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Digital nomad visas · United Arab Emirates

UAE digital nomad visa.

See the income you need, how long you can stay, the cost and who can apply. Last checked 11 Oct 2026.

Virtual work visa

The official name in English

Official source Apply

Income needed: USD 3,500 a monthAt least USD 3,500 a month, or the same amount in another currency.
First stay: 12 monthsOne year, as stated on the Dubai GDRFA page. The federal u.ae and ICP pages do not state a length.
Renewal: Can be renewed, as stated on the Dubai GDRFA page.
Cost: Several feesICP lists AED 100 for the application, AED 100 for issuance and AED 100 for smart services.
Processing time: ICP lists 2 days. Dubai GDRFA lists 48 hours.
Where to apply: Online with ICP smart services (UAE Pass login), or with GDRFA in Dubai. You do not need to be inside the UAE when the visa is issued.

Documents listed: health insurance, a medical fitness test result, proof of work outside the UAE and a salary certificate.
ICP says the passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
Dubai GDRFA lists these fees: AED 200 residence permit, AED 10 Knowledge Dirham, AED 10 Innovation Dirham, AED 500 fee inside the country and AED 20 delivery.
Dubai has its own application route through GDRFA. Its page says the permit needs no guarantor or host inside the country.
The Abu Dhabi Residents Office page lists a duration of 1 year. It says nomination requests for this category are currently unavailable through that office.
After a permit ends or is cancelled, Dubai GDRFA lists a 60 day grace period to stay.

Checked 11 Oct 2026

Who can apply

Who can apply.

Open to citizens of any other country.

People who live in the UAE while working for a company outside the UAE.
The visa is for people who work for a company outside the UAE.

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FAQ

Common questions.

What income do I need for the UAE digital nomad visa?

At least USD 3,500 a month, or the same amount in another currency.

How long can I stay on the UAE digital nomad visa?

One year, as stated on the Dubai GDRFA page. The federal u.ae and ICP pages do not state a length. Can be renewed, as stated on the Dubai GDRFA page.

How much does the UAE digital nomad visa cost?

ICP lists AED 100 for the application, AED 100 for issuance and AED 100 for smart services.

Who can apply for the UAE digital nomad visa?

Open to citizens of any other country. People who live in the UAE while working for a company outside the UAE. The visa is for people who work for a company outside the UAE.

Can I work for companies in the UAE?

The visa is for people who work for a company outside the UAE.

How do I apply?

Online with ICP smart services (UAE Pass login), or with GDRFA in Dubai. You do not need to be inside the UAE when the visa is issued. ICP lists 2 days. Dubai GDRFA lists 48 hours.

Sources

United Arab Emirates: Virtual work visa (u.ae)
United Arab Emirates: how to apply (icp.gov.ae)
United Arab Emirates: Virtual work visa (gdrfad.gov.ae)
United Arab Emirates: Virtual work visa (adro.gov.ae)

General information, not legal advice. Last checked 11 Oct 2026.

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