What are the available Freelancer Visas and Freelancer Permit in UAE?
Freelancing is on the rise in the UAE, particularly among the younger generation. The government’s initiatives and cost-effective freelance permits issued by various Freezones are bolstering this emerging trend. The Freelance Visa in the UAE offers self-employed individuals the opportunity to reside and establish their businesses in the country.
The Freelance Permit is readily accessible in the UAE’s Free Zones at an incredibly affordable cost. It provides immense advantages for aspiring entrepreneurs who wish to establish a robust network before commencing full-scale operations. With the Freelance Permit in the UAE, individuals can offer their services with expertise in their chosen business category.
Freelance Permit in UAE
The Freelance Permit is valid for one year and can be renewed annually. It empowers individuals to work independently and deliver their services. Moreover, when combined with the Freelance Visa in UAE, entrepreneurs can extend their stay in the country for either one or two years based on the tenure, enabling them to operate their businesses seamlessly.
The Freelancer License Permit in the UAE is highly sought after by individuals who prefer working independently rather than being affiliated with a company. Moreover, this permit provides entrepreneurs in the country with legal backing for their professional identity, enhancing their credibility with clients.
Dubai’s work landscape is undergoing a transformation as the younger generation enters the workforce, reshaping the traditional 9-5 office culture into a more flexible work-life balance. The Freelance Permit serves as a catalyst, empowering freelancers to broaden their connections, gain wider recognition, and pave the way for establishing their own companies in Dubai. This step towards the future ensures greater opportunities and growth.
Individuals holding a UAE residence visa can apply for a Freelance Permit through the Free Trade Zones in the UAE. The Freelance Permit offers a diverse range of business activities to choose from, including Marketing, IT Services, Accounting Services, Project Management, and more. It presents an excellent opportunity for professionals to engage in these fields and contribute to their success.
Entrepreneurs without a UAE residence Visa have the option to obtain the Freelance Visa, along with the Freelance Permit, from the Free Zone for an additional cost. The Freelance Visa allows individuals to legally reside in the UAE for a duration of two years. To obtain the Freelance Visa, freelancers must first acquire the Freelance permit in the UAE before proceeding with the visa application process.
Latest Freelance Visa and Green Visa in UAE
The UAE has recently made amendments to the Freelance Visas, opening up new avenues for talented individuals and providing businesses with effective workforce management solutions. The introduction of the Freelance Visa in the UAE not only unlocks vast opportunities in the market but also allows businesses to effortlessly tap into a diverse pool of skilled professionals across various industries. This enables companies in the region to easily access a wide range of freelance talent, catering to their specific business needs.
Freelance Visa Cost in UAE
The cost of a Freelance Permit, along with the Freelance visa, from a Free Zone in UAE, amounts to approximately AED 15,435. As the Free Zones become more competitive, it is expected that fee rates will decrease. Specifically, in Dubai, the Dubai South Free Zone provides a Freelance permit for a selected list of business activities at a cost of AED 7,000, excluding the need for a freelance visa in UAE.
The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development recently revealed that the cost of obtaining licenses for new business setups and freelance permits can be as low as AED 1,000. Similarly, Dubai Economy offers the Sole Proprietorship Professional License (Freelance Permit in UAE) for AED 7,000. The issuance of the Freelance Permit is managed by prestigious entities such as Dubai Media City, Dubai Production City, and Dubai Knowledge Park, depending on the specific nature of the business activity.
The newly introduced visas are independent of employment contracts and designed to offer ex-pats greater flexibility in extending their stay in the UAE. This initiative allows individuals to remain in the country for a period of 90 to 180 days after the termination of their current employment. Furthermore, it grants them the opportunity to invest in local economic activities by establishing their own businesses.
Cost of Freelance Visa in UAE Free Zone & Mainland
The cost of the Freelance Visa in the UAE varies depending on the Free Zone where the Freelance Permit is obtained. For instance, acquiring Dubai Economy’s Freelance Permit typically incurs a fee of approximately AED 2,750 for a one-year visa. Additionally, the Dubai Airport Free Zone offers the Talent Pass, a two-year Freelance Permit that includes a Freelance Visa.
Professionals in media, education, art, technology, marketing, and more can obtain a Freelance Permit to work independently. The Talent Pass costs AED 9,500 and is renewable annually. The Freelance Visa Cost is separate and will be issued by the Dubai Airport Free Zone authority upon payment and submission of required documents. For a 2-year period, a Freelance visa from Dubai Airport Free Zone could cost approximately AED 7000.
