How to get a freelancer visa in Dubai

Starting in 2020, freelancing has exploded in scope and opportunity as companies realize the benefits of a more accessible, flexible, and skilled source of workforce. Dubai, one of the leading investment centers in the world, has become a hub for freelancers from all over the world. Noticing global changes in the workforce, an increase in freelancers and a desire for professionals to freelance, the UAE government has introduced the Freelance Visa program. The freelancer visa in Dubai allows professionals from certain fields to easily apply for this permit. But what is a freelancer visa in the UAE and what opportunities does it give? In this review, UAE Assets experts will tell you who and how can get a freelance visa in Dubai.

What is a freelancer visa in Dubai and who is eligible for it?

In the Emirates, there are several free economic zones (FEZs) that provide foreigners with the opportunity to work on freelance. A sponsor or any UAE company is not necessarily required to obtain a permit. It is enough to get a freelancer visa, consisting of a resident visa and a work permit. Such permission guarantees the right to legally reside in the UAE and engage in freelance activities. However, the license has a limitation - it does not allow you to hire employees and pay for their activities in your project. Freelance licenses are issued by several bodies operating in the SEZ, for example, TECOM Group, twofour54 and the like.

Who can get a freelancer visa in Dubai? There are several sectors in which specialists get the opportunity to freelance:

• Education
• MEDIA
• Technologies

In addition, freelancing visa in Dubai is open to industries like acting, advertising, educational consulting, customer service or web development. A complete list of freelance activities that are allowed to be carried out with this visa has been published on the GoFreelance site. It is worth mentioning that Dubai Internet City will issue a license if your activity is related to the field of technology, Dubai Media City - in the media section, and Dubai Knowledge Park - in the field of education. Freelance admission is available for Emirati citizens, residents and non-residents.

Freelance Visa Opportunities in Dubai

Why is a freelancer license in Dubai so in demand? There are benefits that a freelancing visa in Dubai provides. Its presence makes it possible to work simultaneously for several companies, organizing your schedule in a convenient way. In addition, such a visa is a good option for persons who are in the country due to a spouse or parent visa. Freelance visa holders receive a number of options, such as:

• flexibility for activities in several organizations
• work legally in the UAE and bring your family
• work as a free contractor
• get access to the FEZ business center
• sponsor family members

A freelancer visa in Dubai is an opportunity to live and work freelance with your family members in the emirates for 1-5 years.

What is allowed with a freelancer visa in Dubai? Its owner can participate in many areas of business for which he has a freelance permit. Having freelance in this area, a specialist can:

• offer services to individuals or legal entities
• cooperate with government agencies
• take payment for your work and services

How to apply for a freelancer visa in Dubai?

Applying for a freelance permit and visa is now quite simple. The procedure consists of several stages. First you need to send an application and get permission to register in order to start a freelance activity. You need to collect a package of documents:

• Summary
• A photo
• Copies of passport and visa (valid for at least 8 months)
• Letter of recommendation from the bank
• NOC from your emirates sponsor (if any)
• Confirmation of academic qualifications, certified by the Foreign Ministry or the Emirates Consulate in the country of origin (for applicants in the educational field)
• Portfolio of works (for applicants in the media)

After you need to apply and attach copies of your passport and visa on the GoFreelance website and wait 5-7 days to get their approval in the mailbox. Then you need to go to the FEZ business center and present the original passport, sign the documents and make a payment in the amount of 2737 dirhams (≈ $745). Usually the processing time is approximately 2 weeks. The approved permit will also be sent to your mailbox.

How much does a freelance visa cost in Dubai

There are separate costs for the Freelancer Permit, Institution Card, and Freelancer Visa.

• Freelancing permit (1 year): AED 7500 (≈ $2041)
• Founding Card (1 year): AED 2,000 (≈ $544)

When applying for a freelance visa for 3 years:

Within the UAE:

• Standard - 4960 AED (≈ $1350)
• Express - 6340 AED (≈ $1726)

Outside the UAE:

• Standard - 3330 AED (≈ $907)
• Express - 3900 AED (≈ $1062)

The freelance visa price shown above includes the cost of a medical examination, visa stamping and Emirates ID.