The UAE has introduced freelance visas to attract talented individuals in various fields to work and live in the country. This visa allows individuals to work as self-employed and operate their own businesses.
Several free zones in the UAE offer freelance visas, including twofour54, Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone, Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City, Dubai Knowledge Park, Dubai Design District, and Ajman Free Zone. Freelancers who obtain a visa from one of these free zones can work in their relevant field anywhere in the UAE, not just within the free zone.
According to the Dubai Development Authority, the cost of a freelance permit in Dubai is AED 7,500, excluding the cost of the visa. This fee may vary depending on the free zone and the type of freelance permit being applied for.
The Creative City Media Free Zone in Fujairah offers up to three business activities and up to four visas for freelance professionals, including one visa free of charge. They also offer additional services such as flexi-desk and PRO services. The free zone is designed to cater to professionals working in various fields, including media, events, consultancy, education, communication and marketing, music and entertainment, design, and technology.
Umm Al Quwain Free Zone also offers permits for freelancers. The free zone provides various facilities and services to support the growth of freelancers, including flexible office space, business support services, and networking opportunities. Freelancers can obtain a permit from the free zone to operate their own businesses in various fields, including consulting, media, design, and technology. The cost of the permit may vary depending on the type of permit and the number of visas required.
Ajman Free Zone offers freelance visas for AED 6,000 in 40 different categories, as well as flexible co-working spaces. Freelancers who become members of the free zone can apply for up to two residence visas and may be eligible for family sponsorship.
To obtain a freelance visa in the UAE, individuals can apply through a free zone that offers such visas, such as those previously mentioned, including Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City, Dubai Design District, twofour54, and others. Applicants will need to provide the necessary documents, including a passport copy, personal photo, and any relevant qualifications or licenses. They may also need to provide proof of health insurance and pay the required fees. Once approved, the freelance visa will allow individuals to work as self-employed and operate their own businesses in the UAE.
Talent Pass:
The Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority (DAFZA), Dubai Culture, and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) have launched the 'Talent Pass,' a three-year visa for freelance work that is available to professionals in various fields, including media, education, art, technology, marketing, and consultancy. In addition, DAFZA offers office space for rent to individuals who obtain the Talent Pass visa.
The Talent Pass also includes various commerce licenses, such as an import, export, and re-export license, a general commerce license, an industrial license for light manufacturing activities and packaging and assembly, an e-commerce license for online trading of goods and services, and a services license. Additionally, DAFZA has a partnership with the Department of Economic Development, which allows companies registered at the Dubai Airport Free Zone to apply for the Department’s license without the need for an office space for working outside the free zone.
Banking/finance Professionals:
Banking and finance professionals, including those in the field of accounting and auditing, analyzing and reviewing accounting and auditing systems, Shariah review consultancy for the transactions of Islamic financial institutions, and consultations in the fields of tax, can apply for freelance permits with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development. The department offers various permits and licenses for individuals and companies operating in Abu Dhabi, including those in the banking and finance sector. Applicants will need to provide the necessary documents and meet the eligibility criteria to obtain the freelance permit.
Media:
Dubai Media City offers freelance visas for professionals in various fields related to media, with around 45 different categories that individuals can apply for. These include roles such as actor, aerial shoot photographer, animator, artist, audio/sound engineer, brand consultant, cameraman, choreographer, commentator, composer, content provider, copywriter, director, editor, events planner, graphic and furniture designer, journalist, market analyst, presenters, print media specialists, web designers, web developers, and other media-related professionals.
In addition to Dubai Media City, twofour54 in Abu Dhabi also offers freelance visas for professionals in the media, production, and entertainment industries, with a validity of two years. Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone also offers freelance permits for media professionals, with permits starting from AED 6,100.
Educationists:
Educationists, such as education advisors, e-learning advisors, executive coaches, researchers, and trainers, can apply for a freelance visa with Dubai Knowledge Park. Applicants can apply for a one-year visa for AED 2,750 or a three-year visa for AED 5,000 through the go freelance.a portal. The required documents include a freelance license, Establishment Card for AED 2,000, a UAE phone number, valid medical insurance, an original passport, and a passport photo.
