There are many reasons why someone would want to obtain a freelance visa in Dubai. The most common reason is to be able to work in the city without having to go through the hassle of finding a job and going through the process of obtaining a work visa. Other reasons include being able to live and work in the city on a more flexible schedule, or to start your own business.

The process of obtaining a freelance visa in Dubai is relatively simple. The first step is to find a sponsor, who can be either an individual or a company. Once you have found a sponsor, they will help you with the rest of the process, which includes applying for the visa and getting approval from the government.

Once you have obtained your freelance visa, you will be able to work in Dubai without any restrictions. However, it is important to remember that this type of visa does not allow you to work for anyone else besides your sponsor. If you want to change sponsors, you will need to apply for a new visa. We will base our discussion today on – Freelance Visa In Dubai. But, other resources which you can find on our website include some frequently asked questions such as: cheap freelance visa dubai and freelance visa dubai 2022

Freelance Visa In Dubai

A freelance visa in Dubai allows foreign nationals to live and work in the city for a set period of time. This type of visa is ideal for those who want to work independently or run their own business in Dubai. If you’re looking to freelance in Dubai, here’s everything you need to know about the freelance visa process and what it entails.

What is a freelance visa in Dubai?

A freelance visa in Dubai is a special type of visa that allows foreigners to work in the city as freelancers. This type of visa is different from the usual work visa as it does not require the individual to be employed by a specific company. The main requirements for this type of visa are that the applicant must have a valid passport and a residence permit in Dubai. In addition, applicants must prove that they have the financial means to support themselves during their stay in Dubai.

What are the benefits of a freelance visa in Dubai?

There are many benefits to holding a freelance visa in Dubai. For starters, freelancers are able to live and work in the city without having to obtain a traditional work visa. This means that freelancers can more easily travel to and from Dubai, and they can also take advantage of the city’s many amenities and attractions.

In addition, freelancers on a freelance visa in Dubai can enjoy a number of tax benefits. They are exempt from paying personal income tax, and they can also claim deductions for business expenses. This makes it easier for freelancers to keep more of their earnings, which can be used to reinvest in their businesses or enjoy a higher standard of living in Dubai.

Finally, holding a freelance visa in Dubai gives freelancers greater flexibility when it comes to working hours and arrangements. They are not tied to any one employer and can work as much or as little as they like. This freedom can be especially beneficial for those who want to balance work with other commitments such as family or leisure pursuits.

How to apply for a freelance visa in Dubai

There are a few things to keep in mind when applying for a freelance visa in Dubai. The first is that you will need to have a valid passport. The second is that you must be at least 21 years old. The third is that you must have a bachelor’s degree or higher. The fourth is that you must have at least two years of experience in your field. And the fifth is that you must be able to show proof of income.

If you meet all of the above requirements, then you can begin the application process by visiting the website of the Department of Labor in Dubai. Once there, you will need to create an account and fill out an online application form. Be sure to include all relevant information about your work experience and education. You will also need to upload a copy of your passport and a recent photo.

Once your application has been submitted, it will be reviewed by the Department of Labor. If they approve your application, they will issue you a freelance visa which will allow you to stay in Dubai for up to six months.

What are the requirements for a freelance visa in Dubai?

In order to obtain a freelance visa in Dubai, you must meet the following requirements:

-You must be a national of a country that has diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates
-You must have a valid passport
-You must have a residence permit or a long-term visa from another GCC country
-You must have a health certificate proving that you are free of contagious diseases
-You must have an insurance policy that covers your stay in the UAE
-You must have proof of financial means, such as bank statements or income tax returns, to show that you can support yourself financially while in Dubai
-You must have a portfolio of your previous work to show to potential clients

How long is a freelance visa in Dubai valid for?

A freelance visa in Dubai is valid for one year and can be renewed annually. There is no limit on the number of times a freelance visa can be renewed.

If you’re looking to freelance in Dubai, then you’ll need to apply for a freelance visa. The good news is that the process is relatively straightforward and there are a number of resources available to help you through it. We hope this article has given you a better understanding of what’s involved in applying for a freelance visa in Dubai and how to go about it.

