Dubai has successfully established itself as a global hotspot for conducting business. Millions of expatriates travel to the city every year looking for business and employment opportunities. With the introduction of the freelance visa Dubai, the number of freelancers has also grown at a staggering rate. Hence, the city has now become a hub for independent professionals looking to establish themselves in the Middle East.

The United Arab Emirates introduced freelance visas for various categories of individuals, allowing them to work and live in Dubai without the need for a local sponsor and offer professional services to other individuals and companies. However, obtaining a freelance visa Dubai involves securing a freelance permit from a designated authority, which allows individuals to operate their freelance business legally in the region.

Freelance Visa Dubai: Overview

A freelance visa allows an individual to legally work as a freelancer in the UAE. To obtain this visa, the applicant does not need to be employed by a company. Nevertheless, they must hold special expertise or knowledge in a specific field or profession, such as content development, designing, information technology, accounting, etc.

Key points about Freelance Visa Dubai:-

• The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) is the regulatory body responsible for issuing freelance visas in Dubai, UAE.
• The validity of a freelance visa is up to two years, after which it needs to be renewed annually.
• Freelance Visa Dubai allows its holders to work from anywhere within the UAE.
• To operate legally in Dubai, the freelance visa holder must also secure an Establishment Card from the GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs).

Eligibility Criteria to Obtain a Freelance Visa Dubai

There are specific requirements that need to be met by an individual in order to obtain a freelance visa in Dubai:-

• At least 18 years old
• Possession of a valid passport with at least 6 months of validity
• A bachelor’s degree or a specialized diploma in educational qualification
• Work experience in your freelancing field, as required
• Proof of financial stability
• Clearance in a medical fitness test conducted by an approved healthcare facility
• Clean criminal record

Freelance Visa Dubai: Types

There are two categories of freelance visas issued by the authorities in Dubai –

• Green Residence Visa – Valid for 5 years, this visa requires the individual to provide proof of sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay in Dubai.
• Freelance Employment Visa – The Freelance Employment Visa is more affordable than the Green Residence Visa and is valid for only one or two years. Unlike the Green Visa, it doesn’t mandate a minimum income requirement or proof of funds, but the applicant must obtain a freelance permit and an Establishment Card to secure this visa.

A Freelance Permit is a legal permit issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) that allows freelancers to work independently in Dubai. On the other hand, an Establishment Card, issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED), allows freelancers to set up a business activity in Dubai.

Benefits of obtaining a Freelance Visa in Dubai

The Freelance visa is an attractive option due to the several benefits it offers to the independent workers:-

• Tax-free savings – Since Dubai imposes no personal income tax, freelancers can save on their earnings. They can further use these savings to invest in their future, for further studies, or simply enjoy a comfortable lifestyle.
• Freedom and flexibility – A freelancer with a Dubai visa has the freedom to choose their projects, establish the pricing structure, and work on their own time. This helps them create a work-life balance suitable to their needs and preferences.
• Residency and sponsorship – A freelance visa is basically a legal permit to reside in Dubai for a specific duration. The Green Residency visa also allows its holders to sponsor their families for residency in Dubai.
• Government initiatives – The UAE government actively introduces various incentives to encourage freelancing in Dubai. These include co-working spaces, business development workshops, and networking events for freelancers.
• Personal and professional growth – The freelance lifestyle encourages personal as well as professional growth by allowing individuals to be self-sufficient and resourceful. They tend to develop business intelligence, marketing skills, and client management expertise while working on different projects.
• Freelance-friendly zones – Several free zones in Dubai are specifically designed for freelancers and startups, offering benefits like business ownership, quick business setup, and access to top-notch facilities.

Procedure to apply for a Freelance Visa Dubai

A freelance visa opens many doors of opportunities for individuals to work and live in Dubai. Here’s a step-by-step guide to obtaining a visa –

Apply for a freelance permit

To obtain a freelance permit, the applicant must register and submit an application form along with certain documents, such as:

• Valid passport
• Educational certificates
• Proof of work experience
• Medical fitness test results
• Health insurance documents
• No Objection Certificate, if required
• Proof of funds

Secure an establishment card

Once the application is approved, the applicant will receive the freelance permit. Further, they need to apply for an Establishment Card through the relevant authority.

Apply for a freelance visa

After obtaining the freelance permit and establishment card, the applicant must apply for a residency visa through the GDRFA. The process includes undergoing a medical fitness test, applying for an Emirates ID, and getting the visa stamped on the passport.

Set up a bank account

Lastly, to manage the earnings and expenses, the applicant must establish a bank account in a reliable bank.

The freelance permits and residence visas have a validity period, and hence, they need to be renewed annually after their expiry. Hence, the individual must ensure to keep track of the renewal dates and fulfill any requirements in advance to avoid any legal consequences.

Seeking help from business setup expertsat Shuraa can help you navigate through the process and ensure that all the requirements are duly met.

Cost of a Freelance Visa Dubai

The Freelance visa Dubai cost can vary depending on the specific jurisdiction or free zone you choose. However, the general inclusions in the overall costs are the freelance permit fee, establishment card fee, medical test expenses, and residency visa processing charges.

For the most accurate information on Dubai freelance visa costs, consult a visa expert at Shuraa Business Setup.

Freelance activities permitted in Dubai

Dubai allows individuals to engage in a wide range of freelance activities across various sectors, such as –

• Creative & Design Industries
• Marketing & Communications
• Technology & IT
• Business & Consulting
• Education & Training
• Personal Training & Fitness Coaching
• Translation Services
• Virtual Assistant Services

While all the above-mentioned categories are broad, it’s always better to consult with a business setup consultant from Shuraa for the most accurate information on all the permissible freelance activities.

Get your Freelance Visa today!

Collaborate with Shuraa Business Setup to ensure a smooth and valid issuance of a freelance visa Dubai. They are a leading expert in offering company setup services including visa services and all kinds of business support services. The visa specialists at Shuraa will help you select the ideal free zone, apply for your freelance permit, and obtain your residency visa in the UAE.

For more information on various freelance visa packages offered by Shuraa, contact promptly at +971 4 4081900 or [email protected]