Freelance Visa

Anyone moving to Dubai will find great flexibility when it comes to establishing their own business or working as a freelancer. With the rising popularity of the gig economy, many initiatives have been introduced to make it easier and cheaper for freelancers to live and work in Dubai. Different work-related strategies give residents and individuals who wish to come to the city a chance to obtain a freelance visa in Dubai or a permit.

FREELANCE VISA AND WORK PERMIT IN DUBAI FOR RESIDENTS

Thanks to their parent’s or spouses’ visas, individuals already residing in Dubai need a freelancer work permit. You can still apply for a permit if you are employed full-time. In such situations, however, a NOC (No Objection Certificate) from your employer/sponsor is needed.

FREELANCE VISA IN DUBAI FOR NON-RESIDENTS

If you are not a UAE resident, you must apply for a freelancer visa to acquire a residency permit. This permit allows individuals to reside and work in Dubai as a freelancer. Also, you will have to apply for a residence visa.

cheap freelance visa dubai
You can find cheap freelance visa Dubai and kickstart your career

GREEN RESIDENCE FOR FREELANCING AND SELF-EMPLOYMENT

The Green Residence for freelancers and self-employed individuals is a 5-year residency visa. You can apply for this visa without being employed at a company or a sponsor.

You need to match the following requirements to be eligible.

  • Attain self-employment or freelance permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
  • Education level: Minimum bachelor’s degree or specialised diploma.
  • The applicant has to prove financial solvency through their stay.

BENEFITS OF HAVING A FREELANCE VISA IN DUBAI

There are several benefits of having a freelance permit and visa in Dubai.

First, it gives you the flexibility to work for multiple companies. If you plan to work in any of the sectors mentioned above and don’t want a 9-to-5 job, becoming a freelancer in Dubai could be your best career move. 

Second, the affordability of having a freelance visa in Dubai means you can offer your services at much lower prices. With the GoFreelance package, the setup costs are much lower, and no office space is required, allowing more freelancers to enter the market. 

Third, having a freelance visa and permit in Dubai means you can work as an independent contractor for companies across the UAE and have access to the free zone’s business centre.

Fourth, with the freelance visa in Dubai, you can also sponsor family members to come and live with you. For further details, check out the guide about family sponsorship in the UAE. However, remember that you cannot sponsor employees with your freelance permit and visa.

Last, you can find numerous jobs and assignments to kick start your freelance career via the official marketplace website. You can connect with companies and individuals looking for freelancers with specific skill sets.

Applying for visa online

FREELANCE VISA ACCORDING TO PROFESSION

Different free zones and emirates in the UAE prioritise certain professions as per the needs identified by the government.

BANKING AND FINANCE PROFESSIONALS

Banking and finance professionals can apply for a freelance visa UAE via Abu Dhabi’s Department of Economic Development. This includes professionals from the field of auditing, accounting, analyzing auditing and accounting systems, consultants in tax-related areas and Shariah review consultancy for the transactions of Islamic financial institutions.

MEDIA

Have you been searching for how to get Dubai freelance visa? Well, if you have experience in the media industry, there are plenty of options.

Professionals belonging to the following fields can apply for freelancer visa Dubai through Dubai Media City:

  • Actor
  • Aerial shoot photographer
  • Animator
  • Artist
  • Audio/sound engineer
  • Brand consultant
  • Cameraman
  • Choreographer
  • Commentator
  • Composer
  • Content provider
  • Copywriter
  • Director
  • Editor
  • Events planner
  • Graphic and furniture designers
  • Journalists
  • Market analyst
  • Presenters
  • Print media specialists
  • Web designers
  • Web developers

An alternate to freelance permit Dubai could be via the twofour54 in Abu Dhabi. Media professionals can apply for freelance visas which are valid for two years.

Similarly, Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone offers a good alternative if you are unable to obtain a cheap freelance visa in Dubai.