Freelance Visa In Dubai Cost

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Do you have your heart set on living and working in Dubai? Or do you just really like the word Dubai, and think it would be super-awesome if you could live there – even for a little while? We will base our discussion today on – Freelance Visa In Dubai Cost. But, other resources which you can find on our website include some frequently asked questions such as: cheapest freelance visa uae and freelance visa dubai installment

Freelance Visa In Dubai Cost

One of the most sought out benefits of the UAE, given that it is a very safe country, is that they have immigration laws in place that attract people from different parts of the world. As such, more and more people are looking to conduct freelance work as well as work on e-visas to gain access to this country.

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
  • Cameraman
  • Choreographer
  • Commentators: Radio, Events, Sports, Television
  • Composer
  • Content Provider
  • Copywriter
  • Creative Director
  • Critics: Music, Film, Theatre
  • Director: Music, Film, Television, Theatre
  • Editor: Audio, Video
  • Editor: Publishing
  • Events Planner
  • Furniture Designer
  • Graphic Designer
  • Illustrator
  • Journalist
  • Lighting Specialist
  • Market Analyst
  • Marketing Specialist
  • Media Planner
  • Music Director
  • Musician
  • New Media Specialist
  • Photographer
  • Photojournalist
  • PR Specialist
  • Presenter: TV, Radio
  • Print Media Specialist
  • Producer
  • Scriptwriters
  • Set and Exhibit Designer
  • Social Media Specialist
  • Social Media Influencer
  • Special Effects Producer
  • Translator
  • Wardrobe Stylist
  • Web Developer
  • Web Designer
  • Writer

Employed in education

You can only opt for one position. The freelance permit will be issued by Dubai Knowledge Park.

  • Education Advisor
  • eLearning Advisor
  • Executive Coaching
  • Researcher
  • Trainer

Employed in tech

You can only opt for one position. The freelance permit will be issued by Dubai Internet City.

  • Web, Mobile, Software Development and Architecture Freelancer
  • IT and Telecommunication Networking Freelancer
  • Data Science and Analytics Freelancer
  • Customer Service Freelancer

Employed in design

You can only opt for one position. The freelance permit will be issued by Dubai Design District.

  • Apparel Designer
  • Concept Designer
  • Costume Designer
  • Fashion Artist
  • Fashion Designer
  • Fashion Stylist
  • Image Consultant
  • Hair Stylist
  • Interior Designer
  • Jewelry Designer
  • Make-up Artist
  • Object Designer
  • Personal Shopper
  • Textile Designer
  • Visual Merchandiser
  • Wedding Planner

How much is the cost of a freelancer visa in Dubai?

There are four distinct costs involved in obtaining and renewing your freelance visas.

  • Freelance permit: The freelance permit costs AED 7,500 to be issued and renewed. It needs to be renewed annually.
  • Establishment card: The establishment card costs AED 2,000 to be issued and renewed. It needs to be renewed annually.
  • Employment visa: The 3 year-valid visa costs AED 2,750, while the 5 year-valid visa costs AED 5000. They need to be renewed every 3 and 5 years, respectively.
  • Residence visa: 
    • If you are applying from outside the UAE then the residence visa (valid for 3 years) cost will be:
      • AED 3,330 (Normal)
      • AED 3,900 (Express)
    • If you are applying from within the UAE then the residence visa (valid for 3 years) cost will be:
      • AED 4,960 (Normal)
      • AED 6,340 (Express)

Thus, the total annual expense of your freelance visa would be at least AED 11,525.

The visa cost excludes health insurance but is inclusive of visa stamping, medical tests and the Emirate ID.

Freelance Visa

Terms and Conditions for Beneficiaries of 3-Year Freelance Visa

  1. Full Payment costs AED 13,500
  2. Paying in two installments costs AED 15,000
  3. Yearly Installment payment shall be as follows:
    • 1st Year – AED 6000
    • 2nd Year – AED 6000
    • 3rd Year – AED 6000
  4. Monthly Installment shall be AED 1,000 payable over 21months. The First Payment shall be due immediately upon receiving the Visa and in-Country Change of Status. For Beneficiaries outside the UAE, First Payment shall be due immediately upon receiving the Visa Detail.
  5. All costs include Medical and Emirate ID Processing.
  6. All costs include Basic Medical Insurance Cover.
  7. . Every Beneficiary of the Freelance Visa will execute a Binding Agreement with the Company on the following terms:
    • In order to verify that the Visa has been processed, the Visa Copy with the registered number shall be made available to the Visa beneficiary for verification through the UAE Government portal.
    • For verification purposes, the Trade License of the Company Shall be available throughout the Visa Term.
    • Possibility of converting a monthly payment plan to yearly or full payment Plan. Terms of acceptance shall vary from beneficiary to beneficiary
    • Possibility of converting a yearly payment plan to two or full payment plan. Terms of acceptance shall vary from beneficiary to beneficiary
    • Possibility of converting a two-time payment plan to full payment plan. Terms of acceptance shall vary from beneficiary to beneficiary.
    • For job seekers, the Company will introduce the Beneficiaries to reliable agents for job security
    • Until Payment is done in full, on mutual Agreement, the Visa beneficiary shall be entitled to hold onto his original Emirate ID and copies of his stamped Visa and Passport while the Original International Passport with the Stamped Visa shall be in the custody of the company.

Should the Visa Beneficiary default on Payment he/she will have the grace to meet up with payment as follows:
– 30 days on the monthly installment payment plan,
– 60 days on the two-payment plan
– 90 days on the yearly plan.

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