Freelance Visa In Dubai

The United Arab Emirates issued a new visa earlier this month for digital freelancers. The “Business Entry Visa” helps bridge the gap for resident freelancers in other countries that are allowed to work online, but does not legally allow offline work. Emirati entrepreneurs have been looking to establish a clear legal framework for freelance professionals, some of whom have ended up being arrested under the country’s cybercrime law. The rules implemented by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) ensure that companies do not outsource work to unlicensed companies and individuals. In addition, the 2017 UAE Federal law No. 5 of 2017 aims to encourage the hiring of Emiratis by local and international companies operating in the country. This is especially relevant for industries such as Information Technology & Business Process Outsourcing (IT&BPO) where there is a high demand for skilled workers.

Your 2022 Guide to Freelance Visa in Dubai

 in Visa Services

Some to study in world-class universities and gain international exposure, some to make their entrepreneurial dreams true, and some to simply live a high-quality life before they retire in a city that looks new every day. A whole host of people from the world over migrate to Dubai, the city where dreams turn into reality in the blink of an eye. Thanks to the approachable visa system of the country and of course, the business-friendly policies!

If you ask me what is the best, cheapest and most effortless way to get a residency in Dubai without the need of a sponsor then my answer defo will be – a freelancer visa. Keep reading to know the answers to your other freelance visa-related questions such as what type of freelancer visa is suitable for me, how much it will cost me, how will it benefit me, how can I obtain a Dubai freelancer visa, and can I apply for a Dubai freelancer visa from my home country.

What is a freelance visa in Dubai?

Looking at the rising popularity of the ‘gig economy’ across the world, the UAE couldn’t help but launched freelance visas in 2019. As the name suggests, the UAE freelance visa is one of the most popular visas in the UAE, which allows the holder to self-sponsor themselves and work in the areas permissible. In words of one syllable, it’s your ticket to freedom! Freedom to live in your favourite country, freedom to utilise your talent and skills your way to make money, freedom to work when you can, freedom to work from the comfort of your home or even car, freedom to travel wherever, whenever you want!

Is there any difference between a freelance permit and a freelance visa?

Although both the official documents serve a similar purpose, a freelance permit in Dubai is for those individuals who are already residing in Dubai on their spouse’s or parent’s visa. And because they are already sponsored, they don’t require a freelance visa like unsponsored individuals to work as a freelancer in Dubai or any other emirate of the UAE. The freelance permit or licence is granted under the TECOM Group, which enables the holder to work as an independent contractor and is renewable each year. The freelancer permit is ideal for those who are living in Dubai on dependent visas, such as housewives and single parents.

On the other hand, those who aren’t sponsored by their parents or spouse and are willing to work as a freelancer in Dubai must apply for a freelance visa in Dubai. The freelancer visa is a renewable residency permit that allows the beneficiary to live and work in the emirate for up to three years. A freelancer also needs a work permit to become a full-fledged freelancer. Such a work permit in the UAE can be issued by a few licensing authorities – mainly free zones. Almost every Emirate has a free zone that can dispense a freelance permit and a visa.

Table of Difference: Freelance Visa Vs. Freelance Permit in Dubai, UAE

Parameters	Freelance Visa	Freelance Permit
Visa Type	A UAE residency visa allowing one to live in the country	A licence allowing the licencee to work as a freelancer. Issued to those who already have the UAE residency
Validity	3 years	1 year
Sponsorship	No sponsorship is required	Prior sponsorship is a must to be eligible for a freelance permit
NOC	NOC is required from the current sponsor (if there is any). For visa renewal, it is not required, though.	The applicant needs to present a No Objection Certificate from the current sponsor
Sectors	Freelancer eligibility in Dubai can be obtained in three vital sectors: 1. Education 2. Media 3. Tech 4. Creative Industries	A freelance permit in Dubai can be registered under these sectors: 1. Media (Dubai Media City), 2. Tech (Dubai Internet City), and 3. Education (Dubai Knowledge Park) 4. Design (Dubai Design District)
Interdependence	Freelance visa holders might need a work permit to function to work legally as a sole practitioner in the UAE	Freelance permit holders don’t need a freelance visa to act as a freelancer in the UAE
Cost (new & renewal)	3-years Freelance Employment Visa in Dubai: AED 4,960 (Normal) or AED 6,340 (Express) 1-year Freelance Permit: AED 7,500 1-year Establishment Card: AED 2,000	Dh7,500 (According to Dubai Development Authority aka DDA)

Who issues freelance visas and/or freelance permit in Dubai?

The issuing authority for freelance visas/permits differs from sector to sector. For instance, Dubai Internet City issues freelance permits for the Tech sector, Dubai Design District for the creative sector, Dubai Media City for the media sector and Dubai Knowledge Park for the education sector.

