Living and working remotely in Dubai

Dubai is an attractive destination for remote workers due to its strategic location, modern infrastructure and status as a global business hub.

One of the primary attractions of remote work in Dubai is its well-developed telecommunications infrastructure, including high-speed internet connectivity and advanced communication systems. This enables seamless virtual collaboration with colleagues and clients worldwide – perfect for a quick online meeting or catch-up.

Remote workers from outside the United Arab Emirates can apply for a one-year visa, known as the « virtual work residence visa »¹.

This allows you to work as self-employed or for a company that operates outside Dubai.

Your family members may move with you and you will be entitled to utilities, a residence ID card, banking and schooling during your time in Dubai.

The visa requirements are:

• A valid passport valid ( 6 months)
• Proof of work with a contract valid for one year
• Proof of monthly income of a minimum of €4 609 per month¹
• Health insurance covering your residency in the UAE
• Provide the salary slip for the last month and bank statements for the preceding three months

You can apply for the visa online at visitdubai.com. If you wish to continue working remotely in Dubai after one year you will need to reapply for the visa.

If you plan to work remotely in Dubai and take advantage of the one-year visa, you may wish to rent accommodation to begin with. There are many kinds of rental properties available to match all budgets, from one-bedroom studio apartments to luxury villas with private swimming pools.

Source: https://www.combien-coute.net/locstudio-centre/emirats-arabes-unis/dubai/

Renting a villa, most of which are on complexes, depends on the size and space you require. Prices start at around €3,500 and can rise to several thousand euros per month.

When choosing where to live in Dubai, it’s essential to consider factors such as proximity to schools (if you’re moving with a family), healthcare facilities and leisure amenities

Working remotely in Dubai can also influence where you live. If you decide to set up a home office you may prefer to live in a community environment where you can take an afternoon swim to relax and network with like-minded people.

You’ll also want to know where the best coworking spaces are for digital nomads, of which there are currently just over 100⁵, including:

• Wework
• The Bureau
• Cloud Spaces

The main locations in Dubai offer a variety of benefits:

• Downtown Dubai – with its iconic landmarks like the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, this area has a selection of luxury apartments with stunning views of the city skyline.
• Dubai Marina – if you find waterfront views inspirational when working remotely, this is the area for you.
• Jumeirah Beach Residence – a beachfront community offering a mix of residential buildings and beachfront cafes. An ideal location to set up with your laptop and enjoy the panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf.
• Arabian Ranches – a family-friendly community with spacious villas and townhouses, allowing you to enjoy a tranquil living environment.
• Palm Jumeirah – a man-made island containing luxury villas and apartments with stunning views of the sea and the Dubai skyline.
• Dubai Sports City – perfect for combining remote working with sports activities, this area is a haven for keep-fit enthusiasts.
• Dubai Silicon Oasis – a technology and innovation hub popular among remote workers working in these sectors.

Living and remote working in Dubai offers a unique experience in a city that’s full of diverse cultures. This dynamic city offers a range of leisure activities for remote workers to unwind and recharge after work. From pristine beaches and luxury shopping malls to desert safaris and water sports, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in Dubai.

The cost of living in Dubai has a reputation for being expensive, however, it is manageable depending on your lifestyle. A benefit of living in Dubai is that there is no tax on personal income if you are a tax resident.

Every working situation is different, and you need to ensure that you are registered correctly so you pay taxes in the right country if required. This will all depend on whether you work for a company inside or outside the UAE or as a freelancer. You should consult a tax advisor to check on your individual circumstances.

Below are some examples of typical cost of living prices in Dubai⁶:

If you become a temporary resident in Dubai you must have medical insurance. You are not automatically entitled to state healthcare, so will need to take out a policy that covers you for your time in Dubai.

Make sure that your policy covers your year-long stay in Dubai, and is not a short-term travel insurance policy, which may not be valid if you suffer an accident.

If you work in Dubai as a digital nomad for a year you may decide this is the place to live long term. If so, our iad Overseas property consultants can assist you with buying a property in Dubai, from selecting the area to choosing a home within your budget and following the purchase procedure.

Dubai offers remote workers a unique blend of modern amenities and an insight into a different culture making it an attractive destination if you’re seeking a vibrant lifestyle while working remotely.