Other Free Zones in UAE that offer Freelance permits are RAKEZ, Umm Al Quwain, Ajman Media City, etc. There are a lot of business activities that the individual can choose. Also, the cost of the Freelance Permit from Free Zones in Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, etc., is cheaper than the offering in Dubai.
Green Visas
The UAE has recently introduced a new residence visa category, granting residents the opportunity to sponsor their parents and children (up to the age of 25). This visa is specifically designed for highly skilled individuals, investors, entrepreneurs, outstanding students, and graduates. Moreover, freelance permit holders who have earned an annual income of at least AED 360,000 from their self-employment in the past two years are eligible for the Green Visa. This new development aims to provide greater flexibility and opportunities for individuals who meet the specified criteria.
Green Visa holders in the UAE enjoy a sense of self-reliance, untethered from company sponsorship. Moreover, they have the privilege of sponsoring parents and children up to the age of 25. This remarkable opportunity empowers individuals to embrace independence while fostering family ties.
The Green Visa offers opportunities for a wide range of individuals, from investors and entrepreneurs to SMEs, talented professionals, scientists, and students. These new visa categories aim to enhance economic prospects, attract global talent to the UAE, and provide a permanent home for expatriates and their families.
What are the benefits for the Freelancers?
Freelance Visa holders in the UAE enjoy numerous benefits associated with their Freelance Permit. This permit not only provides a sense of security but also offers flexibility to conduct business in the region. Excitingly, holders of the Freelance Permit can now apply for a long-term 5-year Green Visa, unlocking a wide range of advantages such as the freedom to choose their business activity and potentially reduce the cost of the permit itself.
The following are the main benefits of getting a freelance visa in UAE:
- Flexibility to work anytime from anywhere
- Gain Self-Sufficiency
- Work-life Balance
- Lower the expenses and raise the Profit
- Option to carry out multiple projects simultaneously
- Building one’s own Brand
- No Office Space Required
Benefits for Companies Hiring Freelancers Having a Valid Freelance Permit in UAE
- Low hiring cost compared to permanent employees
- Multiple options available to choose freelancers
- Freedom to hire industry-specific experts
- Possibility of international hiring
What are the top Freelancing Professions in the UAE?
Following are the top freelancing professions:
- Web development and designing
- E-learning and Guest Lecturing
- Copy-writing and guest blogging
- Sales & Marketing
- Graphics Designing
- Mobile App Development
- Search engine optimization (SEO). Search engine marketing (SEM)
- Branding
- Computer-Aided-Design and 3D Modelling
- Language translation and interpretation
- Legal services
How to Apply for a Freelance Permit in Dubai?
Following are the steps to apply for a new freelance permit in Dubai:
1. Fill out the Application form for Freelancing
2. Submit the Business Plan, Copy of Passport, Qualification Certifications
3. No-Objection Certificate to transfer Residence Visa to Freelancer Visa
4. Bank Statement to prove Bank Records
What is the Procedure to obtain a Freelancer License in Dubai?
Following are the steps to get a Freelance License in Dubai:
- Apply to the relevant Freezone where you intend to hold a license or freelance visa
- Submit an application for interim approval along with the business plan, passport copy, and the reference letter
- In case of approval, you will receive a customer confirmation letter from the respective Freezone Authority
- Sign the confirmation letter and resubmit along with the other documents indicated above for the final approval
- Make all the payments such as the freelance permit fee, employee visa sponsorship fees, and first instalment for rent or office space (optional) and other charges (if any)
- Sign the Freezone Sponsorship Agreement and collect the Freelance Permit along with the freelance visa
- On acquiring all the certifications and clearance, you can avail the Flexi-desk & business facilities within the Freezone and start your Freelance business in the UAE legally.
Which are the Major Freezones that offer Freelance Permit in UAE?
1. RAKEZ Free Zone
Entrepreneurs in the UAE can take advantage of the cost-effective Freelance Permit offered by the RAKEZ Freezone. This permit is available for professionals from diverse fields, including designers, media specialists, artists, and more. Currently, the permit is specifically tailored for Media and Education professionals. The RAKEZ Freezone provides a comprehensive list of activities for which you can apply.
The following are the main benefits of the RAKEZ Freelance Permit:
- Cost-effective packages
- 1 and 2-year packages
- Access to modern business centres
- Network with like-minded professionals
- Eligibility for UAE Residence Visa
RAKEZ Terms and Conditions
The RAKEZ freelance permit is subject to the terms and conditions outlined below. These conditions govern the usage and application of the permit.
