Freelancing has become one of the most popular careers that many professionals from everywhere have adopted as a new lifestyle. And the UAE is home to many freelancers from many different countries who have acquired a Freelance Visa in Dubai.
This particular visa is a necessary document that you must get if you desire to start freelancing in this country.
In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about the Freelance Visa in Dubai and its benefits.
Furthermore, you will also discover the criteria that you must follow in order to apply for this visa in Dubai. And also, we will provide you with more information about the cost, requirements, and eligibility to get a Freelance Visa.
- What is a Freelance Visa and what does it offer?
- Who is eligible for getting a Freelance Visa and where can they get it?
- What are the requirements that you must meet to obtain a Freelance Visa?
- Additional details you must take into consideration when applying for this visa
- What do you need to do to complete the visa application process?
- How much can cost a Freelance Visa in Dubai and other UAE locations?
- Why should you get this visa and start freelancing in Dubai and the UAE?
- How can Connect Resources help you complete the visa application process in Dubai?
What is a Freelance Visa and what does it offer?
It is a legal document that allows professionals to live and work in the UAE as freelancers. With a Freelance Visa in Dubai, you can become a freelancer in Dubai if you are under your spouse’s or parent’s visa.
And in case you are not sponsored by your spouse or your parents, you can still get this visa. Plus, if you desire to work as a freelancer long-term, you can renew your visa once it expires. However, you must know about the eligibility criteria and costs.
Who is eligible for getting a Freelance Visa and where can they get it?
You will be able to find a variety of professionals who can apply for a Freelance Visa in Dubai. For instance, these are some of the Freelance Visa categories:
Banking and finance professionals
With Abu Dhabi’s Department of Economic Development, all professionals in these fields can carry out freelance activities in the United Arab Emirates. If you are a professional who works in any of the following fields, then you can legally become a freelancer:
- 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 taxation.
Media-related professionals
If you are a professional working in any media-related field, you can get a Freelance Visa in Dubai. And more precisely, you can apply for it in Dubai Media City, which is a location dedicated to this sector.
You should know that there are approximately 45 categories that you can apply for, including artists, actors, cameramen, choreographers, composers, etc.
Among other professionals, you can find animators, content providers, commentators, editors, directors, events planners, copywriters, graphic and furniture designers, journalists, etc.
Presenters, print media specialists, market analysts, web designers/developers, and many other professionals are also eligible.
In case you do not desire to be a media-related freelancer in Dubai, you can choose Abu Dhabi.
In this emirate, there is a location known as Twofour54, which offers visas for professionals in the media, production, and entertainment industries. On the other hand, you can also choose Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone, which also offers freelance permits.
Professors and educationists
When we talk about the education sector, several professionals are included under this category, such as education advisors and others.
Executive coaches, e-learning advisors, trainers, and researchers are also education-related professionals who can obtain freelance jobs in Dubai. And more specifically, they can apply for Freelance Visas in Dubai Knowledge Park.
It is important to keep in mind that there is more than one Freelance Visa in Dubai. You can choose between getting a one-year visa or a three-year visa, but remember that these visas have different costs.
Besides, you should consider that you will need other documents, including a freelance license, establishment card, UAE phone number, etc. In addition, it will be a requirement to have valid medical insurance, an original passport, and a passport photo.
IT professionals
Any professional related to this industry can also get a visa and freelance work in the UAE. If you work in any of the following fields, you can get a Freelance Visa:
- Mobile, web, software development, and architecture.
- Data science and analytics.
- IT and telecommunication networking.
- Customer service.
And just like in the previous case, you can choose between two types of visas. One of them is valid for one year, while the other one is valid for three years. Plus, there are certain documents that you will need to provide during the visa application process.
Fashion stylists and designers
A free zone known as Dubai Design District provides Freelance Visas to professionals related to the fashion and design sectors. For example, among the eligible professionals, you will find the following:
- Fashion designers.
- Concept designers.
- Apparel designers.
- Image consultants.
- Interior designers.
- Fashion artists.
- Hairstylists.
- Object designers.
- Textile designers.
And some other professionals who can carry out freelance activities in the UAE are personal shoppers, visual merchandisers, and wedding planners. Plus, they can choose between a one-year visa and a three-year visa.
Talent Pass
The Talent Pass is a three-year visa that several authorities launched in the UAE. Among those authorities, you will find the Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority (DAFZA), Dubai Culture, and the GDRFA. It was launched for freelance work in the UAE in addition to renting office space by DAFZA for professionals in many fields. For example, among those fields, the most recognized ones are media, art, technology, education, consultancy, and marketing.
