If you are looking for a flexible and independent way of working in the UAE, you might be interested in getting a freelance visa UAE. A freelance visa is a type of residence visa that allows you to work as a self-employed professional in certain sectors, without the need for a company sponsor or an office space. You can also sponsor your family members and enjoy the benefits of living in the UAE.
In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about getting a freelance visa UAE, from the eligibility criteria to the renewal process. Getting a freelance visa in the UAE is not as simple as applying online and paying a fee. There are different types of freelance visas, requirements, costs and procedures that you need to be aware of before you start your application.
What is a freelance visa Dubai?
The freelance visa Dubai is a UAE work visa for independent contractors. Indian nationals may apply for a Dubai freelance license or license to work there full-time as independent contractors. Freelancer licenses are issued by a number of organizations that operate within the free zones, including the TECOM Group and twofour54.
Individuals are eligible for freelance permits in a number of free zones throughout the UAE, including Dubai. You can obtain a freelancing visa or permission without definitely needing a sponsor or to be employed by any company in the UAE.
When you obtain a freelance permit, you may qualify for a Dubai freelance visa. author’s visa Dubai is a kind of residence in the UAE. As a result, you and your family are entitled to stay and operate in the UAE for a duration of one to five years. All UAE nationals and citizens, including residents and non-residents, are eligible to apply for a freelance permit or visa.
Freelance activities in the UAE
Anyone who wishes to make a living freelancing in Dubai is eligible for both a visa and a freelance permit. A bachelor’s degree or specialist diploma is a prerequisite of the principal applicant. Additionally, they need to demonstrate that they generated no less than AED 360,000 in the last two years.
Nonetheless, a person’s eligibility is dependent on their ability to work in a profession that qualifies. You might, for instance, operate in any of the following sectors or businesses to qualify for a Dubai freelance visa:
Media:
- Actor
- Aerial Shoot Photographer
- Animator
- Artist
- Audio
- Brand Consultant
- Cameraman
- Choreographer
- Commentators
- Composer
- Content Provider
- Copywriter
- Creative Director and more
Education:
- Education Advisor
- eLearning Advisor
- Executive Coaching
- Researcher
- Trainer
Tech:
- Architecture Freelancer
- Customer Service Freelancer
- Data Science
- Analytics Freelancer
- IT
- Telecommunication Networking Freelancer
- Software Development and more
Design:
- Apparel Designer
- Concept Designer
- Costume Designer
- Fashion Artist
- Fashion Designer
- Hair Stylist
- Interior Designer
- Image Consultant
- Jewelry Designer
- Make-up Artist
- Object Designer
- Personal Shopper
- Textile Designer
- Visual Merchandiser
- Wedding Planner and more
More vocations are being included almost every day, and this list is always evolving. So be sure to remain current!
Types of freelance visas in the UAE
There are three main types of freelance visa UAE, depending on your situation and your field of work:
Freelance visa and work permit for residents: This is for individuals who already have a residence visa in the UAE, either through their spouse, parent or employer. They need to apply for a freelance work permit from one of the designated authorities or free zones that offer this service. They also need to obtain a NOC (No Objection Certificate) from their sponsor or employer if they are employed full-time.
Freelance visa for non-residents: This is for individuals who do not have a residence visa in the UAE and want to work as freelancers. They need to apply for a freelance visa and a residence permit from one of the designated authorities or free zones that offer this service. They also need to provide proof of their qualifications, experience and income.
Green Residence for freelancing and self-employment: This is a new type of residence visa that was launched in 2023 to attract global talent. It allows freelancers and self-employed people to sponsor themselves for 5 years. This, without the need for an employer or a sponsor. They need to apply for a self-employment or freelance permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), and meet certain criteria such as education level, income level and financial solvency.
Advantages of having a freelance visa in the UAE
If you are looking for a flexible and independent way of working in the UAE, you might want to consider getting a freelance visa. A freelance visa is a type of residence visa that allows you to work as a self-employed professional in various sectors, such as technology, media, education, art, culture, marketing and consultancy. Unlike a standard work visa, a freelance visa does not require you to have an employer or a sponsor. You can work for multiple clients, set your own schedule and rates, and enjoy the benefits of living in the UAE.
Having a freelance visa in the UAE has many advantages, such as:
- Flexibility: You can work for multiple clients, set your own schedule and choose your own projects.
- Independence: You can work from anywhere, without being tied to an office or a company.
- Security: You can enjoy the legal protection and rights of a resident, such as health insurance, bank account, driving license and more.
Opportunity
In the UAE, freelancing offers a variety of sectors in which to operate your business. Freelancing visas are granted for almost all of the commercial activities listed by DED. However, your company activity must be relevant to the free zone’s area of concentration if you want to apply for a freelance permission from one. For instance, you must be employed in the media or a related sector if you wish to establish a business in Dubai Media City Free Zone. If innovation and IT are your areas of expertise, Dubai Internet City is the place to get employment. The education industry is specifically related to Dubai Knowledge Park.