1. The Freelancer will act as a sole practitioner to undertake the permitted business from RAKEZ
2. A Freelancer should conduct business in his name as opposed to a company name
3. Existing sponsor’s NOC has to be provided by the client if opting for a permit without Visa
4. Freelancers shall not be eligible to open a corporate bank account
5. No Memorandum of Association, Certificate of incorporation, or Partner list shall be issued under the freelance permit
6. Freelancers shall not be eligible to appoint any staff to obtain an additional visa under the permit
7. The Freelancer can select only 1 activity per permit
For any assistance on business setup or Issuance of a Freelance Permit in RAKEZ, Contact Us!
2. Fujairah Creative City Freezone
Fujairah Creative City Freezone offers multiple packages for business setup in all categories. The Freelance Permit from Fujairah Creative City is one of the most comprehensive Freelance packages in the UAE.
They also provide a Freelancer Company Package specifically designed for start-ups with 4 Visas. This package encompasses all the benefits of a standard company setup while catering to the unique needs of freelancers and entrepreneurs.
Following Services Included:
1. Trade license validity from 1-3 years
2. Establishment card (1-3 years)
3. Up to 3 Visas
4. Processing time: 1 working day
5. Flexi-Desk facility (Such as online support, internet access, signboard, PO box, conference room subject to availability and booking, PRO services)
3. Freelance Visa from Ajman Free Zone
Ajman Freezone provides hassle-free packages tailored for freelancers to effortlessly kickstart their businesses. Obtaining a freelance permit ensures eligibility for a Freelance visa in the UAE, unlocking a world of opportunities.
Following are the Required Documents for the Freelance Visa from Ajman Free Zone:
- Passport Copy
- Valid UAE residency Visa copy (if applying for a license without Visa)
- Sponsor’s No Objection Certificate (if applying for a license with Visa)
- Portfolio/Sample of works or qualification certificate
Package Includes:
Rent for the business center, License for the respective category, Maintenance General Services
4. Go Freelance Program by Tecom Business Center
The Go Freelance initiative, in collaboration with the Dubai Creative Cluster Authority, aims to foster freelance opportunities and support independent professionals.
For an annual fee of Dh 7,500, UAE residents can obtain a Freelance permit from Dubai’s Tecom Group. This permit grants access to the Tecom Business Center and allows freelancing in the education and media sectors.
An additional payment of Dh3,250 will enable you for a three-year visa under Tecom.
Above all, Candidates can register for the simple 3 steps of online registration for the freelance permit in Tecom by visiting the website gofreelance.ae
5. Dubai Silicon Oasis – DTEC for IT
Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus (DTEC) is the largest Tech Entrepreneur Centre in the region. It offers Freelance Permit with UAE residence Visa as a comprehensive package. The Free Zone is one of the most preferred startup hub,s especially for technology entrepreneurs.
DTEC offers technology start-ups an exceptional work environment, complete with flexible desk facilities, licensing and visa services, state-of-the-art tech infrastructure labs, testing centers, well-appointed meeting and conference rooms, and a wide range of recreational amenities.
Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus (DTEC) provides comprehensive start-up packages that empower individuals to establish and grow their businesses. By leveraging the cutting-edge facilities available in the free zone, entrepreneurs can effectively work on IT projects and propel their ventures towards success.
6. twofour54 Abu Dhabi
twofour54, situated in Abu Dhabi, is a prominent media Freezone specifically dedicated to the thriving media and entertainment industry. It provides attractive Freelance License Packages tailored for creative individuals seeking entrepreneurial opportunities or the freedom to work independently.
twofour54 also provides a wide range of Freelance Permits in the UAE, catering specifically to entrepreneurs in the media and entertainment industry.
The companies registered in twofour 54 enjoy a host of benefits such as
- 100% company ownership for foreign nationals
- No import tariffs, personal income tax, or corporate taxes
- The easy and cost-effective business setup process
- Affordable office space solutions
- Onsight vocational training academy offering media-related courses
- World-class studio production and post-production facilities
- State-of-the-art infrastructure, and internet connectivity
- Unique campus environment with facilitated business networking
- and many more.
Freelancers within the twofour54 business community can also enjoy access to shared facilities and participate in business networking events within the Freezone.
The Freelancing culture is in its infancy, with a niche marketplace for Freelancers that is projected to expand in the future. In the UAE, platforms like Nabeesh.com and freelancer.com serve as intermediaries connecting freelancers with clients.
Moreover, numerous small and medium-sized companies are contemplating freelancing as a viable alternative to minimize hiring expenses and circumvent challenges associated with visas, medical insurance, and PRO experiences.
For any assistance regarding the Issuance of the freelance visa in UAE, reach out to us today itself!