United Arab Emirates Digital Nomad Visa
The UAE's Virtual Working Programme, issued federally and through Dubai's GDRFA, lets remote workers live in the Emirates for a year on a renewable visa, with zero personal income tax and full residency benefits including Emirates ID and banking.
Best for
- Remote workers earning USD $42k+ wanting a tax-free base
- Founders and freelancers running foreign-registered businesses
- Workers relocating with a spouse and children (sponsorable on the same visa)
Eligibility
- Employment contract with a non-UAE company valid for 1+ year, OR ownership of a foreign-registered business of 1+ year
- Minimum income of $3,500/month
- Passport valid 6+ months
- Health insurance with UAE coverage
Application steps
- Apply online via the GDRFA portal or visitdubai.com
- Upload passport, employment contract or business ownership proof, payslip, bank statements, and insurance
- Pay approximately USD $611 (visa fee, medical, and Emirates ID)
- Complete the medical fitness test and biometrics on arrival
- Receive Emirates ID and 1-year residency
Tax considerations
The UAE levies no personal income, wealth, inheritance, or capital-gains tax. U.S. citizens and other worldwide-tax-jurisdiction filers remain liable in their home country.
This is general information and not tax advice. Confirm with a tax advisor licensed in your home country and United Arab Emirates before triggering residency.
Need EOR in United Arab Emirates?
Pick EOR over the Virtual Working Programme when the worker needs full Emirates ID sponsorship, end-of-service gratuity accrual, or compliant payroll routed through WPS. The VWP is a residence permit, not an employment relationship, and gives the worker no local benefits or labour-law protections.
HQ Simple services United Arab Emirates EOR through our vetted partner network. Direct EOR sits with the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Australia.
Talk to us about EOR in United Arab EmiratesA 20-minute call usually settles it: EOR if the worker is a local resident, DNV if they keep their home employer. We'll tell you which is cleaner.