Freelance Visa Ajman

We spoke with Emirabiz co-founder Andrey Ovchinnikov, an expert in company registration, licensing, and obtaining residence permits in the United Arab Emirates. Our conversation centered around the Ajman Free Zone, with Andrey addressing frequently asked questions and highlighting key points to consider when applying for an Ajman Freelance Visa.

We hope this information will be helpful in deciding where to obtain a freelance visa in the Emirates.

What is Ajman Free Zone?

— Our brief overview of Ajman Free Zone:

Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) is a free economic zone situated in the emirate of Ajman, located to the north of the UAE and adjacent to the emirate of Sharjah. This zone covers a sizable area where offices and warehouses can be rented. Established in 1988, it is one of the first and most renowned free zones in the Emirates, housing around 9,000 companies from various sectors. In 2021, Ajman Free Zone was ranked among the top 10 free economic zones globally by FDI Intelligence Magazine.

— Yes, that's correct. As one of the oldest free zones in the Emirates, a wide range of activities can be licensed here.

What types of licenses are issued in Ajman?

— Please provide more information about the licenses.

— To open a business or become a freelancer in the UAE and to obtain a visa, you must first receive a specific license.

Ajman Free Zone offers an extensive array of licenses suited to various business types:

• Commercial
• Manufacturing
• Service
• Freelance License

What is Ajman Freelance Visa?

—  We've been receiving numerous inquiries about freelance visas. Is it popular in Ajman?

—   Yes, indeed. The Ajman Freelance License, also known as the Ajman Freelance Visa, is especially popular in Ajman. It caters to self-employed individuals and professionals from a wide array of occupations.

What are allowed activities under the Ajman Freelance License?

—  Let's list some popular activities allowed under the Ajman Freelance License.

—  The Ajman Free Zone offers 40 activities for freelancers to choose from. A few examples include:

• Software development
• Web development
• Graphic design
• Content writing and editing
• Translation
• Consulting services
• Social media marketing
• Event management
• Photography and video content creation
• Accounting services
• Coaching and mentoring
• Tutoring
• Fitness training and sports coaching

It is important to note that some categories require professionals to obtain appropriate approvals based on a diploma or certificate verifying their professional qualifications.

For more information, contact Emirabiz consultants!

Advantages of obtaining a Freelancer's License in Ajman

—  Andrey, tell us about the primary benefits of obtaining a Freelance License in Ajman.

—  First, I'd like to emphasize that getting an Ajman Freelance License is not financially or time-consuming. There's no need to open an office or rent a space; simply provide basic documents and you can comfortably work from home.

Other advantages of the Ajman Freelance License include:

• Affordability: Lower cost compared to similar licenses in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
• Mobility: Ability to work from anywhere in the UAE.
• Ease of obtaining: Quick and straightforward licensing process with minimal paperwork.
• Convenience: No need to open an office; you can work from home.
• No sponsorship: No employer or local partner sponsorship required.
• Resident visa: Provides a 2-year visa for you and your family members, renewable thereafter.

Limitations of the Freelance License in Ajman

—  The advantages are evident, but this type of license may not be suitable for everyone. Please share your insights.

—  Absolutely, it's crucial to carefully select the license and free zone. For example, the Ajman Freezone Visa has its specifics:

• Possible restrictions related to opening a bank account. Under this license, you can only open a personal bank account, which might require some effort. Consider this if your business needs a corporate bank account; in that case, explore other licenses or free zones like Umm Al Quwain or TECOM.
• Inability to hire employees. Also, a Freelance License allows for one activity type only.
• Ajman Freelance Licenses allow you to apply for investor visas, similar to those that are issued for real estate investments. In other emirates, a Freelance License can grant a work visa specifying a profession or occupation, to which banks are more open.
• Some large clients may require company registration in their emirate. If you plan to work with major clients from Dubai or Abu Dhabi, they might ask you to open a company in one of their free zones or in the Mainland. This restriction is particularly relevant for large-scale events at venues like Etihad Arena.

Documents required to obtain a Freelancer License

—  You mentioned that applying for this license is easy. What basic documents are required?

—  To obtain a Freelance License in Ajman Free Zone, the following documents are needed:

• A photocopy of your passport
• A passport-sized photo
• A copy of your residency visa (if you already reside in the UAE)
• A photocopy of your rental contract
• A medical fitness certificate
• Emirates ID application
• License and visa cost

—  And perhaps the most anticipated question: What is the cost of a Freelance License and Visa in Ajman?

—  The cost of a Freelance License in Ajman Free Zone is approximately AED 6,000. After obtaining it, you must apply for a Visa to live in the UAE. The separate visa fee is AED 2,900, which does not include the mandatory immigration channel fee required for visa processing.

Summary from Emirabiz expert

—  Let's conclude with a summary of our conversation about the Freelance Visa in Ajman.

—  Sure. To facilitate decision-making, Ajman Freelance Visa is most suitable for those planning to live in the UAE or work independently under a single activity without hiring employees and without needing a corporate bank account. This visa is easy to obtain and relatively inexpensive.

If you require a corporate bank account for your work, I recommend considering the free zones of Umm Al Quwain or TECOM. The latter specializes in the IT sector and related fields. Note that the cost of a TECOM visa is significantly higher, physical office rent is mandatory, and the offices are quite expensive.

—  Andrey, thank you very much for the conversation. I hope we were able to address the most frequently asked questions about a Freelance Visa in Ajman.

— Thank you too! If you have any further questions, me and other experienced Emirabiz consultants will be more than happy to answer them and help you choose the right free zone for your needs. Please don't hesitate to contact us!