Freelance Visa in Dubai: Requirements, Fees and More

Dubai Freelance Visa and Freelance Permit are legal permits designed for people who wish to work as a freelancer in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). These permits allow non-citizens to engage in freelance activities in various fields such as media, education and design, and adhere to criteria set by the UAE government and certain free zone authorities.

These permits provide significant flexibility for those looking to set up a business or work as a freelancer in Dubai, as the freelance economy grows in popularity. These initiatives in Dubai are designed to facilitate easier and more affordable access for freelancers to live and work in the city. This includes a 5-year residency option for freelancers and self-employed individuals who uniquely do not need a sponsor or employer in the UAE.

A freelancer license allows individuals to act as freelance professionals and allows them to conduct business under their name rather than a business name.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) is offering a Freelance License for 2023, enabling individuals to work at all skill levels in the UAE or globally.

Collaboration between the Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority (Dafza), Dubai Culture and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) has led to the creation of Talent Pass.

This is a three-year visa aimed at professionals in media, education, arts, technology, marketing and consulting.

Banking/Professional Finance:

The Abu Dhabi Ministry of Economic Development offers a freelance visa for accounting and auditing professionals, Shariah audit consultants and tax consultants.

Media:

In Dubai, media professionals can obtain a freelance visa through Dubai Media City, which covers around 45 categories including actors, photographers, editors, journalists and web designers.

In Abu Dhabi, twofour54 provides two-year freelance visas in the media, manufacturing and entertainment industries. Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone also offers freelance licenses for media professionals from AED 6,100.

Education:

Dubai Knowledge Park facilitates Freelance Visa for Education Consultants, E-Learning Consultants, Executive Coaches, Researchers and Trainers. Applications can be made through gofreelance.ae, AED 2,750 for a one-year visa and AED 2,750 for a three-year visa. AED 5000, plus additional fees for freelance license and establishment card. Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone also offers licenses for education from 6100 dirhams

Gives.

IT specialists:

Freelancers in web, mobile, software development, IT and telecommunication networks, data science and analytics can apply for a visa through gofreelance.ae, with the same fee structure as for education.

Green visa for freelancers

In 2023, the UAE expanded eligibility for the Dubai Freelance Visa, making it available not only to UAE nationals but also to residents and non-residents. Additionally, freelancers can now apply for a 5-year green visa. Freelancers who wish to apply for a green visa must:

• Freelance / self-employment license from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization
• Bachelor's degree or specialized diploma
• Provide evidence of annual income from self-employment for the past two years of not less than AED 360,000 or proof of payment of financial debt during your stay in the UAE.

Freelance fees

Freelance license:

The cost of issuing and renewing a freelance license is about 7,500 dirhams, which must be renewed annually.

Establishment card:

The establishment card costs approximately 2,000 dirhams for both issuance and renewal, requiring annual renewal.

Work visa:

• For a 3-year employment visa, the cost is 2750 dirhams
• The cost of a 5-year visa is 5000 dirhams

These visas must be renewed every 3 or 5 years respectively.

Fees for non-residents; 3-year visa application:

If you are outside the UAE and applying for a 3-year visa, the cost is around this:

• 3300 dirhams for a normal process
• 3900 dirhams for the express process

cost to residents; Residence visa application:

For those who apply from within the country, the fee is as follows:

• 4960 dirhams for normal process
• 6340 dirhams for the express process

Total annual cost:

The annual cost is estimated at 11,525 dirhams. This fee does not include health insurance but covers medical tests, visa stamping and Emirates ID.

In addition to these specific fees, it is important to note that a freelancer license in Dubai has a fee of AED 15,000 which covers the first year's application and business license, with annual renewal fees of AED 10,000.

Freelance visa fees and required permits are subject to change and may vary based on the specific circumstances of the applicant.

Documents and requirements for a freelance visa in Dubai

To obtain a freelance work permit or license in the UAE, the following basic requirements are generally necessary:

Passport Copy: A valid copy of your passport.

Academic or professional qualifications:

• Professional Qualification Certificate
• The certificate must be properly authenticated.
• Certificate by the relevant authorities in the country where the certificate was issued.
• Certificate by the embassy or consulate of the United Arab Emirates in the country of certification.
• Certificate by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

Health Insurance:

Valid health insurance coverage.

Establishment card:

If applicable, a deployment card.

Medical fitness tests:

Completion of required medical fitness tests.

Payment of fees:

Appropriate fees as determined by the licensing authority for freelance work or licensing.

By meeting these criteria and paying the relevant fees, professionals can legally engage in freelancing in the UAE and take advantage of the flexibility and opportunities this dynamic and diverse market offers.

As always, it is recommended to keep up to date with the latest regulations and procedures, as they may be changing, to ensure a smooth and consistent process for obtaining a freelance work permit or visa in the UAE.