The freelance visa Dubai allows foreign nationals to legally reside and work in Dubai as freelancers or self-employed individuals. A freelance visa in Dubai is available across various sectors like media, education, IT, marketing, etc.
In addition, it provides freelancers the flexibility to live and earn in Dubai without requiring sponsorship from an employer. The freelance visa replaces the need for a work permit and is issued by the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED).
- Types of Freelance Visas in Dubai
- Freelance Visa Dubai Requirements
- Step-by-Step Application Process
- Freelance Visa Cost
- FAQ
What is Freelance Visa Dubai
A freelance visa meaning represents a legal document that allows individuals to work as freelancers without signing a contract. It allows independent contractors to live and work inside the municipal limits. Also, they must adhere to all applicable rules and fulfill all qualifying requirements.
Types of Freelance Visas in Dubai
Several freelance visa types are available in Dubai, catering to various professions and sectors. Some of the common types include:
- Freelance Visa for Media
- For professionals in the media sector, a portfolio of work is required.
- For professionals in the media sector, a portfolio of work is required.
- Freelance Visa for Education
- For researchers, e-learning advisors and tutors, and other education specialists.
- For researchers, e-learning advisors and tutors, and other education specialists.
- Freelance Visa for Design
- For designers in different fields, including graphic design, costume design, interior design, and jewellery design.
Each emirate is known for trends regarding the freelance opportunities available, thus, consequently, visas too! The freelancer visa Abu Dhabi has, for example, is usually for teaching, advertising, IT, and event planning purposes.
Meanwhile, the freelance visa Sharjah has is granted at the Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone. Also, it provides freelance editors and journalists with the necessary permissions.
Freelance Visa Dubai Requirements
The visa, as mentioned previously, allows individuals to reside and work as a freelancer or independent contractor legally. It also acts as a residency permit and allows visa holders to sponsor family members.
- Eligibility Criteria
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Have a valid passport.
- Provide educational qualifications like a university degree or diploma.
- Two years of freelancing experience in your sector.
- Earn a minimum income of AED 360,000 per annum.
- Clear a medical fitness test.
- Provide no criminal record.
- Documents Required
- Your application form
- Passport copy.
- Educational certificates.
- Updated CV.
- Passport photos.
- Previous visa copies (if a UAE resident).
- Emirates ID copy (for UAE residents).
- Portfolio of work required for designers.
- Proof of income.
Step-by-Step Application Process
The freelance visa has four levels: a basic visa is valid for 1 year, and it is renewable. In addition to 2 years visa, 3 years, and 5 years (Green visa). Once you get the visa, you only have 180 days to come to Dubai or the visa will be cancelled additionally, if you’re wondering how to apply for a freelance visa in Dubai with no hassle. The steps below will help you out.
Additionally, note that you can submit for a Freelancer Permit via the Dubai Development Authority’s website. Simply head to the website and choose Freelancer Permit to begin your application.
Freelance Visa Cost
The cost of a freelance visa in Dubai varies based on the type and the applicant’s residency status. For example, the freelance permit alone costs around AED 7,500 for both issuing and renewal. Meanwhile, the Establishment Card for the freelance visa Dubai price is AED 2,000. In addition to other costs related to the residence visa and sponsorship permit. Below is the total freelance visa cost with insurance, permits, card, and all charges:
- One-year Visa: AED 4,381
- Two-year Visa: AED 4,750
Costs Breakdown
Freelance visas, in general, are affordable. Expect to pay around AED 20,000 to secure your freelance visa status. The detailed costs for a freelance visa in Dubai are:
- Freelance work permit fees: AED 7,500
- Establishment card charges: AED 6,000
- Medical charges: AED 320
- Entry permit: AED 1,150
- Residency visa: AED 5,460
FAQ
Yes, freelancers in Dubai with a freelance visa can work remotely if they meet the eligibility criteria and follow the relevant regulations.
Free zones are the places where legitimate freelancers can work with their freelance visas.
The cheapest price for a freelance visa is approximately AED 7,500. The total establishment card fee is AED 2,000. Added to the residency visa fees of AED 5,000.
The Ajman Free Zone grants freelance visas in almost 40 different fields. A few examples include:
To wrap up, The freelance visa Dubai allows freelancers to work independently and legally within the city. Also, attractive tax incentives like 0% personal and corporate income tax make earning and retaining more of your income possible. Check out the Property Finder Blog for further visa guides, such as Maid Visa and Investment Visa in Dubai
