Freelance Visa Dubai: How to Make Dubai Your Freelance Hub

The United Arab Emirates is listed among the top ten countries for self-employed individuals, also known as freelancers. The cost of living, tax advantages, credit access, infrastructure, and the ease of starting a business together create a comfortable environment to kick-start a freelancing career. However, one would require a freelance permit and a freelance visa in Dubai to get started in this sector.

So, here in this blog, we have curated some information that you need to know about Dubai freelance visas, the eligibility criteria, and the complete process to acquire one.

Reasons to get a freelance visa in Dubai

1. A centerfor freelancing activities
2. A hub of uncountable businesses and start-ups
3. Most companies prefer freelancers over regular employees
4. No need for a permanent office space
5. Self-sponsored visa
6. No requirement to submit official accounts or get them audited regularly
7. Zero-personal tax environment in the free zones
8. Safest & crime-free cities in the world
9. Vibrant culture and lifestyle
10. Easy application procedure
11. One of the world’s most luxurious metropolitan city
12. Amazing infrastructure
13. Astounding architecture
14. Diversified economy
15. Business-friendly administration and atmosphere
16. Meeting point for industry experts, professionals, and investors from all around
17. the world
18. Numerous growth opportunities

Types of UAE Freelance Visas

Freelance visas for residents

If you are a resident of the UAE, with an employment visa or under the sponsorship of your spouse or family, then you are not eligible to apply for a freelance visa in Dubai. The reason is that you already have a visa, and you only need a freelancer permit to start working.

In addition, employees who are working full-time in UAE companies can also obtain a freelance permit and work outside their regular job schedule. This is an advantage for those who want to do freelance work as a side hustle.

Freelance visas for non-residents

On the other hand, individuals who are non-residents and do not have an existing UAE visa, have to apply for a freelance visa. Further, they can apply for their UAE residence visa and settle as a freelance in Dubai.

Process to get a freelance visa in UAE

To determine the success of your visa application, you need to first understand the procedure. And for this, you may need extra support. The freelance visa experts at Shuraa are well-versed in all the steps of the procedure, and will thereby ensure that you receive your visa quickly and effortlessly.

So, here are the basic steps to get a UAE freelance visa -

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Obtain a freelance permit

The process starts with applying for a freelance permit that allows you work as a freelancer in Dubai, UAE. To get this permit, you first need to check whether you are eligible to obtain it. Further, gather the following documents and submit them with the application form –

1. Updated Resume
2. Photograph
3. Copy of passport and UAE visa
4. Bank reference letter
5. Proof of qualifications, certified by the UAE consulate of the applicant’s home country or by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
6. Portfolio (if applying for media and creative sector)

Further, complete the payment and wait for authorities’ approval. Once approved, you can receive your license within a few working days.

Get an Establishment Card

The freelance permit enables you access to AXS, TECOM’s business service platform, where you can avail the services of the government and many organizations, and also apply for an establishment card at an extra charge. This application would require you to submit your freelance permit and a UAE mobile number.

Obtain the entry permit

Once you receive your establishment card, you can apply for an entry permit or an employment visa. For this visa, you need to have your passport, medical insurance certificate, and a recent photograph.

Get your residence visa

An employment visa allows you to stay in UAE for 60 days within which you can finalize the process for your residence visa. The remaining procedure includes a medical examination that you need to clear. On the basis of your medical test results, you will receive the visa stamp on your passport and you can start your freelancing journey in Dubai.

Activities permissible for freelancers in UAE

Basically, anyone who wants to be independent and work for themselves can grab a good chance of freelancing in Dubai. Additionally, the UAE government has approved a large list of professions from which one can choose to freelance work in Dubai for themselves.

So, here are the lists of some of the most popular activities permissible for freelancers in Dubai, UAE –

In the Media sector:

• Actor
• Aerial Shoot Photographer
• Animator
• Artist
• Audio/ sound engineer
• Brand Consultant
• Cameraman
• Choreographer
• Composer
• Content provider
• Director
• Marketing Specialist
• Graphic designer
• Journalist
• Editor
• Critic
• Translator
• Social media specialist
• Producer

In the Education sector:

• Education counselor
• E-Learning consultant
• Executive Coaching
• Researcher
• Trainer

In the Technology sector:

• Web, mobile, software development, and architecture
• IT and telecommunication network
• Data science and analytics
• Customer service

In the Design sector:

• Apparel designer
• Concept designer
• Costume/textile designer
• Fashion designer
• Fashion stylist
• Image consultant
• Hairstylist
• Interior designer
• Jewelry designer
• Makeup artist
• Visual merchandiser
• Event planner
• Image consultant
• Personal shopper

Additionally, Dubai authorities have allotted certain zones for specific activities. For example, Dubai Media City for media activities, Dubai Knowledge Park for educational activities, Dubai Internet City for IT-related services, and Dubai Design District for the creative sector.

The applicants can get their respective permits and visas from the respective authorities of the zone. Shuraa professionals will coordinate with the concerned officials and agencies and help you get your visas and licenses easily and quickly.

Advantages of being a freelancer in UAE

Setting up your own business is a dream for many people, and UAE has made it attainable for them. A freelance visa in UAE is a major step to move on to their dreams. As the data states, about 65% of Dubai’s population are freelancers working in the field of software development, architecture, health and fitness, social media, graphic designing, etc.

So, what are the reasons for people to choose freelancing as their career? Well, we have the answer here. Working as a freelancer in UAE has many advantages, some of which are as below:-

1. Ability to manage workload
2. Being in charge of your work
3. Work in your own comfort
4. Easy to get a residence visa in UAE
5. Take extended holidays and vacation
6. Work for multiple companies at the same time
7. Freedom from a mundane work-routine
8. Work-life balance
9. No limit on income
10. Ability to sponsor family members
11. No hassles of daily commuting to the workplace
12. Freedom to offer services at your prices
13. Access to a huge market
14. Low setup costs

Get expert help from Shuraa for your Freelance Visa in Dubai

In conclusion, Dubai freelance visa can be a great opportunity to enhance your career and life. Hence, it is important to deeply understand this concept and thoughtfully work on it, in collaboration with a trusted and credible company. Shuraa Business Setup had been providing a suite of visa solutions and other value-added business setup services to freelancers and entrepreneurs from all around the world. Their consultants can handle the entire process of freelance permit as well as visa on your behalf.

So, get in touch with the experts of Shuraa and learn everything about the technical aspects and aptitudes for the freelance lifestyle in UAE.

Contact - +971 44081900 | [email protected]