Cost Of Freelance Visa In Dubai - Lomelono Travel Solutions

Fiiiiiiiinally. I’m going to be an official freelancer in Dubai with my own company! In today’s post, I’ll cover the cost of freelance visa in Dubai and process of getting it. According to UAE visa rules and regulations, all individuals who wish to stay more than 90 days must get their visa approved by the Department of Naturalization and Residency (DNR).

As an expat who has worked in the UAE and several other countries, I have a really good idea of what visa options are available for Expats. A much better idea than most people with the same or similar experience. And that brings me to the topic of this article – freelance visas for Dubai which are offered by the government in the UAE for professionals who come to work there. Freelance visa in Dubai is basically a visit visa, but there is also a full employment visa for Dubai by UAE Ministry of Labour.

Cost Of Freelance Visa In Dubai

Many of those who are planning to reside in UAE for long time, look for work visas and it does not need to be mentioned that a work visa is the most preferable among immigration visa courses. Acquiring a work visa, however, is not an easy decision and does not depend on the job prospects alone which makes a candidate leave his/her country and practice his/her profession in Dubai.

There are 10 different types of visas for expats in Dubai. Out of these 10 types of visa, 5 types of visa require the applicant to get a license from the government. It should be remembered that the visa is issued by the immigration and labor department and is valid for a year. The 6-month work experience in a relevant field and the knowledge of Arabic language are must for this visa.

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What is the freelance permit and visa?

With a view to creating more job opportunities in the country, the UAE announced in November 2020 that not only UAE nationals, but UAE citizens, residents and non-residents too can apply for freelance licenses in the UAE.

Freelancers can now legally stay and work in the Emirates, and even bring their families and or dependents with them.

For residents: freelancer permit

If you’re resident in Dubai on your spouse’s or parent’s visa, then you’ll only need a freelancer permit to start working. Full-time working professionals in the UAE can also become freelancers by obtaining a permit.

However, you’ll a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your sponsor and/or employer.

For non-residents: freelancer visa

If you’re not otherwise resident in the UAE, you’ll have to apply for a freelancer visa, which is a residency permit that allows the individual to live and work in the emirate as a freelancer.

You’ll also have to apply for a residence visa.

The Talent Pass

The Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority (Dafza), Dubai Culture and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) have additionally launched the Talent Pass, a three-year visa or freelance license, to attract and retain global talent. The scheme is aimed at the art, media, technology, marketing, culture, education, marketing and consultancy industries in Dubai and is part of the Emirate’s goal to boost its freelance workforce.

This includes commerce licenses for the following

import, export and re-export
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
a license issued in 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 renting an office space for working outside the free zone
a services license.

Furthermore, the Talent pass holders also have an option to operate a dedicated desk and leverage other business facilities the free zone offers such as meeting rooms. They can also access a directory of free zone companies who can hire their services.

The Talent Pass costs Dh9,500 ($2,586) and is renewable annually. However, the renewal fee will be different, and the visa charges will depend on the category of the visa applied for and the applicant’s profile.

Green residence for freelancing and self-employment

With the freelancing industry and the concept of flexible work models having considerable growth worldwide, the new Green residence for freelancing and self-employment provides a 5 years residency for freelancers and self-employed individuals without requiring a sponsor or employer in the UAE.

The only requirements include:

obtaining a freelance/ self-employment permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
a minimum educational qualification with a bachelor’s degree or specialized diploma.
an annual income from self-employment for the previous two years of AED360,000 (USD 9,800.99), or
the applicant should be able to prove their financial solvency throughout their stay in the country.

How to get a freelancer visa in Dubai?

Getting the freelance permit

You’ll have to get your freelancer permit issued from a free zone in Dubai, which will help you get your residency visa as well.

The TECOM Group, in conjunction with the Dubai Development Authority, has launched the GoFreelance initiative, where eligible individuals can share their talent with the world get exclusive opportunities to get new jobs, bid on projects and grow their network.

Applicants will need the following documents:

Resume/CV
Recent photograph
Passport and visa copy (valid for at least 8 months)
Bank reference letter
NOC from your UAE sponsor
Proof of academic qualifications certified either by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or the UAE Consulate in your country of origin (for those applying in the education sector)
Portfolio or sample of your work (for those applying in the media sector)

Fill up their application form and attach your passport and visa (if you have one) copies here, and wait for 5-7 days to get their approval by email. You then have to visit the business centre in Dubai Knowledge Park, Dubai Media City or Dubai Internet City to show your original passport, sign the documents, and complete the payment for your freelance permit.

Usually, the processing time is 10-15 business days. Once your permit is approved, you’ll receive it via email.

Getting the establishment card

After you receive your permit, you’ll get access to TECOM’s business service platform called AXS from where you can avail a number of government or corporate services. Here, you’ll need to apply for the Establishment Card, which comes at an additional cost.

To apply for the card, you’ll require your freelancer permit and a UAE mobile number.

Getting the employment visa

Once you have your establishment card, you can apply for a residence visa in Dubai. For this, you’ll need your original passport, a passport photo, valid medical insurance and visa (if applicable), along with the card.

Getting a residence visa

After your freelance visa application is submitted, you’ll receive an entry permit within a week, which will be valid for 60 days from the date of issuance. On arrival in Dubai, you’ll have to look into the subsequent procedures like medical examinations.

Once your residence visa gets stamped, you’re all set to start living and freelancing in Dubai.

Who’s eligible to get a freelancer visa in Dubai?

You can freelance in Dubai in only certain sectors. As of now, the following activities are permissible for freelancers in Dubai.

Employed in the media

In media, you can choose to do upto 3 activities. The freelance permit will be issued by Dubai Media City.

Actor
Aerial Shoot Photographer
Animator
Artist
Audio/Sound Engineer
Brand Consultant