If you are a freelancer looking for a way to work legally in the UAE, you might have heard of the freelance visa Umm Al Quwain (UAQ) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This visa allows you to work as a freelancer in any emirate of the UAE, without the need for a sponsor or a company.
In this article, we will explain how to obtain the Freelance visa Umm Al Quwain, what are its benefits, what are the requirements, and how to apply for it. We will also share some common mistakes that you should avoid when applying for this visa. Therefore, your process is successful.
How to obtain Umm Al Quwain freelance visa
The Freelance visa Umm Al Quwain is issued by the UAQ Free Trade Zone Authority, which is one of the free zones in the UAE that offer this option. To properly get this visa, you must register as a freelancer with the UAQ FTZ and also pay the fees. The fees vary depending on the type of activity you want to do as a freelancer, but they are generally lower than other free zones. The fees include the freelance visa Umm Al Quwain cost, the trade license, and the establishment card.
However, the process of finally getting the Freelance visa in Umm Al Quwain is quite fast and even simple. You can apply online through the UAQ FTZ website or visit their office in person. You will need to fill out an application form and submit some documents, such as your passport copy, your CV, your portfolio or samples of your work, and a bank statement. Additionally, you will also need to choose a trade name for your freelance business and select the activity that matches your skills.
Once you submit your application and pay the fees, you will receive an approval letter from the UAQ FTZ. However, it might take a few days. You can then proceed to apply for your visa through the e-channel system. Additionally, you will need to undergo a medical test and a security check before you receive your visa stamp on your passport. However, the complete process can take around two weeks.
Benefits of obtaining Umm Al Quwain freelance visa
There are many benefits of getting a freelancer visa in Dubai, Umm Al Quwain or the UAE such as:
- Working as a freelancer in any emirate of the UAE, not just in UAQ.
- You can work with multiple clients and projects at the same time, without any restrictions.
- Opening your own bank account and apply for credit cards in the UAE.
- Sponsoring your family members and dependents for their visas.
- You can enjoy tax-free income and access to various facilities and services in the UAQ FTZ.
- You can renew your visa every year without any hassle.
Access to Local Job Market
One of the benefits of the Freelance visa Umm Al Quwain is that it gives you access to the local job market. However, you can work as a freelancer for any client in any emirate, without any restrictions. You can also work on multiple projects at the same time, as long as they are related to your field of work. This gives you more flexibility and opportunities to grow your income and portfolio.
Business Opportunities and Networking
Going further, another benefit of the Freelance visa Umm Al Quwain is that it helps you grow. It allows you to network and collaborate with other freelancers and businesses in the UAE. You can be a participant of online communities and platforms that interconnect freelancers’ workers with potential clients, partners or sponsors. Furthermore, you can also attend events and workshops that help you learn new skills and expand your network. However, do not worry, you can also create your own brand and website to showcase your work and attract clients.
Qualifications and Skills Criteria
An important factor to highlight is that the Freelance visa Umm Al Quwain is not for beginners or amateurs. You need to have a high level of qualifications and skills in your field of work. Additionally, you need to prove that you are capable of delivering quality work and meeting deadlines. Remember you will need to have a portfolio or samples of your previous work to show to potential clients. You need to be professional, reliable and trustworthy.
Nationality and Age
The Freelance visa Umm Al Quwain is usually open to most nationalities across the globe. However, there are some specific exceptions so you might need to double check. Additionally, you also need to be at least 21 years old to apply for the visa. However, when it comes to how long-lived you are, there is no age limit on the upper side. As long as you are fit or healthy person.
Requirements for obtaining Umm Al Quwain freelance visa
To be eligible for the Freelance visa Umm Al Quwain, you need to meet some requirements, such as:
- You must be at least 21 years old.
- Also, you must have relevant qualifications and experience in your field of work.
- Remember that you must have a valid passport with at least six months of validity.
- Additionally, you must have a clean criminal record from your country or origin or the place you have been residing.
- Finally, you must have health insurance coverage. However, you can get other types, like travel or property insurance later.
