The United Arab Emirates has climbed to second place worldwide in the 2025 VisaGuide Digital Nomad Visa Index, up two spots from last year, trailing only Spain. Scoring 4.14 points, the UAE outpaced countries like Montenegro, the Bahamas, and Hungary in the survey of 55 nations.
The UAE earned high marks for internet quality, public safety, low taxes, comprehensive healthcare, and robust infrastructure. Introduced in March 2021, its digital nomad visa allows remote workers from foreign companies to live in the country for up to one year.
About 46% of the UAE’s workforce engages in remote work, supported by world-class digital infrastructure and a tax-free income environment. The rise of digital nomadism during the pandemic has contributed to a booming global remote work market expected to reach 1 billion digital nomads by 2035.
In the Middle East, the UAE stands far ahead of peers, with Turkey ranking 44th, and no other MENA countries offering digital nomad visas currently listed.
