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Updated September 2024
The scope and opportunities in the field of freelancing have grown multifold recently as businesses recognize the benefits of a more accessible, flexible, and qualified source of talent. Dubai, one of the leading investment hubs in the world, is a great place to kickstart your freelancing career.
Can you become a legal freelancer in Dubai? What are the procedures? How much will it cost? Wego explains everything below.
Table of Contents
Freelance visa Dubai explained
In Dubai and the UAE, there is no specific “freelance visa” category. Instead, a freelance work permit for freelance (self-employed) individuals who already hold a valid residence visa in the country is available.
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Benefits
The key benefit of these freelance visa programs is the ability to legally reside and work in the UAE as a freelancer. This opens doors to a vibrant and diverse market while allowing you to choose your projects and manage your own schedule. Beyond the core benefit, freelance visa holders are also entitled to the following:
- Flexibility to work for multiple companies
- Offer services at lower prices, increasing affordability
- Legally stay and work in the Emirates, and even bring their families and/or dependents (please note that you cannot sponsor employees with your freelance visa)
- Work as an independent contractor
- Get access to the free zone’s business center
- Sponsor family members
Eligibility
UAE nationals and residents holding a freelance work permit are eligible to apply for a freelance visa in Dubai.
Prerequisites
The freelance work permit, issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), is a crucial first step for both residents and non-residents seeking to work as freelancers in Dubai and the UAE. Residents can use it to legally pursue freelance work opportunities directly, while non-residents will need to combine it with a specific freelance visa program for residency purposes. This permit authorizes the holder to work as a freelancer in the UAE.
Costs
This work permit costs AED 250. This information is based on official government sources.
Types of freelance visa in Dubai
Dubai offers several visa programs for individuals seeking to work as freelancers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). These programs cater to a variety of skill sets and have different eligibility requirements and benefits.
GoFreelance program
The GoFreelance program simplifies the process of becoming a freelancer in Dubai. It allows you to work from established business hubs like Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, Dubai Knowledge Park, and Dubai Design District. Through their “Marketplace” platform, freelancers can connect with potential clients, bid on projects, and expand their professional network. This program caters specifically to freelancers in education, media, technology, and design.
As per the GoFreelance website, the following are some of the available freelancing activities in Dubai. Please visit the GoFreelance website for the complete list of activities.
Media professionals
In media, you can choose to do upto 3 activities. The freelance permit will be issued by Dubai Media City.
- Actor
- Aerial shoot photographer
- Animator
- Artist
- Audio/sound engineer
- Brand consultant
- Cameraman
- Choreographer
Education sector
You can only opt for one position. The freelance permit will be issued by Dubai Knowledge Park.
- Education advisor
- ELearning advisor
- Executive coaching
- Researcher
- Trainer
Tech industry
You can only opt for one position. The freelance permit will be issued by Dubai Internet City.
- Web, mobile, software development and architecture freelancer
- IT and telecommunication networking freelancer
- Data science and analytics freelancer
- Customer service freelancer
Design field
You can only opt for one position. The freelance permit will be issued by the Dubai Design District.
- Apparel designer
- Concept designer
- Costume designer
- Fashion artist
- Fashion designer
- Fashion stylist
- Image consultant
UAE green residence visa
The 5-year green visa is available to freelancers who meet specific criteria. To qualify, applicants must hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree or a specialized diploma. Additionally, they must demonstrate financial solvency through either a minimum annual income of AED 360,000 from self-employment over the past two years or by proving sufficient funds for their stay in the UAE.
Dubai Talent Pass program
The Dubai Talent Pass is a joint initiative by DAFZA, Dubai Culture, and GDRFA. The program offers a streamlined path for freelancers in technology, marketing, arts, media, education, culture, and consultancy.
How to obtain a freelance visa in Dubai?
Secure your freelance work permit
As mentioned, a freelance work permit is a crucial first step towards obtaining a freelance visa in Dubai. For a comprehensive guide on securing a freelance work permit, please refer to our dedicated article.
Please note that if you’re sponsored by your spouse or parent, you’ll need their No Objection Certificate (NOC) to apply for the freelance work permit. Similarly, if you’re employed full-time in Dubai with a company sponsor, you’ll require an NOC from your employer. However, an NOC is not necessary to renew your freelance work permit.
Apply for the freelance visa
Depending on the nature of your freelance work, you can apply for your freelance visa in Dubai through the GDRFA or GoFreelance.
Green visa
Once you have obtained your freelance work permit, you can conveniently apply for the UAE green visa through the GDRFA website. Here are the steps you can follow:
- Go to the issuance of green visa page on the GDRFA website
- Log in to the smart services system through (UAE Pass or username)
- Choose the ‘issuance of a green visa (self-employment)’ option
- Fill in the application data and attach the required documents
- Pay for the service fee
- Submit the application
The application status will be notified via text message or email. If any documents are missing, applicants will be given 30 days to complete them.
GoFreelance
After obtaining your freelance work permit, you’ll gain access to TECOM’s business service platform, AXS. Through AXS, you can apply for an Establishment Card, which incurs an additional fee. To apply for the card, you’ll need your freelance work permit and a UAE mobile number.
Once you have your establishment card, you can apply for a residence visa in Dubai. For this, you’ll need your original passport, a passport photo, valid medical insurance and visa (if applicable), along with the card.
After your freelance visa application is submitted, you’ll receive an entry permit within a week, which will be valid for 60 days from the date of issuance. On arrival in Dubai, you’ll have to look into subsequent procedures like medical examinations.
Once your residence visa gets stamped, you’re all set to start living and freelancing in Dubai.
Dubai Talent Pass
You will be eligible to start freelancing via the Dubai Talent Pass program once you’ve secured your freelance work permit. To begin the application process, interested individuals can visit the DAFZA website and follow the clear steps outlined under the Talent Pass section.
