If you are tired of your daily 10-6 job and are looking to work as a freelancer but still you don’t know much about freelancer visas, don’t worry. Shuraa is here to help you understand the Benefits of a Freelance Visa in Dubai. This visa offers flexibility, legal compliance, and the freedom to work in a dynamic business environment. It supports creativity and innovation, providing a straightforward way to operate independently while accessing Dubai’s powerful infrastructure and global connections.
The UAE government introduced the Freelance Visa Dubai in response to the global rise in freelance employment and the growing desire for self-employment. Discover the benefits of a Freelance Visa in Dubai by continuing to read this blog.
Moreover, a freelance visa in Dubai allows you to start your own business and become your own boss. But what exactly is a freelance visa for Dubai?
What is a Freelance Visa in Dubai?
Several free zones across Dubai and the UAE issue freelance permits to Indian nationals. Unlike traditional employment visas that require sponsorship by an employer, a freelance permit allows individuals to work independently as contractors in the UAE.
This permit helps Indian nationals operate as full-time independent contractors in Dubai. Free zone authorities such as TECOM Group and twofour54 facilitate the issuance of freelance licenses.
The freelance permit can be used to apply for a freelance visa in Dubai. This visa is a form of UAE residency, allowing holders and their families to reside and work for one to five years. UAE nationals and non-nationals can apply for a freelance permit, extending opportunities to residents and non-residents.
Eligibility Criteria for a Freelance Visa in Dubai
To be eligible for a Freelance Visa in Dubai, UAE, you must meet the following criteria:
- You should be at least 18 years old.
- Provide your proof of no criminal record.
- You must have a sponsor, either a company or an individual.
- Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months.
- Provide your educational qualifications, such as a university degree or diploma.
- A valid residence visa or entry permit is a must.
- You have a minimum income of AED 360,000 per annum.
- A medical fitness test should be cleared.
- Two years of freelancing experience in your sector is minimal.
Benefits of a Freelance Visa in Dubai
The advantages of a Freelance Visa in Dubai are plentiful. Here’s how you can benefit:
1. Operate Independently Without a Local Sponsor
Unlike many other visas in the UAE, the freelance visa allows you to work independently without the need for a local sponsor. This gives you greater control over your professional activities and business decisions.
2. Set Your Own Pace of Working
As a freelancer, you can determine your work schedule. This flexibility allows you to manage your time effectively and balance work and personal life according to your preferences.
3. Sponsor Your Spouse or Family Members
With a freelance visa, you can sponsor your spouse and dependents, allowing your family to join you in Dubai. This makes it easier to maintain a family life while pursuing freelance opportunities.
4. Get a UAE Resident Visa
Holding a freelance visa grants you residency in the UAE, providing you with the benefits and stability of living in Dubai, including access to healthcare, education, and other essential services.
5. Enjoy the Freedom to Live Anywhere
The freelance visa does not restrict you to a specific location within Dubai or the UAE. You have the freedom to choose where you want to live, whether it’s in the city center or a suburban area.
6. Easy Visa Application Process
The application process for a freelance visa is straightforward and less complicated compared to other visa types. This ease of application makes it accessible for many professionals looking to start their freelance careers in Dubai.
7. No Worries About Bookkeeping
Freelancers often have fewer obligations concerning bookkeeping and financial reporting compared to traditional businesses. This reduces the administrative burden and allows you to focus more on your work.
8. Earn Additional Income
Freelancing helps you to take on multiple projects and clients, potentially increasing your income. You can diversify your revenue streams and capitalize on various opportunities in Dubai’s dynamic market.
9. Work Without the Need for an Office
You don’t require physical office space, saving on overhead costs. You can work from home, co-working spaces, or any other location that suits your work style.
10. Zero % corporate and personal tax
If you work as a freelancer in Dubai, you do not need to pay taxes! Even if you have any projects for corporates or are working on your own, you are free from paying any taxes in the UAE.
