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Dubai warmly welcomes professionals from every field, including freelancers. The city’s strong economy provides a fertile ground for freelancers to thrive and succeed. With the rise of digitalization and changes in employment trends, many people are choosing freelance careers for the independence and flexibility they offer. And where better to start your freelancing journey than in Dubai? However, to begin your journey, you will first need to get a freelance permit and a freelance visa Dubai.
Let’s begin by exploring the opportunities for freelancers in Dubai and learn how to obtain the necessary visa and permit, including associated requirements and costs.
The UAE aims to become a global hub for technology, fintech, and entrepreneurship, resulting in a strong demand for skilled professionals in fields such as technology, project management, risk and compliance, business transformation, data analytics, and more. As a result, freelancing in UAE has become increasingly popular.
Several initiatives have been launched to simplify and reduce the cost of living and working for freelancers in Dubai. Dubai’s freelance market is characterised by its focus on technology and innovation, providing vast opportunities for skilled independent professionals. Some activity categories that can be pursued include:
To start your journey in Dubai as a freelancer, you need to secure proper authorizations from the relevant authorities:
A freelance permit, also known as a freelance license, is like a permission slip that lets you work independently as a freelancer in Dubai. You can get this permit from either the DED or the relevant free zone authority. Whether you are a UAE citizen, resident, or non-resident, you can apply for a freelance permit.
Many free zones in Dubai, such as Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City, Dubai Knowledge Park, and Dubai Design District, offer these permits. The cool thing is, you can get a freelancing permission in the UAE without having to find a sponsor or work for a company here.
A freelance visa Dubai is a residency visa for freelancers, enabling them to live and work in the city legally. Typically, freelance visas in Dubai are valid for 1 to 2 years (3 with Dubai talent pass) and are renewable. Freelancers also have the option to apply for a 5 year green visa. It is important to note that having a freelance permit may eliminate the need for a freelance visa.
For example, you can still obtain a freelance permit on a family visa sponsored by a relative. Similarly, if you hold a full time job with an employment visa, you can also apply for a freelance permit to work independently on the side. Remember, you will need a no objection certificate (NOC) from your visa sponsor or employer when applying in these cases.
If you are an aspiring freelancer, our experts at DUBIZ can assist you with UAE visa renewal or application. Feel free to reach out!
Freelancer and self-employed individuals also have the option to apply for green visa which secures them a longer residency in Dubai. The Green visa offers a 5-year residency to them. However, to obtain one, you must meet certain conditions.
To meet the eligibility for green visa and to apply, you need to submit:
Following are the basic freelance visa Dubai requirements you need to fulfil:
Please note that eligibility criteria can vary slightly depending on the specific free zone/mainland authority you apply through. Please contact our experts at DUBIZ for further assistance.
To obtain a freelance visa, you must first obtain a freelance permit which will need:
After you secure freelance permit, you can apply for freelance visa Dubai which typically needs following documents:
Please note that the above list is not exhaustive, and relevant authorities may ask for additional documents; please contact our experts at DUBIZ to learn more.
To get your freelance visa Dubai and to obtain the necessary license, please follow these simple steps:
Before anything else, you need to do the most important thing – identify the sector or field you will pursue as a freelancer. You have several options such as education, media, and consulting. Choose the one where you are capable and skilled.
This is an important step. You will need to decide whether to start your freelancing journey in Dubai freezone or mainland. Each has its own regulations and permitted activities. If opting for freezone, research which Freezone permits freelancing and if it aligns with your chosen activity. Therefore, do thorough research before making any decisions.
Ensure you fulfil all legal prerequisites, including having a valid passport, necessary qualifications for your freelance activity, and ensuring all documents are properly attested and translated if necessary.
If you are currently residing in the UAE under a different visa category, such as an employment visa or sponsorship by a relative, you will need to secure a no objection certificate (NOC) from your sponsor or employer.
Once you have gathered all the necessary documents and met specific requirements for your chosen sector, you can apply for your freelance license. The application process will depend on whether you are in a freezone or mainland location.
In free zones, the permit is issued by the free zone authority. You will need to submit fees and documents to your relevant free zone authority.