Family
Even while freelancing may not be a reliable source of income, you can still bring your family along. You can sponsor your dependents in Dubai if you have a freelance visa. After obtaining a Dubai freelancing visa and earning a particular amount of money, you can sponsor family members. You can sponsor employees if you are founding a business in the United Arab Emirates. Supplementary to the minimal salary requirements, women may sponsor dependents if they work in specific professions (like those in the medical industry).
Reasons to obtain a freelance visa in Dubai
- Applying is easy: There are two ways to apply for the freelance visa Dubai. Either directly to one of the many free zones, or to the Department of Economic Development (DED). The submission process is straightforward here. The name of your business is just your own name when you apply, and it typically takes 7 to 10 days to get your license.
- No office space: Without being restricted to either a free zone or mainland location, freelance work offers complete location independence. In terms of freelancing, renting a workplace is absolutely optional. You can choose to work for yourself, from home, or through one of the several free zones that rent out desks and office space. You can quickly find the ideal balance that fits your lifestyle with a freelance visa.
- No bookkeeping: One time-consuming aspect of owning a business is paperwork. Thankfully, the UAE does not always force independent contractors to file official accounts or submit to audits. Entrepreneurs may now concentrate more on creating profitable businesses, increasing their income, and creating new job prospects. All you need is your Dubai freelancing visa.
- Corporate bank account: It is simple to set up a corporate bank account. There are many sizable, respectable financial institutions in the UAE that are happy to accept independent contractors. Additionally, the most appropriate bank for your company’s needs will be readily accessible to you once you arrive in your free zone. Your Emirates ID must be present in order to establish a bank account and obtain a freelancer license.
- No sponsorship: The majority of free zones in the Emirates do not need a No Objection Certificate (NOC), which is another factor contributing to the growth of freelancing there. Most government departments usually demand a NOC, which is typically received from a regional sponsor or organization.
How to apply for a freelance visa in the UAE
The application process for a freelance visa UAE varies depending on the type of visa you are applying for, and the authority or free zone you are applying through. There are several standard procedures you must adhere to, though:
Choose your sector and authority
You need to decide which sector you want to work in as a freelancer, such as media, education, technology, art, culture or consultancy. Then, you need to choose which authority or free zone offers freelance permits and visas for that sector. Some of the popular options are:
- Dubai Media City
- Dubai Knowledge Park
- Dubai Internet City
- Dubai Development Authority
- Abu Dhabi Media Zone Authority
- twofour54 Abu Dhabi
- Sharjah Media City
- Ajman Free Zone
- Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone
- Fujairah Creative City
Prepare your documents
You need to gather all the necessary documents for your freelance visa UAE application, such as:
- Passport copy
- Passport-size photo
- CV or resume
- Degree certificate or diploma (attested)
- Portfolio or samples of work
- Bank statement or proof of income
- NOC from sponsor. (If applicable)
- Self-employment or freelance permit from MOHRE (if applicable)
Submit your application
You need to fill out an online application form on the website of your chosen authority or free zone, and upload your documents. You also need to pay an application fee, which varies depending on the authority or free zone.
Receive your approval
Upon application approval, you will get an email confirmation. You will also receive an e-visa if you are applying for a non-resident freelance visa.
Finalize your visa
You need to visit the authority or free zone office to collect your freelance permit and visa. You also need to undergo a medical test and a security check, and pay the visa fee, which varies depending on the authority or free zone.
How much does a freelance visa cost in the UAE
The cost of a freelance visa UAE depends on the type of visa you are applying for, and the authority or free zone you are applying through. Nevertheless, to give you a general sense, the following values are approximations:
- Freelance visa and work permit for residents: The cost ranges from AED 7,500 to AED 15,000 per year, depending on the authority or free zone.
- Freelance visa for non-residents: The cost ranges from AED 10,000 to AED 20,000 per year, depending on the authority or free zone.
- Green Residence for freelancing and self-employment: The cost is AED 9,500 per year.
How to renew a freelance visa UAE
The renewal process for a freelance visa UAE is similar to the initial application process. You need to submit an online renewal form on the website of your chosen authority or free zone, and upload your updated documents. Individuals also need to pay a renewal fee, which varies depending on the authority or free zone.
You should renew your freelance visa at least one month before its expiry date, to avoid any fines or penalties. You can renew your freelance visa for up to 5 years, depending on the type of visa you have.
Conclusion
Getting a freelance visa is a great way to pursue your passion and career goals, while enjoying the benefits of living in one of the most dynamic and diverse countries in the world. However, you need to be aware of the different types of freelance visas, requirements, costs and procedures that apply to your situation and your field of work.
We hope this guide has helped you understand how to get a freelance visa in the UAE. If you have any questions or need any assistance, feel free to contact us. We are happy to help you with your freelance visa application and make your dream of working as a freelancer in the UAE come true.