You should know that this includes the following elements:
- Commerce licenses for import, export, and re-export.
- A general commerce license.
- An industrial license for light manufacturing activities, packaging, and assembly.
- An e-commerce license for online trading of services and goods.
- A services license.
- A license issued in partnership with the DED (Department of Economic Development). With this license, companies registered at the Dubai Airport Free Zone can apply for the Department’s license without requiring office space for working outside the free zone.
What are the requirements that you must meet to obtain a Freelance Visa?
You will be required to submit different documents to get a Freelance Visa. And these documents will vary depending on the activities you choose to carry out to freelance in the country. Remember that when we talk about freelance work in the UAE, there is a variety of activities to choose from.
Therefore, make sure to choose freelance activities in the UAE that fit your experience, skills, and profile.
However, you should know that there are general documents that all applicants must submit, regardless of their profession. For example, the application form and a clear valid passport copy are some of the main requirements.
There are also conditional documents that may be necessary during the application process to get your Freelance Visa in Dubai. For instance, an Appointment Declaration that the applicant must sign and the current sponsor must acknowledge.
This document will be a requirement if the applicant is sponsored by an existing employer in the UAE.
Additional details you must take into consideration when applying for this visa
You must take into account some user notes when applying for your visa to become a full-time freelancer. For example, the most important notes are these:
- The required documents must be in Arabic and/or English. If there are documents in any other language, there must be a certified English or Arabic translation attached to them.
- The relevant authorities will reserve the right to request any additional documents if necessary.
- All applicants must get their residence visas from the Dubai Development Authority.
What do you need to do to complete the visa application process?
The application process is easy and straightforward. You will only need to apply online for the required permit by submitting a number of documents. And once you get this permit, you will be able to apply for your Freelance Visa in Dubai.
Remember that you must get an establishment card and complete the residency procedures to start freelancing in the UAE.
How much can cost a Freelance Visa in Dubai and other UAE locations?
Depending on the type of Freelance Visa that you choose, there will be different costs. It also depends on other factors, like the duration of the visa and your chosen freelance activities in the UAE.
However, according to the Dubai Development Authority, you can get a freelance permit by paying a fee of AED 7,500. But this fee excludes the visa cost.
There are additional fees that all applicants must pay as well. One of them is known as Knowledge Dirham, which is an AED 10 fee. And the other one is another AED 10 fee, which is the Innovation Dirham.
You will also find other prices depending on the duration of your Freelance Visa in Dubai. For example, in some cases, you can apply for a one-year visa that costs AED 2,750. Also, you can get a three-year visa for AED 5,000.
On the other hand, your chosen location is another factor that influences the visa cost. For example, in Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone, professionals related to the media and education sectors can get visas starting from AED 6,100.
Why should you get this visa and start freelancing in Dubai and the UAE?
By performing freelancing work in the UAE, you can have many benefits that will help you succeed as a professional.
For instance, you will have a flexible schedule and you can get multiple freelance jobs at the same time. And since the visa is affordable, you can offer your services at lower prices, helping you to get more clients.
You will be able to work as a full-time freelancer and offer your services to multiple companies across the UAE.
On the other hand, the authority that issues Freelance Visas will provide you with affordable packages. These packages include low setup costs and no office will be necessary to start freelancing.
How can Connect Resources help you complete the visa application process in Dubai?
Do you desire to start freelancing in the UAE? In that case, you will need help from specialists in order to know everything you must know about freelancing in this country.
Connect Resources is your best option when it comes to becoming a successful full-time freelancer.
We will provide you with visa and government services to help you get the Freelance Visa you need to start your activities.
Furthermore, on Connect Resources, we will provide you with the guidance you need to get your Freelance Visa in a matter of time.
In case you are an employer in the UAE, we can help you find capable freelancers for your projects. This way, your company will be able to achieve its goals with the help of the best freelancers in Dubai.
Would you like to get your visa and become a freelancer in Dubai? Then, make sure to get in touch with Connect Resources and our specialists will help you achieve your goals.
By calling us at +971 43 316 688, you will receive the assistance you need to get your visa quickly. And if you need more details about our services, send us an email at contact@connectresources.ae.
But if you are a professional looking for other options, like full-time and part-time jobs, then make sure to visit thetalentpoint.com website.
On this platform, you will find excellent job offers in Dubai. Besides, you can also submit your CV to allow our specialists to review it. All you need to do is to send an email at contact@thetalentpoint.com to get more information.
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