Dubai – remote work. A guide for freelancers, entrepreneurs and digital nomads

Remote living and working – Dubai as the perfect place for digital nomads

As a highly developed city, Dubai offers ideal conditions for digital nomads and remote workers, providing secure connections and fast internet. Remote work in Dubai allows you to enjoy a luxurious lifestyle and co-working spaces. The lack of personal income tax is one of the biggest advantages of living in Dubai.

The conditions for remote work in Dubai are conducive to both professional efficiency and comfort of life. The city offers excellent infrastructure, modern office buildings and friendly co-working spaces that allow you to work in a professional environment. Internet and coworking in Dubai are of a very high standard – fast internet connections, stable connections and a wide choice of locations allow you to work from anywhere, from the business centre to quiet cafes by the water. In addition, the United Arab Emirates stands out for its safety, excellent public transport and a wide range of leisure activities, making remote working not only convenient but also inspiring.

What are the biggest advantages of remote working for digital nomads?

• The ability to work in different time zones and use co-working spaces.
• Dubai offers a high quality of life and the opportunity to meet people from all over the world.
• A work visa can be obtained after meeting certain requirements, including providing proof of employment.

And in your free time, it's worth exploring the most popular attractions in Dubai, which will allow you to rest, relax and recharge your batteries before the next day of work.

The best places to work remotely in Dubai

The city offers many options for working, from modern co-working offices to friendly cafés. Coworking Dubai provides fast internet, comfortable workspaces and the opportunity to network with other professionals. For those who prefer a more intimate environment, there are Dubai cafes for remote work, where you can work efficiently over a good cup of coffee. It is also worth noting the fast internet in Dubai, which guarantees a stable connection even during video conferences.

Where is the best place to work remotely in Dubai? There are many options, from modern coworking offices to atmospheric cafés with fast internet. Here are a few popular places:

• Astrolabs Dubai (Jumeirah Lakes Towers) – a space created for start-ups and freelancers, with training rooms and networking opportunities.
• Nook (One JLT) – modern offices with access to meeting rooms and comfortable workstations.
• A4 Space (Alserkal Avenue) – a creative space combining a café with a place for creative work.
• Baker & Spice (Dubai Marina) – a café with a pleasant atmosphere and stable Wi-Fi.
• Comptoir 102 (Jumeirah) – a stylish place, ideal for longer periods of work on a computer.

If you are wondering how to organise remote work in Dubai, it is worth choosing a space close to where you live so that you can easily combine your professional duties with exploring the city.

When planning to work remotely in the United Arab Emirates, it is worth exploring the city and its culture in your free time – the guide ‘How to explore Dubai?’ can be helpful in planning your time after work.

Is it legal to work remotely in Dubai?

Those interested in working remotely from Dubai must be aware of the applicable regulations. The UAE authorities have introduced a special visa for remote workers in Dubai, which allows them to legally live and work in the city for up to 12 months. Working online in Dubai only requires a contract with a foreign employer and a minimum income that meets immigration requirements. This allows remote workers to enjoy safe working and living conditions in the Emirates.

Visa requirements – familiarise yourself with local regulations

To work remotely or run a business in Dubai legally, you can apply for a special visa for remote workers. The entire process is largely based on meeting the following requirements: confirmation of employment status or self-employment, proof of income for the last three months, and valid health insurance for at least six months. Employees are also required to provide relevant identification documents and certificates from their employer. Once you have completed all the necessary paperwork, you must submit your application to the appropriate authority in order to legally live and work in Dubai, running your business or carrying out remote projects. Remote work regulations in Dubai allow you to work legally, but you must still comply with tax payment rules and immigration regulations for remote workers.

Digital nomad visa - Dubai regulations to keep in mind:

• You must apply for a visa and provide all required documents, including a certificate of no criminal record.
• The registration process can take several weeks, so plan ahead.
• You will also need to provide a certificate of graduation and other documents confirming your qualifications.

On the Two Continents website, you will also find other guides on living in Dubai, including practical advice on getting around the city, daily expenses and the best ways to discover local attractions.

