12 Nov
2024
The gig economy has grown, and it is expected to grow even more in Dubai. In response, the UAE government has introduced freelance visa options for professionals looking to operate in the emirates, including Dubai.
The move is intended to simplify the process for anyone who wants to know how to apply for a freelance visa in Dubai. But processing governmental documents and handling paperwork can still overwhelm any individual, especially for someone who may be new to the UAE or is not a resident.
The expertise and resources of PRO residence services would ensure efficient processing, giving you peace of mind about your visa application. You can focus on building your portfolio to help you land those crucial contracts while a PRO takes care of your visa concerns.
Foreigners can apply for a freelance visa in the UAE. The costs, typically starting at AED 7,500, and visa duration (from one and three years to five) will vary, depending on where you plan to stay and work.
But no matter where you apply for a freelance visa, you can use it to legally work in your specific field across the UAE.
In the Dubai mainland, the application will fall under the green visa type. With this visa, you can work and live here without the need for a local sponsor. It’s a five-year residency visa for self-employed or freelance professionals, high-level skilled workers, and foreign investors/partners.
To be eligible for the green visa, you must:
With Dubai being an attractive business hub, due in part to its business-friendly policies and modern infrastructure, there’s a greater demand for freelancers with specialized skills.
You may even unlock opportunities that will allow you to consider the idea of a business set up in a Dubai free zone, especially if your skills fall under finance and business services. These are two critical areas where a shortage of 85.2 million jobs is projected by 2030.
What documentation do you need to prepare to get a freelance visa? For starters, you need a freelance license or permit.
To apply for your freelance license or permit, you must submit the documents listed below.
If you intend to do freelance work in any of the free zones around Dubai, you may submit your paperwork to the relevant free zone authority. If you plan to do your work in the mainland, obtain your permit from the MOHRE.
A freelance permit is a requirement for getting your freelance visa. It should take about two days before you get a permit.
Once you have a permit, you can apply for a residency visa. Both are necessary for you to conduct freelance activities in Dubai (or elsewhere in the UAE).
The requirements for a freelance visa in Dubai include your:
Other requirements may apply, depending on where you’ll be doing your freelance work.
Some of the Dubai free zones you might consider are Dubai Design District, Dubai Media City, Dubai Studio City, Dubai International Academic City, and Dubai Knowledge Park. Your choice of jurisdiction will depend on your freelance background and industry of specialization.
Once you’ve obtained your freelance permit, you’ll need to apply for a Dubai establishment card with the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED). The establishment card formally registers your freelance activity.
Then you’ll need to undergo a medical fitness test, which is a requirement for getting a valid health insurance.
You can apply for your freelance visa online, at Customer Happiness Centers, or through Amer Service Center. When submitting your application offline, check the business hours of each center to avoid having to return another day and going through delays.
If you’re applying for your visa online, follow these steps:
You may also visit the nearest Customer Happiness Center. When you get there:
If you plan to head to the nearest Amer Service Center for your application, make sure you:
When you’ve received your freelance visa, you can open a bank account to facilitate your freelance transactions.
Visa rates will vary, depending on where you’ll be based in Dubai. Different free zones will also have different fees.
For instance, in Dubai Internet City, visa cost is estimated at AED 7,500 whereas in Dubai Media City, it’s at AED 7,250.
Freelance visa costs in other emirates may be more affordable. In the Ajman Free Zone, for example, the visa is estimated at AED 6,000 for 40 different categories.
Other fees will also apply, including the fee for your permit, which typically costs AED 7,500, establishment card, which costs about AED 2,000, initial entry permit, and medical costs.
Learning how to apply for a freelance visa in Dubai can be overwhelming. You have to keep track of all the documents you need, steps and processes, and the costs.
Since you’re operating on your own as a freelancer, it’s understandable to overlook a detail or miscalculate overall expenses for your application.
A professional and reliable pro residence service provider would ensure a straightforward and easier transaction for your visa application.
If you happen to unlock more opportunities down the line, a business set up in Dubai mainland or in one of the free zones could eventually be feasible. Of course, the invaluable assistance of pro residence services would be a major differentiator for you in this future endeavor.
Bizvisor’s professional team possesses in-depth knowledge of UAE residence regulations.
We not only deliver accurate and timely guidance specific to your circumstances, we also ensure your residential journey is affordable, securing an efficient process that will save you time and money.
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