If you are thinking about freelancing in Dubai, you may have many questions. Most of the questions you might have are usually related to freelance career development, the freelance permits, and visas you will need.
In this article, we will talk about the most common questions that may arise when someone wants to start a freelance career. We will also address questions related to freelance visa procedures and how you can succeed in your career in Dubai. Let us observe now:
- What is a freelance license? Have you ever wondered what you need it for?
- Who is eligible for a freelance license?
- What documents are required?
- How much is spent on the entire application process?
- How can we help you with your concerns about freelancing in Dubai?
1. What is a freelance license? Have you ever wondered what you need it for?
The freelance license is provided by the free zone authorities in the UAE. This license is an official document. Also, using this license will allow you to register your services as a freelancer with the government authorities.
When you are thinking of freelancing in Dubai, you must have your freelancer license. In this sense, with this license, you will be able to reside legally in Dubai. In the same way, you will be able to operate as a freelancer during your residency.
The use of this freelancer license will allow you to legalize the trade of your services. Please note that the freelance license is the permission to work as a freelancer in the area in which you apply. Likewise, with this license, you will be recognized by the platforms and institutions of the UAE.
Many freelance clients only hire workers who have a valid freelance visa in Dubai as well as their freelance permit, as Dubai is very demanding in terms of compliance with its laws.
The process of obtaining a Dubai freelance visa can be a bit lengthy but the benefits you are offered are worth much more than that. When you find yourself working legally in a country your psychological stress decreases. Additionally, your income is better, and therefore your family economy also improves.
Keep in mind that you must obtain a freelance visa in Dubai to work. In this way, you will be able to avoid legal complications and exposure to the law. The correct use of your freelance license in Dubai has more aspects than negatives, it allows you to do what you like legally and at the same time, you will be collaborating with the economy of the nation.
To learn more about what is a freelance license, contact Connect Freelance.
2. Who is eligible for a freelance license?
There are a wide variety of freelance activities that you can engage in when you wish to apply to obtain a freelance visa in Dubai. You must be employed in one of these sectors:
- Journalism
- Publishing
- Writing
- Art
- Media Commentary
- Design
- Marketing
- Print Media
- Personal Style
- Web design
- Interim
- Film Direction
- Photography
- Animation
- Audio engineering
- Compositing
- Planned event
- Public relations
- Social media management and analysis
- Web development
- Social media influence and brand promotion.
Do not think too much when you are eager to work and get going to get a freelance visa. This way you will enter the job market as soon as possible.
Keep in mind that with your freelance license in Dubai you will also be able to work in the following positions:
2.1 Technologist
As a technologist, you will be able to work in software development and design, web and mobile development. Additionally, the areas of information technology, communication networks, and data analysis are special for you.
2.2 Education
In the area of education, you will be able to dedicate yourself to tutoring, executive coaching, and e-learning consulting. You can also work in executive coaching. In short, everything is related to growth and learning, and research.
Your freelance visa in Dubai is the best tool to enter the job market and you should take it into account. The Emirati world opens its doors for all those who want to obtain a freelance visa in Dubai and that is something you should take advantage of.
3. What documents are required?
To process your Dubai freelance permit you will need the following documents:
- You must submit your printed form. This form specifies your application, you must put your signature on it.
- Write a letter with your business plan. In this regard, the business plan must be specified for a period of 3 to 5 years.
- A copy of your passport.
- If you have had previous jobs, it is preferable to present a letter of recommendation from those jobs. This can be crucial because references are very important when you are applying for your freelance license in Dubai.
- Submit a letter of application to change your residence permit to a new freelance permit.
- Resume (updated). You should submit a resume that is not lengthy and that specifies the areas in which you are an expert.
- Degrees and certificates of qualifications.
- Submit your banking history using a certificate of good standing.
- Letter from your sponsor.
- Submit a portfolio of your work to have references for it.
3.1 Is it allowed to hire employees when you are a freelancer?
When you are freelancing in Dubai, you are not allowed to hire people as your employees. In this sense, your business license only allows you to work as a sole freelancer. Keep in mind to make good use of your freelance visa in Dubai. Any breach of the law may be sanctioned.
3.2 How long does the process take?
The processing time for your application can be short. The processing is done in this way, after receiving the documents, they are submitted for approval. After that, it takes 7 to 14 business days. Consequently, at the end of it all, the issuance of your work permit is done.