Requirements for digital nomads in Dubai:

• A valid passport and health insurance are required to apply for a visa.
• The visa application process can be time-consuming, but it is possible to complete it once all requirements are met.
• You should check the security of your internet connection to ensure stable work.

Fees and living costs for remote work in Dubai

Organising remote work in Dubai requires a suitable place to live. Housing options for remote workers in Dubai include apartments in the city centre as well as flats in quieter and greener neighbourhoods. What are the living costs when working remotely in Dubai? When deciding to work remotely from Dubai, it is worth analysing the fees and living costs in detail. The average monthly cost of renting an apartment in central Dubai ranges from AED 6,000 to AED 12,000 for a one-bedroom studio, while in neighbourhoods outside the city centre, prices drop to around AED 4,000-7,000. In addition, you should take into account electricity, water and air conditioning bills (approx. AED 500-800) and high-speed internet in Dubai, which costs an average of AED 300-500 per month.

Food and daily shopping add another AED 1,500-2,500, and transport, if you use taxis and the metro, is around AED 400-600. Employees often choose coworking in Dubai, where monthly membership costs between AED 1,000 and AED 2,000.

Remote work safety in the United Arab Emirates

It is at a high level, both in terms of infrastructure and compliance with labour laws. How to organise remote work in Dubai? It is best to choose a permanent place of work, use a co-working space or rent an apartment with a dedicated office. This allows you to maintain high efficiency and comfort while discovering local attractions, such as Dubai's attractions and interesting recreational areas.

And if you are looking for a safe place to stay in the Emirates, check out our accommodation in Dubai tab. There you will find convenient and comfortable apartments that you can rent on a short-term basis.

Immigration regulations for remote workers in Dubai

Those planning to work remotely in Dubai must comply with the applicable immigration regulations governing legal residence and online work. For this purpose, a special visa for remote workers in Dubai has been introduced, which allows them to legally live and work in the country for up to 12 months. To obtain it, you must present a valid contract with a foreign employer and confirm the minimum income required by the UAE authorities. In addition, it is mandatory to have health insurance covering the entire period of stay. Immigration regulations also clearly define the rules for registration and documentation, which allows for the legal use of local services, renting an apartment and access to co-working spaces and other amenities for professionals working online. It is also important to familiarise yourself with the regulations regarding work and business.

Before moving to the United Arab Emirates, it is important to remember that:

• You should familiarise yourself with the rights and obligations of remote workers in Dubai.
• Dubai offers many earning opportunities, including for freelancers and entrepreneurs.
• However, you should take into account the tax burden and other legal requirements.

Although remote work in Dubai often takes place in an international environment, a basic knowledge of Arabic can be very helpful in everyday situations. If you want to quickly learn the most important "Basic Arabic Phrases for Tourists in Dubai", our guide will definitely help you.

Remote work in Dubai – high quality of life for workers from all over the world

During your stay, it is worth combining remote work with exploring the city. Employees can take advantage of the amenities offered by local co-working spaces and participate in cultural activities. When planning a longer stay, it is worth checking out articles about accommodation in Dubai to choose the place that best suits your work and everyday life.

Dubai is an ideal place for remote work, offering many earning opportunities and a luxurious lifestyle. However, it is important to familiarise yourself with local laws and customs to avoid problems arising from misunderstandings.

Dubai as a city for digital nomads offers a unique opportunity to combine effective work with the unique experience of living in one of the most modern cities in the world. With the right organisation, legal visa solutions and access to modern co-working spaces, you can enjoy the comfort of working online and the richness of the local culture.

Questions and answers - FAQ

• Are there coworking spaces in Dubai? 

  Yes, there are many modern coworking offices and cafes in Dubai that are suitable for remote work.

• How fast is the internet in Dubai for remote work? 

  The average fixed internet speed is around 250 Mbps, and mobile internet speed is around 150 Mbps.

• What are the visa requirements for remote workers in Dubai? 

  The most commonly used visa is the digital nomad visa, which is valid for one year and allows you to work online legally.

• Does remote work in Dubai require special permits? 

  Yes, you need a suitable visa or residence permit for professional purposes.

• How to find a place to live for remote work in Dubai? 

  The easiest way is to use local real estate portals, agencies or offers in expat groups on social media.