Freelance Visa in Dubai: Embracing UAE’s Freelance Opportunities

Freelance Visa in Dubai

In the modern era, with increasing opportunities for mobility and advancements in information technology, many individuals are opting to work as freelancers, accessing a global job market and enjoying the freedom to choose their workplace.

For those seeking a conducive living environment while maintaining the ability to be self-employed, the freelance visa in Dubai offers an appealing solution.

This article will explore what the freelance visa in Dubai entails, how to obtain it, the benefits it provides, and the restrictions and requirements involved in acquiring such a visa.

What is a Freelance Visa in Dubai?

Aiming to foster new growth opportunities, Dubai attracts talented professionals from around the world to diversify its economy and develop a dynamic work environment.

The freelance visa in Dubai is a permit that allows non-UAE nationals to engage in professional activities within the UAE, provided they meet certain criteria and adhere to the relevant regulations.

One of the key features of the freelance visa in Dubai is the lack of a requirement for a sponsoring company. This grants freelancers greater flexibility and independence in their work, enabling them to freely choose projects and clients, thus fostering their professional growth.

Additionally, operating as a freelancer in the UAE has the following characteristics:

  • A freelance license allows only the individual named on it to conduct activities; freelancers wishing to employ others must undertake additional steps.
  • After obtaining a UAE residency visa, a freelancer can sponsor family members. 

Freelance Visa and Freelance License

A freelancer is considered an individual entrepreneur, and thus, in addition to the visa, it is also necessary to obtain a license or permit to freelance (freelance license or freelance permit). Essentially, this document acts as a business license, enabling the freelancer to legally work in the UAE.

Such permits can be obtained through the relevant licensing authorities located in free zones. Nearly every emirate has a free zone capable of issuing a license and visa to a freelancer. For instance, in Dubai, the free zones that can issue a license and visa to a freelancer include:

  • Dubai Media City,
  • Dubai Internet City,
  • Dubai Knowledge Park,
  • Dubai Design District.

Other emirates also have free zones where one can obtain a license to operate as a freelancer.

Examples of Freelancer Activities

Here are examples of activities that freelancers can engage in within the specified free zones:

Dubai Media City
  • actor
  • animator
  • artist
  • choreographer
  • commentator (radio, sports events, etc.)
  • copywriter
  • editor
  • graphic designer
  • journalist
  • photographer
  • writer
  • translator
Dubai Internet City
  • web, mobile, software developer
  • database administrator
  • system administrator
  • information security and network technology specialist
  • data analytics specialist
  • customer support service specialist
Dubai Knowledge Park
  • researcher
  • instructor
  • educational consultant (requirements of various programs, student admissions, admission process, etc.)
  • online learning consultant
  • coach
Dubai Design District
  • clothing designer
  • design concept developer
  • costume designer
  • stylist
  • image consultant
  • interior designer
  • jewelry designer

Key Steps to Obtaining a Freelance Visa in a Free Zone

The application process for a freelance visa can be outlined in the following steps:

Determine the field of activityThe examples provided above can guide you in choosing an area to operate as a freelancer.
Prepare the necessary documentsThe standard document package includes:
  • copy of passport,
  • resume,
  • documents confirming qualifications and professional experience,
  • portfolio of works (if applicable),
  • business plan,
  • professional recommendations (with contact details),
  • if you have a work visa and wish to additionally provide services as a freelancer—a letter from the employer stating no objections (No Objection Certificate, NOC).

Depending on the specific situation and the specific free zone, additional documents may be required.
Apply for a freelance licenseThis requires contacting the management body of the selected free zone. In Dubai, an application for such a license can be submitted through a unified service that combines the aforementioned free zones. The processing time for documents is approximately 5-10 working days.
The license is valid for one year, after which it must be renewed.
Obtain a registration cardIn addition to a freelance license, a so-called registration card (establishment card), which contains information about the registered freelancer, is required to apply for a visa.
Apply for a visaAfter obtaining a freelance license, you can apply for a visa. Typically, the following documents are required for this:
  • freelance license,
  • passport,
  • medical insurance,
  • UAE phone number,
  • photos in accordance with established requirements.
Undergo a medical examinationThe absence of health problems and the presence of medical insurance are prerequisites for obtaining a UAE visa.

Approximate Cost of Obtaining a Freelance Visa in Dubai

The cost of obtaining a freelance visa in Dubai, including the cost of a freelance license, may vary depending on the specific free zone or the freelancer’s field of activity. Generally, when obtaining a freelance visa in Dubai, consider the following expenses:

  • the fee for issuing a freelance license is about 7500 dirhams (for the above-mentioned free zones in Dubai);
  • the fee for issuing an establishment card is about 2000 dirhams;
  • the fee for issuing a visa ranges from 4000 to 7000 dirhams;
  • additional costs may include a medical examination, obtaining an Emirates ID, and arranging medical insurance.

Thus, the total cost can vary significantly depending on the specific requirements and the selected authority or free zone for submitting an application. On average, the total annual expenses can be approximately 13,000 dirhams, not counting medical insurance.

“Green” Visa for Freelancers

In 2022, a new type of visa—the “green” visa (green visa)—was introduced in the UAE, which can be used by freelancers as it allows the applicant to act as their own sponsor and can be issued for 5 years. Therefore, a freelancer does not need an employer or another UAE citizen as a sponsor.

Freelancers wishing to apply for a “green” visa must provide the following documents:

  • permission to operate as a freelancer, issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation,
  • confirmation of having a bachelor’s degree or specialist diploma,
  • confirmation of annual income from self-employment for the previous two years in the amount of at least 360,000 dirhams or confirmation of financial solvency throughout the stay in the UAE.

The difference with this type of visa is that it can be issued immediately for five years, but permission for freelance must be obtained not in a free zone, but from the Ministry.

Benefits of the Freelance Visa in Dubai

With a freelance visa, you can:

  • legally reside and work in any emirate of the UAE (free zones may establish territorial restrictions);
  • work with one or several companies both inside and outside the country;
  • avoid renting separate office premises;
  • open accounts in UAE banks and have access to banking services, such as taking out a loan or mortgage;
  • act as a sponsor for family members;
  • and obtain a driver’s license and medical insurance in the UAE.

Additionally, the UAE government actively supports freelancers in their intention to obtain a freelance visa in the UAE, particularly in Dubai. For example, government support can take the following forms:

  • business forums and accelerators for startups and individual entrepreneurs;
  • encouraging companies to use the services of freelancers.

Tips for Freelancers

Learn about business opportunities in the UAEIn addition to organizing your activities as a freelancer, the UAE offers various business options, including company registration, which also allows you to obtain residency in the UAE.
Carefully choose a licenseDifferent free zones may establish additional requirements for freelancers to issue a license.
Understand the UAE tax systemThe UAE is not a completely tax-free jurisdiction, and under certain conditions, freelancers may be required to pay tax. At the same time, free zones may provide a number of tax incentives.
Gather information about the business cultureThe UAE has certain specifics, understanding which will ensure freelancers’ success in this market.

Conclusion

Thus, a freelance visa in Dubai represents an attractive opportunity for those who strive for independence in their work and flexibility in choosing projects. This visa program allows you to live in the UAE and enjoy the provided advantages.

In addition, the UAE government generally encourages entrepreneurial activity, including as a freelancer, which is due to technological progress, market development, increased demand for highly specialized skills and services, and the popularity of a flexible work schedule.

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