Step-by-step guide to applying for Umm Al Quwain freelance visa
As mentioned above, The Freelance visa Umm Al Quwain is given by the UAQ FTZ. Which happens to be one of the fastest-growing and most affordable free zones in the Arabic country. When you are finally going to apply for the Freelance visa in Umm Al Quwain, you need to follow these steps:
- Choose your activity
You can choose from a list of over 300 activities that are eligible for the Freelance visa Umm Al Quwain, such as web design, photography, marketing, consulting, etc. You can also choose multiple activities under one visa, as long as they are related. Remember to do an investigation about the companies who are offering remote jobs in the UAE. This is a must before applying.
- Submit your application
You need to fill out an online application form on the UAQ FTZ website and upload the required documents, such as your passport copy, CV, portfolio, bank statement, etc. You will also need to pay a non-refundable application fee of AED 2,000.
- Receive your approval
Once your application is approved, you will receive an email confirmation from the UAQ FTZ with your invoice and payment details. You need to pay the visa fee within 10 days of receiving the approval. The visa fee depends on the duration of your visa (one year or three years) and the number of dependents you want to sponsor (if any).
- Collect your visa
After paying the visa fee, you will receive another email from the UAQ FTZ with your visa stamping details. You will have to visit the UAQ FTZ offices. Go there with your original passport and two passport-sized photos to collect your visa sticker. You also need to undergo a medical test and obtain a health insurance within 60 days of receiving your visa.
Common mistakes to avoid when applying for Umm Al Quwain freelance visa
You have to ensure a smooth and successful application process for the Freelance visa Umm Al Quwain. Why? You can always get confused and commit minor mistakes, but that can still prevent you to get your visa. For this reason, we have some of the top common mistakes to avoid that can happen:
- Not choosing the right activity
You need to choose an activity that matches your skills and experience and that is in demand in the UAE market. Also, you should also avoid choosing an activity that is restricted or regulated by other authorities, such as legal services, medical services, engineering services, etc.
- Not providing enough evidence
You must provide a professional proof of your experience, education and also of your income for your permit application. Additionally, you should also provide samples of your work or portfolio to showcase your quality and professionalism.
- Not following up on your application
You must keep track of your application status and respond promptly to any queries or requests from the UAQ FTZ. Furthermore, you should also pay the freelance visa Umm Al Quwain cost on time and collect your visa as soon as possible.
- Not renewing your visa on time
To avoid penalties or fees, you must renew your visa at least 30 days before it expires. However, you should also update your personal and contact details with the UAQ FTZ if they change.
- Not complying with the rules and regulations
You should abide by the laws and regulations of the UAE and the UAQ FTZ. Such as obtaining the necessary permits and licenses for your activities and paying your taxes and fees. Moreover, remember you must respect the customs and culture of the UAE, which is an Islamic and Arab country.
Perks of having a freelance job in Umm Al Quwain after obtaining your freelance permit
Umm Al Quwain is one of parts that constitute the United Arab Emirates. Additionally, it is the least populous and the second smallest in terms of land area. Which makes it a more peaceful place to work at than Dubai or Abu Dhabi, for example. However, it offers many benefits for freelancers who want to work in a peaceful and scenic environment.
As a freelancer in Umm Al Quwain, you can enjoy a low cost of living, a tax-free income, and a flexible work schedule. Like we have been mentioning.
However, you can also access the free zone facilities that provide you with a business license, a bank account, and a visa. You can choose from various sectors such as e-commerce, consulting, media, and education.
Umm Al Quwain is not only a great place to work, but also to live. You can explore its natural beauty, such as the mangrove forests, the sandy beaches, and the wildlife sanctuary. Additionally, you can also experience its rich culture and heritage. Such as the famous old fort, the famous museum, and the national traditional markets. UAQ is a hidden gem that offers you a unique and rewarding freelance lifestyle once you have your freelance work permit in your hands. Its calm but still vibrant ambient is one of the greatest benefits of freelance visa in this emirate.
Conclusion
The Freelance visa Umm Al Quwain is a great choice for freelance employees who want to work flexibly but legal in this Arab kingdom. It offers many benefits, such as low cost, sponsorship, and access to free zone facilities. However, it also has some requirements and procedures that you need to follow carefully. When you avoiding the most common mistakes we have been talking about, you will acquire it. Since you are increasing your chances of getting your Freelance visa Umm Al Quwain without any hassle.
However, if you need more information, please contact us today and we will be happy to lend out a hand.