
Freelance Visa in Dubai: What It Is and How To Apply?
If you want to work independently and have a flexible job in the UAE, you might consider getting a freelance visa there. A freelance visa is a type of visa that lets you work for yourself in specific jobs. You don’t need a company to sponsor you or have an office. You can also support your family to live with you in the UAE and enjoy the good things about living there.
This article will explain what you need to know about getting a freelance visa in the UAE. We will cover who can apply and how to renew it. Getting a freelance visa in the UAE isn’t just about filling out a form online and paying a fee. There are various freelance visas, and you should know the rules, costs, and processes before applying.
What is a freelance visa in Dubai?
The freelance visa for Dubai is a work visa in the UAE for people who work for themselves. People from India can apply for a freelance license or a full-time work license to work in Dubai as independent contractors. Freelancer licenses are given by several groups that work in free zones, like the TECOM Group and twofour54.
People can apply for freelance permits in several free zones across the UAE, including Dubai. You can get a freelancing visa or permission in the UAE without needing a sponsor or a job from any company.
If you get a freelance permit, you might be able to get a freelance visa for Dubai. An author’s visa in Dubai allows a person to live in the UAE. Because of this, you and your family can live and work in the UAE for one to five years. All UAE nationals and citizens, whether they live in the UAE or not, can apply for a freelance permit or visa.
Freelancing in the UAE
Anyone who wants to work as a freelancer in Dubai can get a visa and a freelance permit. The main applicant needs to have a bachelor’s degree or a special diploma. They also need to show that they made at least AED 360,000 in the last two years.
However, whether someone is eligible depends on their ability to work in a qualified job. You can work in any of these areas or businesses to get a Dubai freelance visa:
Media
- Actor
- Aerial Shoot Photographer
- Animator
- Artist
- Audio
- Brand Consultant
- Cameraman
- Choreographer
- Commentators
- Composer
- Content Provider
- Copywriter
- Creative Director and more
Education
- Education Advisor
- eLearning Advisor
- Executive Coaching
- Researcher
- Trainer
Tech
- Architecture Freelancer
- Customer Service Freelancer
- Data Science
- Analytics Freelancer
- IT
- Telecommunication Networking Freelancer
- Software Development and more
Design
- Apparel Designer
- Concept Designer
- Costume Designer
- Fashion Artist
- Fashion Designer
- Hair Stylist
- Interior Designer
- Image Consultant
- Jewelry Designer
- Make-up Artist
- Object Designer
- Personal Shopper
- Textile Designer
- Visual Merchandiser
- Wedding Planner and more
Different kinds of freelance visas in the UAE
There are three main types of freelance visas in the UAE, based on your needs and job area.
Freelance visa and work permit for residents: This is for people who already have a residence visa in the UAE, either from their spouse, parent, or employer. They need to get a freelance work permit from one of the approved offices or special areas that provide this service. They also need to get a NOC (No Objection Certificate) from their sponsor or employer if they have a full-time job.
Freelance visa for people outside the UAE: This is for those who don’t live in the UAE but want to work as freelancers. They have to get a freelance visa and a residence permit from one of the specific government offices or special areas that provide this service. They also need to show proof of their skills, work experience, and earnings.
Green Residence for freelancers and self-employed people: This is a new visa that started in 2023 to bring in skilled workers from around the world. It lets freelancers and self-employed individuals support themselves for 5 years. This doesn’t require an employer or a sponsor. They need to get a self-employment or freelance permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) by meeting specific requirements like their education, income, and financial health. Additionally, this visa allows professionals to explore opportunities in a thriving market, including properties for sale in Dubai, enhancing both work and lifestyle prospects.
Benefits of having a freelance visa in Dubai
If you want to work in the UAE on your terms, you might consider getting a freelance visa. A freelance visa is a special type of visa that lets you live and work on your own in different jobs, like technology, media, education, art, culture, marketing, and consulting. A freelance visa is different from a regular work visa because you don’t need to have a boss or a sponsor. You can have several clients, choose your working hours and prices, and enjoy the advantages of living in the UAE.
