Is working 9 to 5 not your style? Spending a good portion of your day sitting at a desk with fingers clanking on keyboards and mouse clicks being tracked is not your cup of tea. Then, maybe you should look into a freelance visa in Dubai.
That’s what has brought us here today on this tab. We share the requirements and the procedure to apply for a freelance visa to UAE. So now there will be nothing stopping you from achieving your career dreams.
Understanding the Freelance Visa in Dubai
A freelance visa in Dubai is one of the long-term residency visas. It lets you live and work in Dubai. You can offer freelance services, get clients, and earn that sweet money.
Gone are the days of working for only one company for decades. No longer is it the era of partnering with only one client. Now is the time to contribute to various projects at once. The visa allows you to have multiple clients at once too.
Benefits of Freelance Visa in UAE
With the start of this new day and age of transformation in employment types and work approaches, freelance work appears prominent. The advantages of a freelance visa in UAE to its holders can ever not be denied. We share freelance visa Dubai benefits.
Work Freedom & Flexibility
One of the major freelance visa Dubai benefits is the flexibility and freedom it offers. Set your own pace. Stick to your working schedule. Take on the specific number of projects you have time for. Work from your desk, beach, or cafe — the choice is entirely yours. It’s not necessary to stick to the traditional day hours. You can be working during night time catering to international clients.
Tax Advantages
The tax-free regime of the United Arab Emirates adds to the overall charm the country possesses. You can save up your earnings as there is no income tax in Dubai. Enjoy the advantages of going tax-free.
Live & Work in Dubai
Experience the city’s luxurious lifestyle. Live in one of the most lively cosmopolitans around the world. Work on your terms. Partner with different companies to offer them your freelance services for their industry-specific project needs.
Be Your Own Boss
As a freelance visa holder, the feeling of working for yourself will be unmatched. You will be the only one holding yourself accountable. Self-check-ins, managing project timelines, and sending invoices — all of it will be your job. When you have the freelance visa, you are the one running the entire setup.
Simplified Visa Process
The procedure for a Dubai freelance visa apply online is quite simple. As the UAE has been welcoming freelancers lately, they have made sure there are no complicated processes. You can also reach out to a visa service provider for their assistance. Contact us now
Types of freelance visas in Dubai, UAE
A favorable environment is offered by Dubai for freelancers. The available visa options cater to their needs.
General Freelance Visa
It’s a type of residency visa. Individuals can work independently in the UAE as freelancers. It grants you the right to live for longer durations in the city. You do not have to be employed by a local company to engage in freelance work.
A golden visa in UAE is one of the types of general visas too. As the name suggests, it presents golden opportunities to bright minds. Individuals with specific qualifications can apply for it. Investors, researchers, and artists qualify for it too. The golden visa offers a chance at long-term residency. It allows multiple entries and exits from the UAE too.
Zone-Specific Freelance Visas
The free zones of Dubai offer specialized visas to freelancers.
- There’s Dubai Media City. It is suitable for media professionals, content creators, bloggers, and writers.
- Dubai Internet City is ideal for IT professionals and developers
- Dubai Silicon Oasis is a good option for freelancers specializing in technology
- Dubai Knowledge Village is for freelancers offering their services in the education and training sectors.
Eligibility Criteria for Dubai Freelance Visa
There are quite a few boxes to check off when you are determining if you qualify for a freelance visa in Dubai.
Age
You need to be of a specific age as per the UAE freelance visa requirements. Being over eighteen years old is the minimum age restriction.
Passport
Having a valid passport is another criterion to fill. You will have to make sure the document retains its validity for up to six months from your move to Dubai.
Sponsor
Needing a sponsor is not one of Dubai’s freelance visa requirements. So you do not have to worry about these criteria.
Residence Permit/Entry Permit
Dubai freelance visa requirements include securing a residence permit as part of your application process.
Education
Your academic qualification needs to match the area of your specialization. As a freelance graphic designer, your education in design will supplement your eligibility.
Freelancing Experience
Share your past projects to reaffirm your eligibility. Having relevant experience will help in strengthening your application.
Minimum Income
The yearly income of the previous two years should be at least AED 360,000.
Medical Test
You need to go through a medical test. If the results are clear, you will be able to get your visa. Failing the medical tests will result in your visa application getting rejected,
Clean Criminal Record
An important criterion for individuals is having no criminal record.
Cost Breakdown of the Freelance Visa
It’s best to budget ahead. We break down the different cost elements. This way you can perform informed calculations when determining the total amount it will cost you.
Freelance permit fee
The expenses of your freelance permit will play their part in the entire cost.
Establishment card fee (if applicable)
While freelancers usually do not require establishment cards, their industry might result in needing one. If you fall into this category, take the cost into account too.
Medical test charges
Another expense you shouldn’t be overlooking is those medical tests.
Entry permit fee
As you need to get your entry permit, its cost should be considered too.
Residency visa fee
The fee for your residence visa will also affect the exact number it is going to cost you.
How to Apply for the Freelance Visa in 2024?
It’s time for a Dubai freelance visa to apply online. There are two distinct ways to proceed with this.
Through the (MOHRE)
A suitable route for freelancers is to apply directly through MoHRE. Gather your required documents.
- Valid passport
- Business plan outlining your freelance activities
- Proof of income
- Health insurance coverage
- Accommodation proof
- NOC from your home country’s embassy
Submit your application by visiting their website. You can also go to their assigned visa application center.
Fill out the necessary application forms. Provide the documents you have compiled. Pay the applicable fee. Wait for approval. Attend the interview. You will receive your visa after it’s approved.
Through Dubai Free Zones
There are benefits for freelancers applying through the free zones. Each free zone has its own specific requirements and application procedures.
Select a free zone. Ensure it aligns with your freelance field. Establish a limited liability company within the chosen free zone. Apply for your freelance permit from the free zone authority. After your permit is approved, apply for a residence visa through the immigration department.
How Does The UAE Gate help you?
Now that you know all about freelance visas in Dubai, it’s time to begin your journey. Start freelancing with our curated freelance visa services in Dubai.
We manage the aspects of the application on your behalf. Say goodbye to the stress of paperwork and handling everything on your own. Contact The UAE Gate for our solutions.
