Freelance visa for the United Arab Emirates: how to get it and what are its advantages
Freelancing is gaining momentum every year due to the freedom of schedule, flexibility in choosing activities, and the ability to work from anywhere in the world. One of the most attractive places for freelancers is the United Arab Emirates.
The high standard of living, loyal tax system, stable economy and access to international markets attract the best foreign talents who flock here from different parts of the world. If you want to make the transition from a full-time job to freelancing in the UAE, read this article.
How to start your freelance journey in the United Arab Emirates?
The first thing a freelancer needs to legally work and live in the country is a UAE freelance visa. It includes a freelancer's work permit and a residency visa, so the person who receives it has the same rights as the citizens of the country.
Independently going through all the procedures to get a visa is associated with a lot of difficulties that make this process tedious and long. Therefore, most of the progressive people prefer to use the services of immigration specialists who help them in processing all the documents.
Who can apply for a UAE freelancer visa?
Registering as a freelancer in the Emirates is not available to every self-employed person. It is only available to representatives of certain professions:
- IT sector: website developers, business analysts, testers, internet marketers, etc.
- Media: journalists, editors, correspondents, copywriters, translators, etc.
- Media: actors, animators, directors, producers, photographers, etc. 3. Media: actors, animators, directors, producers, photographers, etc.
- Education: researchers, educational consultants, coaches.
- Design: designers, fashion designers, wedding organizers, etc.
Representatives of the above professions can legally offer their services in the UAE without being tied to a company.
What are the benefits of the UAE Freelance Visa?
This visa allows its holder to:
- Legal residence in any emirate in the country;
- Work under their own name without being tied to a company;
- Tax benefits;
- The possibility to work with several companies at the same time;
- The ability to open an account in any bank in the country;
- No need to file financial reports;
- The possibility of obtaining a loan or mortgage at a low interest rate;
- No need to organize your own workplace (no need to rent an office);
- Ability to work with companies outside the UAE;
- Visa sponsorship for family members;
- Possibility of obtaining a driver's license and medical insurance.
There are two types of freelance visas:
- Green Visa ("green" visa, issued for five years). This type of visa is available to wealthy freelancers with a university degree who have been approved by the Ministry of Labor Resources.
- Freelancer Visa (issued for two years and renewable upon application). To apply for this, it is necessary to obtain a license in the UAE free zones.
If the applicant is already working in the UAE, he/she will need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from his/her current employer.
What are the steps involved in obtaining a freelance visa in Dubai?
- First of all you need to register and apply for the free zone. Within 1-2 weeks you will receive an approval and you will have to pay the fees and sign the documents at the FEZ Business Center.
- Next, you need to apply for a license (if you want a freelancer visa) in one of the available freezones. The license is issued for 1 year. Then it can be renewed as many times as you need.
- Now it's your turn to apply for a migration card, which contains information about registering as a freelancer.
- The next step is to apply for a freelance visa.
- Then you need to get a medical checkup and medical insurance.
- The final step is to obtain an Emirates ID.
UAE freelance visa: list of documents required for visa application
- Notarized copy of passport;
- Recent photos of the required size;
- Resume;
- Freelance license;
- Employment card;
- Bank statement;
- valid health insurance;
- Graduation diploma or portfolio of work samples (for creative freelancers).
All of the above documents should be translated into English and certified by the UAE Consulate.
Where in the United Arab Emirates can you work on a freelance work visa?
You can only freelance in the profession specified in your license. You can only offer your services in the free zone in which your license was issued.
Get a Freelance Visa in Dubai with StableGrowz
In order to make the process of obtaining and renewing a visa as convenient as possible, you can turn to us for help. We will provide you with up-to-date information, advise you on the correct paperwork and guide you through all stages of the visa application process. With us, you will save your time and nerves, and soon you will be able to enjoy your favorite activities in the UAE.