There is good news for those who wish to work as freelancers in Sharjah! The emirate has just introduced a new visa category that will allow foreign nationals to live and work in the emirate on a freelance basis. The new visa regime, which came into effect on October 1st, 2020, is part of the Sharjah government’s efforts to attract more international talent and expertise to the emirate. It is also hoped that the move will boost Sharjah’s economy by encouraging entrepreneurship and supporting small businesses.

To be eligible for the new freelance visa, applicants must have a valid passport and must be able to prove that they have the skills and experience required for their chosen field of work. They must also have a bank account in their name with a minimum balance of AED 10,000 (approx. USD 2,700). Once approved, freelancers will be granted a residency permit that will allow them to stay in Sharjah for up to one year. They will also be given a multiple-entry business visa that will enable them to travel in and out of the UAE as needed. We will base our discussion today on – Freelance Visa In Sharjah. But, other resources which you can find on our website include some frequently asked questions such as: freelance visa sharjah cost and freelance visa dubai cost 2022

Freelance Visa In Sharjah

If you’re a freelance worker planning on moving to Sharjah, you’ll need to apply for a freelance visa. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the steps of applying for a freelance visa in Sharjah, including what documents you’ll need and where to submit your application. We’ll also provide some tips on how to make your application process as smooth as possible.

Applying for a freelance visa in Sharjah

There are a few things to keep in mind when applying for a freelance visa in Sharjah. The first is that you will need to have a valid passport and Emirates ID. You will also need to submit a copy of your CV, as well as any relevant certificates or diplomas. The last thing to keep in mind is that you will need to pay a fee of AED 250 for the application process.

Once you have all of the required documents, you can begin the application process by going to the website of the Department of Economic Development in Sharjah. On the homepage, click on the link for “Business Licensing” and then select “freelance work” from the list of options. This will take you to the online application form.

Fill out all of the required information on the form, including your personal information, educational qualifications, and employment history. Once you have completed the form, click on the “Submit” button at the bottom.

You will then be taken to a page where you can make payment for the application fee using a credit card or debit card. Once payment has been made, you will receive an email confirmation with your application number. Keep this number handy as you will need it when checking on the status of your application.

The benefits of having a freelance visa in Sharjah

There are many benefits to having a freelance visa in Sharjah. One of the biggest benefits is that it allows you to live and work in Sharjah without having to obtain a work permit. This can save you a lot of time and money, as well as allow you to be more flexible with your work schedule.

Another benefit of having a freelance visa in Sharjah is that it gives you the opportunity to start your own business. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, this can be a great way to get started on your own business venture. There are many resources available to help you get started, and the government is generally supportive of businesses in Sharjah.

Finally, having a freelance visa in Sharjah can help you build up your professional network. This is especially beneficial if you plan on working in the UAE for an extended period of time. By connecting with other professionals in Sharjah, you can learn about new opportunities and make valuable contacts.

What you need to know before applying for a freelance visa in Sharjah

There are a few things you should know before applying for a freelance visa in Sharjah. First, make sure you have a valid passport and UAE residence visa. Next, gather the required documents, which include a copy of your passport, two passport-sized photos, and a filled-out application form. You will also need to provide proof of health insurance and income. Once you have all the necessary documents, you can apply for the freelance visa at any Dubai immigration office. The processing time for the visa is usually about two weeks.

How to apply for a freelance visa in Sharjah

If you want to work as a freelancer in Sharjah, you will need to apply for a freelance visa. The process of applying for a freelance visa in Sharjah is similar to the process of applying for any other type of visa in the UAE.

1. First, you will need to gather all of the required documents. These include your passport, a recent passport-sized photo, and your CV or resume.

2. Next, you will need to submit an online application form. Once you have submitted the form, you will be given a case number and an application ID.

3. You will then need to schedule an appointment at the nearest UAE embassy or consulate. When you attend your appointment, you will need to bring all of the required documents with you.

4. After your appointment, your application will be processed and you should receive your freelance visa within a few weeks.

There you have it — everything you need to know about getting a freelance visa in Sharjah. The process is relatively straightforward and, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to get your visa in no time. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your freelance career in Sharjah today!

Freelance Visa In Sharjah

Be Your Own Boss: A Complete Guide to a Freelance Career in the UAE

If there is a silver lining to the year 2020, it is that of employers understanding that most work can be done to quality and in time without showing up at the workplace for eight hours or more, five days a week.

It gave employees a taste of a work-life without daily commute and the flexibility of planning your day that working at home affords. 

Although the ’new normal’ had been a way of life for some countries pre-pandemic – in the USA, 57 million Americans freelanced in 2019 (Forbes) – removing the physical need for employees to be in the workplace has raised a number of questions about how the workforce will look like in the future, leading to a potential rise in the use of freelancers.

Keeping up with the global trend, a recent survey by the UAE job portal Bayt.com and You Gov titled ‘Entrepreneurship in the Middle East and North Africa 2021’, showed that 62% of UAE residents would prefer to be self-employed given a chance.

