Freelance Visa Requirements in Dubai and the UAE: What You Need to Know

Is freelancing really a charming way of life for you? Next move grabs a freelancing visa and permission for Dubai! When you seek for a Freelance Visa in Dubai, you will carry on your legal business endeavors as much as offer professional services to customers in the United Arab Emirates.

However, if you are a foreigner in UAE, one need to that is his/her UAE Residence Visa to be able to get it. In the vector of your professional activity such as consultation, event management, film production, education or new media and entertainment among others are included into range of industries where you can qualify for employment.

Providing detailed instructions on how to navigate the application process, legal requirements, and advice on which Free Zone to set up your Freelance Visa, this comprehensive guide aims to simplify the process.

How to Obtain a UAE Free Zone Freelance Visa

Select Your Field: Select the industry you want to work as a freelancer in, such as design, media, education, or technology.

 Pick a Free Zone: Make sure the one you pick allows freelancer licenses. Look at the list we made under the "UAE Free Zones" heading.

Obtain a Freelance Permit by submitting an application in the field of your choice. In the UAE, the permit serves as a license to conduct freelance business. A number of Free Zones provide online application platforms.

Collect the Necessary Paperwork: Get the required paperwork ready, such as a copy of your passport, resume, bank reference letter, academic transcripts attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the UAE Consulate, credentials, work portfolio (if applicable), two professional references (with contact information), and, if you are already a resident of the UAE, the sponsor's No Objection Certificate (NOC).

Send in Your Application: You have two options: either purchase a Free Zone Package from TVG or apply for a Freelance Permit through the appropriate Free Zone authority. Simply complete the contact form so that we can determine which package best meets your requirements.

 Apply for a Freelance Visa: You can now use your Freelance Permit to apply for this. It will permit you to legally reside and work as a freelancer in the United Arab Emirates. In general, these documents are required while applying namely: passport, medical insurance, UAE phone number (this may also include an Emirati SIM card), freelance permit, and passport-sized photos. Much like the Free Zone Permit, all applications can be done online at either our site TVG Management and Consultancy, or the Free Zone’s website.

Establishment Card: You might have to apply for an establishment card, depending on which Free Zone you have selected. This card is essential for handling visa-related paperwork, particularly if you need to obtain extra operational permissions or intend to sponsor dependents' visas. The annual cost will be AED 2000.

Pass Medical Exams: To apply for a visa, you must first acquire medical insurance and take a test on medical fitness.

Once your full payments are done you will receive your UAE Freelancer VISA by which you will become able to work in the UAE

Renewal of Visas: It is worth noting that regular visa renewal is required for freelancers. Various procedures and costs exist for renewal in relation to the area of work and the issuing authority.

UAE Free Zones and the Price of a Freelance Visa

Although not all UAE Free Zones offer freelancer licenses, many do. The list of Free Zones that provide freelance permits and visas, each geared toward a particular industry, is provided below. It's crucial to take into account the industry specialization as well as the specific services and amenities that will best suit your company's needs when choosing your free zone. Take into account the whole cost structure, which includes license fees, visa costs, and any required deposits. It's critical to evaluate the general atmosphere and networking opportunities offered by each Free Zone to make sure it aligns with your career goals and growth potential.

Internet City of Dubai

A technology park called Dubai Internet City was established to promote innovation in the IT industry. For independent contractors that specialize in tech innovation, IT services, and software development, DIC is perfect. In addition to offering access to significant technology companies for possible collaboration and client acquisition, it offers a thriving community.

The starting price is AED 7,500.

Media City of Dubai

Global and regional media companies are housed in Dubai Media City, which was established to increase the UAE's media footprint. For independent journalists, advertisers, and media producers, DMC is ideal. It gives access to cutting edge production facilities and networking opportunities with top media companies.

The starting price is AED 7250.

How to Obtain a Visa for Freelance Work in Dubai Mainland

Outside of the free zones, applying for a freelance visa in mainland Dubai follows a slightly different procedure. This is a broad summary of how you can apply:

Select Your Line of Business: Decide which industry or field you want to work for yourself. This might occur in fields like technology, education, or the media.

Get a Freelance Permit: In the mainland of Dubai, you need to get it from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization as opposed to free zones where the permit is given by free zone authority. This involves fulfilling other demands that you are expected to meet in the sector you choose and submitting relevant documents.

Apply for a No Objection Certificate (NOC): If you are at the moment living in the UAE on any other kind of visa like employment visa you will need an NOC from your sponsor.

Satisfy Legal Requirements: Ensure that you meet all the legal aspects including you holding a valid passport; be eligible to work as a freelancer, and any other legal document as may be required.

Medical Fitness Examination and Insurance: Pass a medical examination and obtain current, comprehensive health insurance. These are necessary to obtain a UAE residency visa.

Apply for a Residency Visa: You can lawfully live and work in Dubai if you have a residency visa and the required documentation, which you can obtain with your freelance permit in hand. You must specifically submit an application for a Green Visa. There are various requirements for this visa, such as a bachelor's degree or specialized diploma. In addition, you have to provide proof of your consistent financial stability during your stay in the UAE or proof of at least AED 360,000 in annual self-employment income over the previous two years.

Visa stamping: You must have your residency visa approval stamped prior to your passport.

Create a bank account: A bank account must be opened in order for you as a freelancer to start doing business.

Comparing a Freelance Visa and a Permit

License or Permit for Freelance Work

Freelancing is legal in UAE when you possess a freelancer permit or a license. Similar to a business license it enables one to undertake work independently or as a contract worker. This authorization is provided by the Department of Economic Development in various Emirates or free zone authorities.

Freelancer Visa

A freelancer visa allows you to live and work in Dubai as a free agent. You can apply for this type of visa through local governmental agencies if they provide freelancing packages; however typically this service is administered by the Free Zone authority that issued your Freelancer Permit, which is what this visa is linked with.

Get Your Consultancy and Management TVG Freelance Visa

It makes sense that a large number of UAE professionals would like to obtain freelance visas in Dubai. The United Arab Emirates is an excellent location for business expansion, and TVG can help you obtain a freelance visa in Dubai. Working with a reliable and respectable company is essential to obtaining the correct and valid freelance permit in the United Arab Emirates.

One of the UAE's top experts on Dubai company formation is TVG Management and Consultancy. We provide value-added business support services and a range of visa solutions to independent contractors.

To find out more about obtaining a freelance visa in Dubai, get in touch with us right now.

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