All this means that you can start freelancing in Dubai very quickly. After all, it will take you practically two weeks after your application to complete the whole process. Remember that you should apply for a freelance visa in Dubai after obtaining a freelance work permit. This additional process will take approximately two to three more weeks.
Additionally, you should keep in mind that the application fees may depend on the premium requested.
3.3 Do I need to pay VAT?
You will likely need to pay taxes. Especially if you are among the highest-paid freelance positions in the world. The amount you earn will be audited, so it is important to take this into account.
You can tell whether or not you will pay taxes depending on the amount of money you earn:
- If you earn between AED 185000 and AED 375000 a year you do not have to pay taxes.
- If you earn more than AED 375000 per year, take into consideration the legal provisions for paying taxes.
3.4 Is a professional bank account required?
When freelancing in Dubai you do not have to set up a registered company bank account. This is because your name will be your brand and it will be what represents you.
This kind of aspect is covered by the conditions under which the statutes of freelancing in Dubai are governed. Additionally, when you work as a freelancer it is key that you operate with your income in your name, in your bank account. This way you will be able to keep track of the movement of your transactions on a personal basis and not as a company.
3.5 What advantages do you get when you apply for your freelance permit?
Both getting your freelance permit and your freelance visa in Dubai have several positive aspects. In this sense, if you are legal this will help you to find work and new clients. Also, you will be able to access better pay and people will look for you because they can legally count on you in their projects.
The fact that you have your work permits provides the client with security. Additionally, they have the certainty that your services are reliable and of good origin.
3.6 Can you get a visa without your freelance permit?
The first thing is to get your valid freelance license, if you do not have it, then the visa you will get is a visa as a visitor. With a visitor visa, you will not be able to work legally anywhere in the UAE.
Please note that to work, the order of the process is as follows:
- First, you get your freelance work permit.
- Then, you get your freelance visa.
This is because not having a work permit will prevent you from accessing a work visa. For more information related to visa and freelance permits, please contact us.
4. How much is spent on the entire application process?
The cost varies a little bit depending on the free zone you are in. However, to start freelancing in Dubai, it is necessary to invest. Keep in mind that you could spend around AED 17000. This includes any additional charges that may arise.
4.1 Are there any related discounts?
Yes, within the free trade zone there are discounts in offices. These discounts are provided to persons holding freelance licenses in Dubai. In this regard, it is important to take advantage of the free zone’s benefits as renting office space elsewhere is usually very expensive.
4.2 Can I get a provisional permit while I wait?
Yes, you can obtain a provisional permit. This is a benefit granted to UAE residents who are awaiting the processing of their freelance permit application. This is important when you want to begin freelancing in Dubai, as it allows you to continue your operations while you are on track while waiting for your permit.
4.3 How long is the self-employed license valid for?
The freelance license is valid for 1 year throughout the UAE. Also, if you want to know specific rates and other requirements, you should contact the authorities of the free zone that corresponds to you.
Additionally, please note that it is your responsibility to renew your license. In this regard, you must be attentive to the expiration date of the same to avoid inconveniences.
5. How can we help you with your concerns about freelancing in Dubai?
The amount of money that moves in a thriving economy like Dubai is impressive. Therefore, it is not unreasonable for anyone to try to enter the labor market of that nation. In this sense, thanks to government policies to support people who wish to live freelancing in Dubai, today it is more possible than ever to succeed as a freelancer.
Due to the high demand generated by applications for freelance work permits and visas in Dubai, there are always related doubts and questions. Thus, it is important to have a team that can clear any concerns and offers their help regarding freelancing. On Connect Freelance, we are at your disposal so you can get information related to the freelance world and encourage you to enter this new and interesting way of working. Register now!
Interconnections between users tend to develop every day through the use of networks. In this sense, we put at your disposal our market hub, so you can connect with other freelancers and take advantage of such interaction. Please call us at +971 43 316 688, we will gladly receive your call to guide you in any field related to freelance business. Contact us at contact@connectfreelance.ae.
If you are looking for employment opportunities, keep in mind that you can easily take advantage of the globalization and digitalization of the modern world. You can easily find new vacancies if you look in the right places. On thetalentpoint.com we have a wide range of jobs available for your professional growth. Please send your CV via email to contact@thetalentpoint.com.