If you’re planning on working as a freelancer in Dubai, you’ll need to obtain a freelance visa. This can be done through a number of different channels, but the process can take some time. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect when applying for a freelance visa in Dubai. The first step is to gather all of the necessary documents. This includes your passport, photographs, and evidence of your qualifications and experience. You’ll also need to provide a detailed CV, as well as a letter from your employer confirming your status as a freelancer. Once you have all of the required documentation, you can begin the application process.

The next step is to submit your application to the relevant authorities. In Dubai, this is typically done through an online portal. Once your application has been received, it will be reviewed by the appropriate department. If everything is in order, you should receive your freelance visa within 4-6 weeks. Keep in mind that the process of obtaining a freelance visa in Dubai can vary depending on your individual circumstances. If you have any questions or concerns, it’s always best to speak with an expert before beginning the application process. We will base our discussion today on – How Long Does It Take To Get A Freelance Visa In Dubai. But, other resources which you can find on our website include some frequently asked questions such as: freelance visa dubai 2022 and dubai freelance visa price

How Long Does It Take To Get A Freelance Visa In Dubai

For those who want to freelance in Dubai, the process of getting a visa can be a bit daunting. There are many different types of visas, and the application process can be confusing. In this blog post, we will outline the steps you need to take to get a freelance visa in Dubai. We will also provide some tips on how to make the process go smoothly.

How to obtain a freelance visa in Dubai

The process of obtaining a freelance visa in Dubai is relatively simple and straightforward, and can be completed in a matter of days.

First and foremost, you will need to have a valid passport from your country of citizenship. Next, you will need to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your current employer, if you are employed.

Once you have these two documents, you can then apply for a freelance visa through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). The application process is entirely online, and you will need to upload your passport-sized photograph, as well as your NOC.

Upon approval of your application, you will be issued with a freelance work permit, which will allow you to work freely in Dubai. Please note that this permit must be renewed every year.

What are the requirements for a freelance visa in Dubai?

There are a few requirements that must be met in order to obtain a freelance visa in Dubai. First, the applicant must have a valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity. Second, the applicant must have a UAE residence visa or a valid UAE entry permit. Third, the applicant must provide a recent passport-sized photograph. Fourth, the applicant must provide proof of income or financial sponsorship. And fifth, the applicant must submit an application form and pay the applicable fees.

How long does it take to get a freelance visa in Dubai?

If you’re planning on moving to Dubai to work as a freelancer, you’ll need to obtain a freelance visa. The process of getting a freelance visa can vary depending on your nationality and the type of work you’ll be doing, but it generally takes around two to four weeks to complete.

Once you have all the required documents, you’ll need to submit them to the Dubai Economic Department. They will then review your application and issue you a work permit, which will allow you to start working as a freelancer in Dubai.

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

There are many benefits of having a freelance visa in Dubai. For one, it allows you to live and work in the city without having to obtain a separate work visa. This can save you a lot of time and hassle. Additionally, a freelance visa allows you to work for multiple employers, giving you more flexibility and freedom than if you were employed by just one company.

Another great benefit of having a freelance visa in Dubai is that you will have access to the city’s excellent healthcare system. Dubai has some of the best hospitals and clinics in the world, so you can be sure that you’ll be well-cared for if you need any medical attention while living there. Additionally, many employers in Dubai offer health insurance plans that cover employees’ families as well, so your loved ones will be taken care of too.

Finally, holding a freelance visa in Dubai gives you the opportunity to experience one of the most vibrant and exciting cities on earth. From its stunning skyline to its ancient souks and modern malls, Dubai has something for everyone. And with its year-round warm weather, it’s the perfect place to live and work all year round!

Are there any restrictions on holding a freelance visa in Dubai?

Yes, there are some restrictions on holding a freelance visa in Dubai. For instance, you can only work as a freelancer in certain industries, and you may need to obtain a work permit from the Ministry of Labor before starting your freelance business. Additionally, your freelance activity must be approved by the UAE government before you can begin working.

The process of getting a freelance visa in Dubai can be quite lengthy, so it’s important to be patient and plan ahead. However, once you have your freelance visa, you’ll be able to enjoy the many benefits that come with being a freelancer in this amazing city. If you’re ready to take the plunge and start your freelance career in Dubai, we hope this article has given you a better understanding of what to expect during the visa application process.

How Long Does It Take To Get A Freelance Visa In Dubai

You get a call from an employee at one of the Middle East’s leading companies, asking if you would like to set up a meeting. They are interested in your web design services! An exciting prospect. With companies such as Raya, Souq and Dubizzle driving the e-commerce revolution in Dubai, the freelance market place is thriving. However, before you can say “I will be there with my Skype on,” you need to get your Visa sorted.

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)