Who can apply for a freelance visa in Dubai?

If you believe that you are an expert in the field of your interest and want to make it your profession or source of income, then you are eligible to apply for a freelance visa in Dubai. Journalism, advertising, digital marketing, acting, writing, photography, teaching, yoga, dancing, singing, education advisory, customer service, web development, etc., there is a wide range of activities you may freelance. Visit GoFreelance to access the complete list of freelance activities that you are permitted to carry out with this visa type.

How can I get work or projects after getting the freelance visa and/or permit?

One of the ways to find freelance assignments or projects is GoFreelance package, an initiative of the TECOM Group in collaboration with the Dubai Creative Clusters Authority. As a member of the GoFreelance community, you also get access to exclusive opportunities to explore and bid on projects and expand your network through Marketplace, an online platform introduced to support you. You may also register on various websites such as Upwork and Truelancer which are popularly known for connecting businesses with independent professionals and agencies around the globe.

What are the benefits of having a freelance visa in Dubai?

It’s no more a secret that hiring freelancers in Dubai is quite inexpensive as compared to a full-time employee, and employers know that they can save up to 50% on operational costs by hiring freelancers in Dubai. Therefore, a freelancer visa is a win-win for both! So many people are switching from their 9-hours-routine jobs to freelancing for work-life balance. But this is just one of many reasons. When it comes to the merits of freelancing in Dubai, the world is your oyster! The affordability of having a freelance visa in Dubai and no requirement of office space to start a business allow more freelancers to enter the market. Not only, a freelance visa in Dubai is cost-efficient but also easy to acquire. Some of the benefits that you get to enjoy after getting a freelance permit and visa in Dubai are:

• Flexibility to work for multiple companies
• Freedom from mundane 9-to-5 job
• Can be your side hustle
• You are your own boss
• Getting a corporate bank account organised is uncomplicated. Once you are set up in your free zone, you are able to access the most relevant bank to your industry needs
• When you are freelancing, you don’t need to have a separate company name. Your name itself acts as the trade name or brand
• No limit on monthly income
• Access to the free zone’s business centre
• The freelancing community is on the radar of the Dubai Government
• Freelancers are not subject to frequent audits like other fully-fledged companies. Neither do they have to file structured financial reports etc. at a regular frequency
• You can sponsor your family members to come and live with you. You might want to check up on the new family visa requirements in the UAE here
• No need to rent an office space (Hello savings!)
• Freedom to travel to your home country or any other country anytime
• You have enough flexibility as you can work any time, anywhere
• Some activities such as writing give you the freedom to work from anywhere in the world from the comfort of your home
• No regular travel expenses & hassles
• Affordable way to get 3-year residency in the UAE
• You are able to offer your services at much lower prices, which means more business
• Low setup costs as there is no need of office, business insurance, employees-related formalities, bookkeeping, etc.
• Access to a huge market as the Emirate has no dearth of businesses, employers, companies and even tourists and residents looking for best and cheap freelancers in Dubai with great skills

Which free zone is best in the UAE for a freelance visa?

It is not about the best free zone, but about the right free zone when it comes to getting a Dubai freelance visa. Dubai boasts more than 35 free zones, and each free zone entices different clients. While some are designed for creative businesses, some are specific to technology, education or even medical services. Researching before choosing one is momentous as there are myriad factors you want to consider, such as your industry and place of residence, before embarking on your freelancer journey.

What are the disadvantages of working as a freelancer in Dubai?

They say, hope for the best, prepare for the worst! And for that, you must see both sides of the coin. Becoming a freelancer in Dubai could be your best career move but you should know the cons of obtaining a freelance visa as well.

• You cannot sponsor employees with your freelance permit and visa
• The freelance visa/permit is only for one person, and that is you. This simply means you cannot hire any employee to work for you. For that, you have to have a trade licence and so much more
• You are required to have a certain aptitude for the freelance lifestyle. This includes being comfortable working alone, self-motivation and being relentless in networking and chasing bills
• You need to have some sort of financial backup as it is likely that you may initially have to spend a few months to a year, networking and developing a portfolio
• You have to keep track of the visa expiry date
• You have to stay up-to-date on the ever-changing rules and regulations in the Dubai because you are the boss of your business
• You have to be very careful about the project deadlines if you want more business through word of mouth
• Freelance permits are open to individuals from only four sectors in Dubai
• A freelancer cannot have Tax Registration Number (TRN) that are mainly required by larger corporations to be engaged. However, you can still get business from small to medium-scale businesses that do not need TRN
• No proper office environment, which can cause distractions and low work efficiency. You may use your clients’ office or co-working spaces available in the designated free zone if required, though
• Freelance visas and work permits are dispensed by free zones, which means they are restricted to that particular FEZ

If the advantages of having a freelance visa outweigh the disadvantages of having a freelancer visa in Dubai, then a freelance visa can be your best bet in Dubai.