Having a freelance visa in the UAE has several benefits, like:
Flexibility: You can work for different clients, pick your own working hours, and choose the projects you want to do.
Independence: You can work from any place, without being stuck in an office or a specific company.
Safety: You get legal protection and rights as a resident, like health insurance, a bank account, a driver’s license, and more.
Opportunity
In the UAE, freelancing allows you to work in many different areas for your business. Freelancing visas are allowed for nearly all the business activities mentioned by DED. To apply for freelance permission in a free zone, your business must match the types of activities allowed in that area. For example, you need to work in the media or a similar field if you want to start a business in the Dubai Media City Free Zone. If you know a lot about innovation and IT, Dubai Internet City is a good place to find a job. The education sector is directly connected to Dubai Knowledge Park.
Reasons to get a Freelance Visa in Dubai
It’s simple to apply: You can apply for a freelance visa in Dubai in two ways. You can go directly to one of the many free areas, or the Department of Economic Development (DED). The way to submit is simple here. When you apply for your business, you just use your name. It usually takes about 7 to 10 days to get your license.
No office needed: Freelancers can work from anywhere, not just in specific areas. When it comes to freelancing, getting a place to work is completely up to you. You can work for yourself, from home, or use one of the free zones that let you rent desks and office space. You can easily find the right balance for your life with a freelance visa.
No bookkeeping: Keeping track of paper is a time-consuming part of owning a business. Luckily, the UAE doesn’t always require independent contractors to submit official records or undergo audits. Business owners can now focus more on building successful companies, earning more money, and creating new job opportunities. All you need is a freelancing visa for Dubai.
Setting up a corporate bank account is easy: Many big and trusted banks in the UAE welcome independent workers. Also, the best bank for your business will be easy to find when you get to your free zone. You need your Emirates ID to open a bank account and get a freelancer license.
No sponsorship needed: Most free zones in the Emirates do not require a No Objection Certificate (NOC). This is helping freelancing to grow in the area. Most government offices usually ask for a NOC, which is usually given by a local sponsor or organization.
How to get a freelance visa in Dubai?
The way to apply for a freelance visa in the UAE changes based on the type of visa and the specific authority or free zone you are using to apply. There are a few important rules you need to follow:
Pick your area and organization
You need to choose what type of work you want to do as a freelancer, like in media, education, technology, art, culture, or consulting. Next, you need to pick which government or free zone gives freelance permits and visas for that field. Here are some common choices:
- Dubai Media City
- Dubai Knowledge Park
- Dubai Internet City
- Dubai Development Authority
- Abu Dhabi Media Area Authority
- Twofour54 Abu Dhabi
- Sharjah Media City
- Ajman Free Zone
- Ras Al Khaimah Business Area
- Fujairah Creative City
Get your papers ready
You need to collect all the important papers for your freelance visa application in the UAE, like:
- A copy of your passport.
- A small photo of your passport.
- CV or resume
- Attested degree certificate or diploma.
- Portfolio
- Bank statement or income proof.
- Approval letter from the sponsor. If it applies to you.
- Work permit for self-employment or freelance from MOHRE (if needed)
Send in your application
You have to complete an online application on the website of the authority or free zone you picked and upload your documents. You also have to pay a fee when you apply, and this fee can be different depending on the organization or area. To maximize your opportunities, consider connecting with property agents in Dubai who can help you find suitable accommodations or investments that align with your new freelancing journey.
Get your approval
Once your application is approved, you’ll receive a confirmation email. You will get an e-visa if you apply for a freelance visa as a non-resident.
Complete your visa process.
You need to go to the office to get your freelance permit and visa. You also have to get a medical test and a security check and pay the visa fee, which can change based on the place or area you are applying to.
Conclusion
Getting a freelance visa is a great way to follow your dreams and work on your career while living in a lively and varied country. You should know about the different kinds of freelance visas, what is needed for each one, the costs, and the steps you need to follow based on your situation and your job.