Sub-service · Residence visas · Digital nomad
Digital Nomad Visa in the UAE
The UAE's virtual working programme — the 'digital nomad visa' — is a 1-year residence visa for remote employees and business owners whose company is abroad. You keep your job and your overseas income while basing yourself in the UAE: banking, mobility and a Dubai address without changing employers.
- Validity
- 1 year renewable
- Income proof
- USD 3,500/mo 3 months of bank statements
- Employment
- Remote contract or own company abroad
- Sponsor
- Self under the programme
Process
How the investor visa process goes
-
Check the income floor
day 0USD 3,500/month for the last 3 months of statements — salary certificates or business income proof.
-
File the application
1–5 daysThrough the official portal with passport, remote contract or company documents, insurance and photos.
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Medical and Emirates ID
1–2 weeksEntry, medical test and biometrics once the visa is approved.
-
Base yourself in the UAE
ongoingOpen banking, rent, and renew annually — or upgrade to a Green Visa when income qualifies.
Typical package sequence in the snapshot: License registration → Establishment card → Investor visa → Corporate bank account (1,833 of 2,047 packages follow this order).
Zones
Where packages include the investor visa
| Route | Who qualifies | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Remote employee | Proof of employment with a 1-year contract + salary certificates showing USD 3,500/month | 1 year |
| Business owner | Proof of ownership of a company abroad, with monthly income of USD 3,500 for the last 3 months | 1 year |
| Family inclusion | Spouse and children can be included in the application | tied to holder |
Programme rules as of 2026 — confirm current thresholds with ICP or the free zone before applying.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Who qualifies for the digital nomad visa?
Remote employees with a 1-year contract and business owners outside the UAE, showing at least USD 3,500/month for the last 3 months.
How long is the visa valid?
One year, renewable while the income and remote status continue.
Can my family join?
Yes — spouse and children can be included in the same application.
Does it lead to residency?
It is a residency itself — and a stepping stone: freelancers and employees who qualify later upgrade to the 5-year Green Visa.
Planning an investor visa for your company?
We match the license package to your visa plan — quota, family sponsorship and bank account in one scope.