On the mainland, you need to obtain a freelance permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation in Dubai. This involves submitting the necessary documents and fees.
You must open a business bank account, which is essential for tracking your financial operations. Choose one, domestic or international, that suits your business needs.
Once you have your permit, use TECOM’s AXS platform to access government and corporate services. Apply for the Establishment Card, which involves an additional fee.
Once you have your freelance permit and all required documents, apply for your freelance visa through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) or a designated typing center. This visa enables you to legally live and work in Dubai.
After submitting your freelance visa application, you will receive an entry permit within a week. This permit is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance and allows you to enter Dubai. Upon arrival, you must finalize your visa application and complete other necessary procedures such as biometrics.
As part of the visa processing, you must undergo medical tests at an approved medical center in Dubai and obtain valid health insurance.
Once all procedures are completed and your freelance visa Dubai is approved, you will need to have it stamped in your passport.
The price of a 2-year freelance visa typically ranges from around AED 14,170* to AED 25,000*, considering various components:
Green residence visa can cost around AED 9,500* for freelancers.
Please note that the total cost of a freelance visa can vary based on the location, selected free zone, type of visa, and additional services required.
With a freelance visa and permit in Dubai, you unlock a range of benefits, including:
Starting your career as a freelancer requires less upfront investment compared to starting a full company. You won’t have overhead costs like office space either. With lower expenses, you can offer your services at competitive prices, which makes you more appealing to potential clients.
As a freelancer, you can enjoy complete anonymity, make independent decisions, and explore new growth opportunities.
A freelance visa allows you to sponsor your family, making it easy to bring them to live with you in Dubai.
As a freelancer, you have the freedom to choose your projects and work schedule, offering greater flexibility in your work life.
You can explore countless opportunities as a freelancer in Dubai. You’re not tied to a 9-to-5 job. Instead, you can work on multiple contracts. There are numerous job opportunities and assignments available for freelancers in Dubai through official marketplace websites.
Dubai provides attractive tax incentives for freelancers, enabling them to maximize profitability and support their growth initiatives
Not to forget the other benefits that Dubai offers, such as its strategic location and advanced infrastructure!
A freelance visa Dubai lets you work independently while opening numerous opportunities for you, here are some quick tips to operate as a successful freelancer in Dubai:
Obtaining a freelance visa Dubai opens doors to incredible opportunities in this advanced city. However, there are specific requirements you must follow to obtain one. With DUBIZ by your side, navigating through them becomes seamless. We are your best assistant across the UAE for business setup. Our experts ensure proper and valid issuance of the UAE freelance visa. We handle everything for you, from obtaining work permits to freelance visas, so you can focus on your business without hassle.
Our team provides personalized advice on business name selection, location, financial matters, marketing, and more, guiding your endeavours towards success.
Don’t wait! Start a new business in Dubai with DUBIZ by your side.
Feel free to reach out to us at +971 562986853 or message us on WhatsApp at+971 569973630. For any inquiries, you can also send us an email at info@dubiz.co.
A Dubai freelance permit enables you to legally operate your freelance business within a designated free zone authority. It serves as a business license for freelancers. On the other hand, the freelance visa is a residency permit that allows you to live and work as a freelancer in Dubai. To obtain the freelance visa, you must first obtain a freelance permit.
The validity of a freelance visa can range from one to two years. With a green visa, freelancers can enjoy a validity period of up to five years. The duration depends on the location and package chosen.
Yes, you can. With a freelance visa in Dubai, you have the option to sponsor your family members, subject to meeting specific conditions. For detailed guidance, please reach out to our experts at DUBIZ.
Yes, securing health insurance is a crucial prerequisite for obtaining a freelance visa Dubai.
The Dubai talent pass, introduced by the Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZ), targets global professionals in media, education, technology, art, marketing, and consultancy fields. It offers a 3 year resident visa, office space rental options within DAFZ, and access to DAFZ’s customer network. When applying for a freelance visa through the Dubai Talent Pass, the cost is AED 9,500 initially, with an option to renew annually at varying fees depending on your field of work.
Follow these simple steps to obtain a freelance visa Dubai:
