Recently, the UAE government implemented several policy changes. Consequently, it has started the legalization of freelancers and the issuance of their freelance permits in Dubai.
In this article, we are going to talk about how to get a freelance visa in the UAE. In addition, we will provide you with information related to the types of work you can perform. Now, we look at the following:
- Why freelance in the UAE?
- How did the need for freelance permits arise?
- Freelance licenses
- Why has a new freelance workforce emerged?
- What are the benefits of freelancing in the UAE?
- Obtaining a residence visa in the Emirates
- What activities can you legally practice as a freelancer in Dubai?
- Additional options if you want to live or work or start a business in the UAE
- Positive aspects of freelancing after the pandemic
- How can we help you get a freelance visa in the UAE?
1. Why freelance in the UAE?
Dubai is known for its high levels of security, compared to other cities in the world. Consequently, the UAE has become an excellent place to start your career as a freelancer.
More than 60% of the residents of the emirates would agree to become self-employed. This is due to the great legal and legal security that working in this part of the world provides them.
We have a team at your disposal at Connect Freelance to provide you with more relevant information.
2. How did the need for freelance permits arise?
As the scope of opportunities increases, the number of people working as freelancers in the UAE also increases.
Freelancers are becoming an increasingly attractive option as companies recognize the benefits of a more accessible, flexible, and skilled labor pool.
This also allows companies to generate short and long-term contracts, thus avoiding the time and cost of a permanent contract.
You can be certain that the UAE today is a great place to develop as a freelancer. Contact us for more about how to get freelance permits in the Emirates.
3. Freelance licenses
Recently in the UAE, it has been announced that residents of the emirates, as well as non-residents, can apply for their freelance licenses.
In this new law, freelancers can live and work legally in the emirates. In this way, it is noted that it is a benefit to him not to be obliged to occupy office space. Also, those who have this privilege can apply for visas for their family members as residents.
If you wish to work as a freelancer in the UAE you must have your residency and work permit.
4. Why has a new freelance workforce emerged?
Many studies have shown that more than 50% of workers in the UAE would prefer to work as freelancers if given the opportunity.
4.1 Requirements for UAE Residents
A person who is a resident of the UAE on a spousal or parental visa only needs a self-employment permit to start working as a freelancer.
Therefore, those who work full time can also choose to become self-employed, using a permit.
To apply for freelance permits, you must -apart from having strong skills– have the permission of any employer in case you consider working on a secondary basis.
4.2 Requirements for non-residents
In case you are a non-resident of the UAE, you will need to apply for a visa as a self-employed person. Therefore, the residence permit will allow you to live and work legally as a self-employed person.
In short, a self-employed permit is imperative. Anyone who wishes to charge a fee for his or her work, and practice publicly legally, will need a permit. In short, a self-employed visa is optional and a freelance permits are mandatory.
4.3 Who can be self-employed in the UAE?
There is a wide range of approved professions among which anyone can find the right one to work in. Most of the time, certificates of studies or degrees are required. In addition, previous experience as a freelancer is also not a mandatory aspect.
5. What are the benefits of freelancing in the UAE?
Working as a freelancer offers a wide and varied number of benefits to take into account:
- Time management
Having the ability and control over the time you give to your work is priceless and should be valued by every freelancer.
- The ability to control your workload
The amount of work you are going to handle will be managed by you. Therefore, you must decide whether or not you can handle a specific workload.
- Being able to do what you enjoy
It is ideal to avoid work fatigue if what you do is related to your tastes and preferences. Consequently, you will find that your workload will be lighter.
- Tailor-made vacations
The administration of your vacation days is up to you. This way you decide how many days off you will have.
- Being your own boss
Having the possibility of not being accountable to anyone, only to yourself is priceless.
- Live and travel to anywhere
Another of the most important benefits is that you can perform your work from anywhere in the world without major complications. This is one of the best benefits that working as a freelancer can offer you.
In a traditional job, you would have to locate your point of operations within the company and be forced to perform your work in the same city where the company is based.
6. Obtaining a residence visa in the Emirates
You can apply for your visa so that you can legally work in your preferred profession.
6.1 Family sponsorship
When you are legally working in the UAE you can apply to sponsor family members to live with you or rent with you anywhere in the UAE.