What is the cost of getting a freelance visa in Dubai?

A freelance visa in Dubai doesn’t come alone, a freelance permit and establishment card also are tied up with a freelance visa if you want to become a full-grown freelance entity in Dubai and each of the document have separate costs. If you are applying for a freelance employment visa in Dubai with 3 years of validity from inside the UAE, it will cost you as low as AED 4,960 (Standard) and as high as AED 6,340 (Express). And if you are applying for the freelance employment visa in Dubai with similar validity from outside the UAE then it will cost you AED 3,330 (Standard) and AED 3,900 (Express). This must be borne in mind that the afore-mentioned cost for the freelance employment visa includes charges for your medical test, visa stamping and Emirates ID.

How to apply for a Dubai freelance visa?

There are two ways to apply for a freelance visa in Dubai, either by outsourcing or by DIYing. If you choose the first route, it will definitely take you to Adam Global Dubai, one of the reliable freelance visa service providers in Dubai, where your case will be assigned to an experienced freelance visa expert who will make sure you get your visa quickly and effortlessly. And if you opt for the second option, then you have to apply for the visa all by yourself. You yourself will be your PRO in this case.Just 3 easy steps and you will become a freelancer with one of the leading communities: Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City, Dubai Knowledge Park & Dubai Design District.

Step 1: First and foremost, you have to apply for a freelance permit or licence online, so you can get registered as a freelancer in Emirate. You can do that online through the GoFreelance website. Choose the option “Go Apply”, fill in the application form and submit the required documents that include:

• Your resume/CV
• Your recent photograph as per the UAE-approved specifications
• Passport and current visa copy (valid for at least 8 months)
• Bank reference letter
• NOC from your UAE sponsor/employer
• Industry-specific documents certified either by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the UAE Consulate in your country of origin. For instance, proof of academic qualifications if the chosen sector is Education or your portfolio or sample of your work if the selected sector is Media

Step 2: The next stepafter filing your freelance visa application online is to follow up on the same. The application progress will be notified to you via email. Your visa approval can take up to 10-15 days.

Step 3: Once approved, you will need to visit the business centre in the picked sector or free zone in Dubai to personally sign the documents and pay the fees. After the process is complete, you will receive your freelance permit in Dubai via email.

Step 4: After receiving the freelance permit, you need to get access to AXS, TECOM’s business service platform, launched in partnership with the DDA, which lets you avail a number of government or corporate services. Via this platform, you have to first apply for the establishment card and then for a freelance employment visa under the Dubai Development Authority (DDA), which is valid for three years. Remember, both these documents will bear an additional cost.

Step 5: Now that you have all three documents – freelance permit, establishment card and freelance visa – you are just one step away from your dream – complete the residency visa procedures in Dubai and voilà. Upon freelance visa application submission in Dubai, you will receive an entry permit within 5 to 7 business days. Once you receive the entry permit (valid for 60 days from the date of issue), you must complete certain residency visa procedures in Dubai, including your medical test and biometrics. When these procedures are complete, your residency visa will be stamped and valid for three years from the date of issue.

Now that you are a free bird, it is time to explore your community for opportunities! And remember, the most difficult step of any journey is the very first step. So have patience and stay motivated and disciplined.

Need professional help in getting a UAE freelance visa?

Acting, writing, photography, teaching, yoga, dancing, singing, etc. can be your hobby. But if you think that you are an expert in any of these fields at a professional level, then freelance visa in Dubai is your chance to convert your hobby or talent into a profession or business in Dubai. Meet our freelancer visa experts in Dubai at Adam Globalfor any kind of assistance in obtaining the right freelance visa in Dubai or any other emirate of the UAE. How about booking a no-obligation free consultancy with our freelance business setup consultants and sharing your requirements to know your options. It would be a pleasure to meet you!