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Head to head

Cape Verde vs United Arab Emirates: the digital nomad visas compared

Low confidence Last verified June 10, 2026 Reviewed by Henry van de Vorming

The short version

  • Cape Verde has the lower entry bar: €1,500 per month versus €3,033 for United Arab Emirates.
  • United Arab Emirates grants a longer initial stay (12 months vs 6), and it is renewable.
  • Tax treatment differs: Cape Verde — foreign income exempt; United Arab Emirates — no personal income tax. Tax outcomes depend heavily on personal circumstances.
Side-by-side comparison of the Cape Verde Remote Working Program and the United Arab Emirates VWP.
Criteria Cape Verde Remote Working Program United Arab Emirates VWP
Minimum income / month €1,500 (better) €3,033
Income basis Savings accepted Salary / employment contract
Initial duration 6 months 1 year (better)
Renewable Yes Yes
Maximum total stay 1 year No fixed limit
Path to permanent residence No No
Path to citizenship No No
Family inclusion Yes Yes
Working for local clients Not allowed Not allowed
Tax treatment Foreign income exempt (Remote Working Program tax exemption (foreign-source income)) No personal income tax
Health insurance Required (explicit) Required (explicit)
Insurance duration required Full visa period Full visa period
Application fee ≈ €20 (better) ≈ €88
Where to apply Online Online, In country
Processing time 2 weeks 0.3 weeks

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Cape Verde Remote Working Program →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Full guide

United Arab Emirates VWP →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Don't forget insurance

Both programs have their own health-insurance rules — we match plans against each one's published requirement, with the evidence shown.

Insurance for Cape Verde → Insurance for United Arab Emirates →

Sources