6.2 Positive aspects of a freelance visa
We can list many positive aspects of a freelance visa, among which we have:
- Easy to set up
The application for your visa can be done in two ways, directly with the department of economic development, or from a free trade zone in the country.
- Wide variety
The wide variety of fields in which you can work as a freelancer is one of the most attractive features of this job.
- No need for office space
Freelance work is ideal for you if you do not want to be tied to a fixed office.
- No need for a local sponsor
The ability to practice in the UAE without a no objection certificate (NOC) from a local sponsor makes self-employment more attractive.
- No audit and accounting
The accounting and auditing aspect is not always necessary. In this respect, it is ideal for the entrepreneur who has little time to spare.
7. What activities can you legally practice as a freelancer in Dubai?
No matter what profession you practice, when you become a freelancer you get several permits to work in a variety of ways. In this way, freelance permits are related to different areas such as:
- Services for individuals
Your services can be provided to private individuals. Therefore, you will be establishing more direct relationships with your clients.
- Services for companies
Being able to provide your services to companies can mean higher incomes. Also, this will automatically raise your status.
- Invoicing and payments
When you are legally self-employed in Dubai, you can issue invoices and receive payments. In this way, clients look to you for the accounting support you can provide.
- Working directly with government agencies
Offering your services to government agencies is very positive for your freelance career. Additionally, having these contacts will open many doors for you in the professional arena.
7.1 How many work licenses can you apply for?
To work as a freelancer you must have a license that allows you to work legally. Therefore, if you wish to work in several sectors at the same time, all you need is the permission of your main contracting company and your license application to the government for the new sector in which you are going to work.
If you receive a No-Objection Letter (NOC), it will allow you to work in the companies you want. Therefore, if your main contracting company has all the work licenses, you will be able to work in the sector you identify with.
8. Additional options if you want to live or work or start a business in the UAE
You can consider the following options:
8.1 Work visa for property investors
The granting of a property investor work visa is subject to certain conditions. A first condition is that the investor must invest in a property with a gross value of not less than AED 5 million. In addition, you must remain an owner for at least 3 years.
You will be able to stay in the country for at least five years thanks to this visa.
8.2 Work visa for entrepreneurs
All those who have an existing project for a minimum capital of 500,000 AED, may opt for the work visa for entrepreneurs. It also applies to those who have the approval of accredited companies in the country. The entrepreneur can opt for a multiple entry visa for 6 months which is renewable for another 6 months.
There is also a long-term visa which allows you to stay in the country for 5 years. Likewise, the long-term visa includes the spouse and children, a partner, and three executives.
8.3 Investors in public investments budgeted at 10 million AED
The establishment of the company and its capital must not be less than AED 10 million. The investment in sectors other than real estate must not be less than 60% of the total investment.
This visa is also subject to the following conditions:
- The amount invested must be maintained for 3 years
- Not to acquire loans for investment
Possessing this visa allows you as a holder to stay in the country for 10 years.
9. Positive aspects of freelancing after the pandemic
The positive side of the post-pandemic world is that everyone now understands that most of the work can be done at a very good quality without the need to keep an office schedule.
The pandemic has made it possible for employees to have a working life without the need to commute daily to their workplace. Therefore, they can plan their day thanks to working at home.
Eliminating the need for the physical presence of workers has raised several important questions. The question arises as to what the workforce will look like in the future, will this translate into greater use of freelancers.
9.1 What activities can you do?
It is important to point out that there are jobs that require special titles, for example, doctors, cab drivers, tourist guides, health personnel, etc.
There is a wide variety of freelance activities that you can do in the UAE, for example, be a teacher in the mornings and give private lessons to your students in the afternoons. You can also give lectures, sell services of all kinds, or be a consultant and product manager.
10. How can we help you get a freelance visa in the UAE?
The UAE has many special features that can distinguish it from other places in the world. Therefore, there are many aspects to highlight within the emirates that can make them an attractive place to exercise your freelance activity.
For more information about how can we help you to get a freelance visa in Dubai or the UAE; our professional team is at your disposal to provide you with information. In addition to guidance, you can count on our unconditional support.
Would you like to access our services and information related to getting freelance permits? Please call us at +971 43 316 688 or kindly send us an email at contact@connectfreelance.ae.
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