Importance of a Freelancer Visa
A freelancer visa is important for individuals looking to start professionally in a foreign country. It provides legal status to work independently and offers flexibility in managing work schedules and clients. By owning their businesses, freelancers can build their brands and operate without needing a local sponsor. Additionally, these visas often grant access to essential services like banking and healthcare.
It is essential for maintaining a stable professional and personal life abroad. Moreover, freelancer visas can facilitate global mobility, allowing freelancers to take advantage of international opportunities without the constraints of traditional employment visas. These visas support entrepreneurship, promote economic growth, and foster a diverse, skilled workforce across borders.
What is a Freelance License (Permit) in Dubai?
Indian nationals who want to work as independent contractors in the UAE must get a Freelance License in Dubai. These permits are offered in specific free zones. For instance, Indian nationals can get a freelancing license in Dubai through Shuraa Business Setup for various design, technology, media, and educational activities. Let’s learn about the requirements and Freelance visa Dubai benefits.
Other free zones also provide various activities, and a freelance visa can be applied for using these licenses. However, there are different requirements for residents of the UAE and non-UAE citizens:
Residents of the UAE
If you are already a resident of the UAE on your spouse’s or parents’ visa, you only need a freelance permit. If you have had a full-time job in the UAE and wish to work independently, you can apply for a freelance permit.
While freelancing doesn’t require sponsorship in Dubai or the UAE, your employer will need a No Objection Certificate (NOC). This NOC is also necessary if you operate as a part-time freelancer. Additionally, UAE residents do not need to renounce their residency permission to obtain a freelance permit.
Non-UAE Citizens
Non-UAE citizens are eligible for freelance permission and a freelance visa. The Dubai freelance visa can also be converted into a Dubai residency permit, allowing the holder to live and work in the UAE.
Who can get a Freelance Visa in Dubai?
Anyone wishing to work as a freelancer in Dubai can apply for a visa and a freelance permit. Eligibility depends on whether the individual works in a qualifying profession. For instance, you may qualify for a Dubai freelance permit if you operate in any of the following sectors:
- Educational Activities
- Media Activities
- Design Activities
- Tech Activities
Documents required for a Freelancer Visa in Dubai
Below are the documents required for a Freelancer Visa in Dubai:
- Passport size photograph
- Passport copy
- Visa Page when travelled last time
How to Apply for a Freelance Visa in Dubai?
Getting a freelance visa in Dubai is a straightforward process. Follow these steps:
- You must meet the eligibility criteria, including having a valid passport, proof of residence, and a portfolio or evidence of your freelance work.
- Register online with the Dubai Creative Clusters Authority (DCCA), providing personal and business information.
- Based on your business location, you can get a trade license through the Dubai Economic Department (DED) or a free zone authority.
- Submit your application for a freelance visa through Shuraa Business Setup, provide the necessary documents, and pay the required fees.
- Once your freelance visa is approved, obtain a residence visa through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) with your passport, visa, and supporting documents.
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Cost of Dubai Freelance Visa
The cost of a 2-year Freelance Visa in Dubai varies depending on the urgency, the length of the permit, and whether you are applying from within or outside of Dubai.
Indian nationals must also cover additional costs for the establishment card, the freelancer visa, and the license or authorisation for independent work. Generally, the cost of a freelance visa in Dubai ranges from AED 10,500 to AED 25,500.
After two years, you only need to renew your visa, which will be valid for another two years. For more information about the renewal process, kindly contact Shuraa Business Setup.
Get a Freelancer Visa in Dubai
Applying for a freelance visa in UAE is affordable, but you should ensure you have some financial security. Expect to spend the first few months of a year networking and building your portfolio.
If you’re interested, apply for the freelancing visa in Dubai now, or explore other residency options like the investor or business visa. Once you obtain your freelance visa, you can check its status online to monitor its expiration date. Review the new UAE family visa regulations if you plan to sponsor a family member.
For more information on Freelance Visas in Dubai, contact Shuraa. Call us at +97144081900, send a WhatsApp message to +971507775554, or email us at [email protected] for prompt assistance.
