will find great Wi-Fi access and plenty of amenities to enjoy.

Dubai is also known as a high-end business center. There are plenty of opportunities in the city!

The best workplaces for digital nomads in Dubai are:

• A4 Space
• Arrows & Sparrows
• Brothaus Bakery-Bistro
• Cafe Rider
• City Walk Cafes
• ICON Bar & Lounge
• Madinat Jumeirah
• Nadi Al Quoz
• QWERTY
• Roseleaf cafe
• The Beach

Digital Nomad Visa:

The Remote Working Visa Scheme is a novel initiative launched by the Dubai government in March 2021. This allows people of all nationalities to live and work in Dubai or any other emirate while enjoying the same rights and privileges as the residents. Applicants may apply with their spouses, dependents, and parents.

You may travel outside of the UAE, but you must not leave the country for more than six months at a time while on the Dubai digital nomad visa. Dubai is the first country in the Middle East to offer a digital nomad visa. This is excellent for remote workers who are looking to live somewhere long-term in places with digital nomad visas other than Europe or the Caribbean. 

What is a Digital Nomad Visa?

A Nomad visa is a legal authorization that allows its holders to work independently or remotely during their stay in a country. They can be easily obtained by providing account statements and invoices. Based on the country, it can be applied online or submitted in person at the embassy or consulate.

A digital nomad visa offers remote workers temporary residency in a country. These visas are valid for at least a year and can be renewed. To be eligible for a digital nomad visa, you must work remotely either as an employee, own a business, or freelance with clients outside of the country where you are applying for a visa. Therefore, you may not search for employment while living in the country while holding the visa. 

What is the Eligibility Criteria for Obtaining a Digital Nomad Visa?

The following are the requirements:

• Valid Passport – Your passport must be valid for at least six months at the time of applying
• Work Remotely – You must work for a company, own a business, or freelance for clients located outside of the UAE with proof of employment or business ownership for at least one year
• Earn $3,500/month – You must meet the minimum income requirement
• Health Insurance – You must have health insurance coverage in the UAE

The cost of a digital nomad visa is $611, inclusive of the application fee of $287, processing charges, medical insurance premium, and Emirates ID.

What are the Dubai Digital Nomad Visa Requirements?

These are the documents you should keep in mind before you apply for the digital nomad visa:

• Properly fill out the online visa application form.
• A valid passport or a document of travel with a minimum of six months validity.
• A digital passport-size photo with a white background (45mm x 35mm).
• Accommodation reservation (either a lease agreement or a hotel booking) during the UAE visit.
• International medical insurance that specifies the region of visit with valid health coverage.
• If you are bringing your family, their passport and health insurance papers should also be submitted.
• For business owners, the proof of ownership of the company (it must show that you are running the company for a min. of one year, with an annual income of $42000) and 3 months’ bank statement.
• For employees, proof of employment with a one-year agreement with the employer with an average annual salary of US $42000, three months’ bank statements, and the previous month’s pay slip.
• Documents proving your working status as a remote employee.

What is the Procedure to Obtain a UAE Digital Nomad Visa?

The application process for the digital nomad visa starts when you enter the website of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs. But before you start, keep all the above-mentioned scanned documents ready.

• Register yourself on the website and create a username and password.
• Click on the service ‘Golden Visa’, download and fill out the online Visa application form without any mistakes. Remember that a representative from the program will contact you based on the details.
• All the submitted documents and applications will be reviewed by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs. Also, you will be notified about the fees to be paid and the mode of payment.
• Make the required payment for the visa.
• You will have to wait 30-60 days for your visa processing. Once approved, you will get a notification via email or phone.
• Now you can travel to Dubai on your new digital nomad visa. Once you reach there, you have to do a medical check-up.
• You have to take the medical results to any one of the specified offices for bio-metrics.
• Once biometrics are complete, you will get the official stamp on your passport.
• You will be notified about your Emirates ID or residency card via SMS from the Dubai government. Once received, you can start your life as a digital nomad in Dubai.

What is the Cost of a Digital Nomad Visa in Dubai?

Digital nomad visas in Dubai cost $611, including application fees ($287), Emirates ID, pre-application medical exam, and processing fees.

Procedure for UAE Residents:

UAE residents can file their applications for digital nomad through AMER service centers. Here are the steps to be followed. 

• Go to your nearest AMER center.
• Hand over all the relevant documents to the AMER employee.
• Pay the required fees.
• Submit the application.

Six Tips for a Successful Digital Nomad Life

A digital nomad lifestyle is an exciting one, without any doubt!

But to do it successfully, there are some things you need to prepare. The helpful tips for living the digital nomad life. 

1. Budget planning
2. Accommodation
3. Internet connectivity
4. Communication
5. Backup plans
6. Community

Does Dubai Tax Digital Nomads?

No!

In Dubai, digital nomads don’t have to pay income tax. Once you become a digital nomad, you are entitled to all the rights of a UAE resident which means you are also exempted from personal income tax.