While in the past, freelancing across the Emirates was not a viable career choice due to high costs, strict business licensing, and visa regulations, we are now witnessing a mini revolution in the way business and individuals in the UAE are looking at freelancing as an alternative to traditional employment.

Thanks to policy changes initiated by the UAE government – making freelancing legal and issuing visas that allow people to work as freelancers on the side – the country’s work environment is changing.

The scope and opportunities are also growing, leading to a rise in the number of self-employed people across the Middle East and beyond, with the UAE as the base. As businesses recognise the benefits of a more accessible, flexible, qualified source of talent, freelancers are becoming an attractive option for both short and long-term contracts, providing companies with a chance to avoid the time and cost involved in hiring permanent staff.

UAE today is a great place to kickstart your freelancing career

Becoming a legal freelancer in the UAE

In November 2020, the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) announced that UAE residents, as well as non-residents could apply for freelance licences.

According to the new law, freelancers can now legally live and work in the UAE. Applicants are not required to take office space and can apply for residency visas for themselves and their families.

To work as a freelancer in the UAE, you need a residence visa and work permit, with the requirements for residents and non-residents listed below:

For UAE residents

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

To apply for a freelance permit, you must have proof of your relevant skill set as well as permission from any employer in the instance that you are looking at freelancing as a side-hustle.

For UAE non-residents

If you are not a UAE resident, you will have to apply for a freelancer visa – a residency permit that will allow you to live and work in the UAE as a freelancer.

Your options

There are many options to choose from for both UAE residents and non-residents considering a freelance career to live and work in the UAE legally. Many free zone options offer a freelancer permit that can enable you to get your residency visa and sponsor your family.

The choice will depend on the activity/ industry/ sector, and all processes can be completed online. Costs can vary significantly, so it is important that you research well before choosing a free zone that suits your individual needs.

How do I get a freelancer permit?

The free zones that currently offer a freelance permit include:

• Dubai Media City
• Dubai Studio City
• Dubai Production City
• Dubai Knowledge Park
• Dubai Design District
• Abu Dhabi’s twofour54
• Fujairah Creative City
• Ras Al Khaimah Economic Free Zone
• Ajman Free zone
• Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone

Costs range between AED 7,500 and AED 20,000 (depending on the free zone regulations and your business requirements) and the permit must be renewed annually. The cost will also vary based on whether you need a 1-year or 3-year residence visa or only a permit to work legally as a freelancer in the UAE. If you are already a UAE resident, sponsored by a parent or a spouse, you do not need to cancel your current residence visa and get a new one.

To get started, here are your free zone options:

Abu Dhabi: You can get a freelancer permit from twofour54 by logging onto their website here. The Media Zone Authority has waived all license fees for the first two years in the media zone, which means that you only need to pay for the visa registration process and health insurance.

In addition, the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development has also launched a freelancer visa option. More details here.

Dubai: Dubai Development Authority and the TECOM Group have launched the GoFreelance initiative, where currently registration is open under four sectors for freelance visas: Media (Dubai Media City), Technology (Dubai Internet City), Design (Dubai Design District) and Education (Dubai Knowledge Park). For full details and application, you can log onto their website here.

The fee for the package is AED7,500 and if a residency visa is required, they will help you through the process and offer a business centre facility to work from if you wish.

Check here for freelance and business set up options from Dubai Production City and Dubai Studio City.

Ras Al Khaimah: Ras Al Khaimah Economic Free Zone permit starts from AED 6,100 and includes access to business centres and a range of support services and a residency visa. For a full list of activities and to register, please check their website. 

Fujairah: Fujairah Creative City has many options on offer with a starting price of AED 5,750. Offering flexi desk, online support, internet access, PO box and PRO services.  Please check their website here for more details. 

Ajman: Ajman Free Zone (AFZA) freelance package start at AED 6,000 plus visa, Emirates ID, and basic health insurance cost. You can apply under several activities, and it includes a visa valid for three years along with Hub facilities. Click here for more information.

Umm Al Quwain: UAQ Free Trade Zone is designed for individuals in the technology, media and film sectors. By obtaining a freelance license and visa from the UAQ FTZ, you become a registered freelancer in the UAE eligible to carry out their chosen profession with full legal support. For more information and to apply for a UAQ freelance permit, check their website here.

If you would like to outsource your freelance permit and visa set-up, several private companies specialise in business licences and establishments that can do the legwork for you at an additional extra cost. This is a good choice if you are exploring your options, as they can guide you through the process.

Marketing & Communications professions eligible for a UAE freelancer visa:

• Animator
• Brand Consultant
• Content Provider
• Copywriter
• Creative Director
• Editor: Audio, Video
• Editor: Publishing
• Events Planner
• Graphic Designer
• Illustrator
• Journalist
• Market Analyst
• Marketing Specialist
• Media Planner
• New Media Specialist
• PR Specialist
• Print Media Specialist
• Social Media Specialist
• Social Media Influencer
• Web Developer
• Web Designer
• Writer
• Web, Mobile, Software Development and Architecture Freelancer
• Data Science and Analytics Freelancer