Dubai has endless opportunities to connect, grow, and succeed as a self-employed professional.
Being a freelancer in Dubai is highly attractive due to the flexibility and independence in the city’s
dynamic business environment. The introduction of the freelance visa in Dubai has made it easier
for self-employed professionals to live and work in the UAE.
Let’s explore the key concepts of freelance visa in Dubai, benefits, the application procedure,
eligibility, and more in detail.
Key takeaways
- The complete cost for obtaining a freelance visa is between AED 8500 and AED 25,000 depending upon various factors.
- The complete processing time is approximately 15 to 25 days.
Get Introduced to Freelance Visa in Dubai
A freelancer is an individual who offers services to clients based on projects, rather than being
employed by a simple company. They work independently on their own schedule in various fields.
Once you are in Dubai, you have to obtain a visa to start working as a freelancer. “Freelance Visa in
Dubai” allows professionals to legally work as freelancers and is easy to obtain under Emifast’s
guidance.
Benefits of Freelance Visa in Dubai UAE
- Independence: You can work freely without worrying about getting a sponsorship from the company you want to work for.
- Legal protection: You get the same legal rights and access to health insurance, and bank accounts similar to the residents.
- Flexibility: Flexible to work for multiple companies at your own pace.
- No contract signing: There is no need to sign contracts for any company as you hold your own visa
Freelance Visa Vs Freelance Permit
Both the terms can be confusing but to make it simple a freelance permit is a license to work as a
freelancer or independent contractor while a freelance visa is a residency visa. The freelance visa
allows you to live and work in Dubai, and you will have to get a freelance permit before applying for
a freelance visa. So, in short, first get the permit and then apply for the freelance visa.
Types of UAE Freelance Permits
There are many types of freelance permits in Dubai, each meeting the needs of different
professionals. Some of them are
- Freelance business license: Along with a professional license or business license you can operate your business as a freelancer legally.
- Freelance visa: This is for self-employed individuals; you can travel and work remotely.
- Freelance work permit: This is for individuals who don’t want to own a company but work independently on projects.
- Virtual company license: Allows you to establish a company without physical space.
- Media freelance visa: This visa is designed especially for the creative industry like photographers and content creators.
- Women’s freelance permit: Uniquely tailored for women and provides a support system for their business goals.
- Green residence visa for freelancing: This visa allows you to sponsor yourself for five years.
Check Your Eligibility
An individual must meet the following requirements to be eligible for a freelance visa in Dubai. This
may vary depending on the zones selected.
- Age: Must be at least 18 years old.
- Education: Must have a bachelor’s degree or relevant diploma.
- Passport: Own a valid passport with at least 6 months validity.
- Income: Have an annual freelancer income of at least AED 360,000 past two years.
- Permit: Get a freelance work permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiritization (MOHRE)
Documents Check
It is important to keep the necessary documents ready for Freelancer License Registration UAE.
Following are the documents required for obtaining a freelance visa in Dubai
- Passport copy
- Completed application form
- Passport size photo
- Educational certificates
- Portfolio
- Business plan
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from current employer
- Health Insurance documents
- Proof of funds
7 Easy Steps to Apply for a Freelance Visa in Dubai
Step 1: Select Your Freelance Business Field
Identify the field in which you require the freelance visa. Research which visa will be best for your
profession and passion.
Step 2: Submit Your Freelance Permit Application
Submitting all documents via the GoFreelance website, an official platform under the Dubai
Development Authority (DDA) is easy and the steps are as below:
- Go to the official GoFreelance website to start the registration process.
- Once the registration is done you will receive the login link to access the AXS portal.
- Set up an account in the AXS Portal by entering the user name and password. AXS portal is a business service platform of the Dubai Development Authority.
- After OTP verification you can upload the required documents.
- You will receive the freelance work permit within 10 to 15 days upon fee payment.
Step 3: Collect the Necessary Documents
Prepare the documents required beforehand to avoid rejection and delay. Keep the checklist handy
to avoid missing any important papers.
Step 4: Get a Dubai Establishment Card
After getting a freelance permit, you can for a Dubai Establishment Card by logging in AXS portal.
You will receive it within 10 days.
Step 5: Take Medical Fitness Test
Getting your medical test done is mandatory for visa processing and obtaining an Emirates ID card.
Step 6: Open Corporate Bank Account
Opening a corporate bank account is important to manage your freelance income and make
business transactions.
Step 7: Submit Your Freelance Visa Application:
To have a residency in Dubai as a freelancer, it is important to apply for a freelance visa. You are
eligible to apply for a freelance visa after obtaining a freelance permit and establishment card. The
application process is taken care of by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs
(GDRFA).
The processing time to get a freelance visa may vary depending on the method you choose to apply.
Contact Emifast for genuine consultation and guidance to get your freelance visa. We ensure that all
the documentation is prepared perfectly and requirements are met.
Breakdown of the Freelance Visa Cost in Dubai
| Freelance Permit Application | 7,500-20,000 | 10-15 working days |
| Freelance Visa Application | 1,000-3,000 | 3-5 working days |
| Medical Fitness Test | 300-1,000 | 1-2 days |
| Emirates ID Fee | 100-300 | 2-3 days |
| Total Cost | 8,900 – 24,300 | 15 – 25 working days |
With a freelance visa in hand, you can now officially enjoy living and working as a freelancer in
Dubai.
FAQ
You can reapply if your freelance visa application gets rejected. Before doing that, it’s
important that you analyze and understand the reason for the refusal and correct the issue
in your new application. Contact Emifast for expert guidance on the successful visa process.
No! Visa fees are non-refundable.
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