In addition to Dubai Knowledge Park, Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone also offers freelance permits for educationists, with permits starting from AED 6,100.
IT Professionals:
IT professionals working in web, mobile, software development and architecture, IT and telecommunication networking, data science and analytics, and customer service can apply for a freelance visa in the UAE. They go freelance.ae portal allows professionals to apply for a one-year visa for AED 2,750 or a three-year visa for AED 5,000. Along with the application, applicants need to provide a freelance license, Establishment Card for AED 2,000, UAE phone number, valid medical insurance, original passport, and passport photo.
Designers:
Dubai Design District offers freelance visas to various design professionals such as apparel designers, concept designers, fashion stylists, image consultants, fashion artists, hairstylists, interior designers, object designers, personal shoppers, textile designers, visual merchandisers, and wedding planners. Freelancers can apply for visas by submitting all the required documents.
Steps to Obtain a UAE Freelance Visa
Step 1: Register with the relevant authority
To obtain a UAE freelance visa, you must first register with the relevant authority in the UAE. The authority in charge of issuing freelance visas is the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
Step 2: Obtain a trade license
After registering with the GDRFA, you must obtain a trade license to operate as a freelancer in the UAE. A trade license is a legal document that allows you to conduct business in the UAE.
Step 3: Apply for a freelance visa
Once you have obtained a trade license, you can then apply for a freelance visa. The application process can be done online through the GDRFA website.
Step 4: Submit the required documents
To complete your application, you will need to submit the following documents:
Passport copy
Passport size photograph
Proof of trade license
No-objection certificate (NOC) from your sponsor (if applicable)
Step 5: Pay the fees
Once you have submitted all the required documents, you will need to pay the visa fees. The fees vary depending on the duration of the visa and other factors.
Step 6: Wait for the visa to be issued
After you have completed all the above steps, you will need to wait for the visa to be issued. The processing time for a freelance visa can vary, but it typically takes a few days to a few weeks.
Advantages of a UAE Freelance Visa
Flexibility: As a freelancer, you have the freedom to work on your own terms and schedule. You can work from home or from a co-working space, and you can choose the projects you want to work on.
No sponsorship required: Unlike other types of work visas in the UAE, a freelance visa does not require a sponsor. This means that you can work for multiple clients without any restrictions.
Cost-effective: Obtaining a freelance visa is often more cost-effective than other types of work visas in the UAE.
Conclusion
In conclusion, obtaining a UAE freelance visa online is a relatively straightforward process that can provide you with the freedom to work on your own terms and schedule. By following the steps outlined above, you can obtain a freelance visa and legally work in the UAE as a freelancer. If you have any further questions or require assistance with the application process, it is recommended that you seek the advice of a professional.
We are excited to share with you all the information you need about the freelance visa in the UAE. In this comprehensive guide, we will explain everything you need to know about freelance visas in the UAE, including the types of visas, costs, and eligibility criteria.
Types of Freelance Visas in the UAE
The UAE offers two types of freelance visas: the Freelance Work Permit and the Freelance Residence Visa. The Freelance Work Permit is issued to those who want to work as a freelancer in the UAE and is valid for two years. The Freelance Residence Visa, on the other hand, is issued to those who want to stay in the UAE for a longer period and work as a freelancer.
Cost of Freelance Visas in the UAE
The cost of a freelance visa in the UAE varies depending on the type of visa you are applying for. The Freelance Work Permit costs AED 7,500, while the Freelance Residence Visa costs AED 14,000. In addition to these costs, there are other fees that you need to pay, such as the Emirates ID card fee, the medical test fee, and the visa stamping fee.
Eligibility Criteria for Freelance Visas in the UAE
To be eligible for a freelance visa in the UAE, you need to meet certain criteria. The eligibility criteria for a Freelance Work Permit are as follows:
You must be at least 18 years old
You must have a valid passport
You must have a residency visa in the UAE or apply for a residency visa along with the Freelance Work Permit
You must have a bank account in the UAE
You must have a professional qualification or a university degree.
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