Freelance visa in Dubai

Freelance license and visa from 12,000 AED 

Registration from 2 weeks

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Residence visas for 2 years

A freelancer visa allows you to conduct professional activities legally and live in the UAE, enjoying all the benefits of UAE residency without being tied to a single employer or specific location. You can open accounts in Emirati banks, transfer money internationally, and receive international payments. Starting with a cost-effective solution, you can grow and expand your business. You can even relocate with your family, paving the way for their stable and safe life, work, and education in a rapidly developing country in the GCC region.

To obtain a freelancer visa in the UAE and start business as a solo entrepreneur, you need to choose one of the free zones that issue freelancer licenses. First, obtain a freelance permit/license (effectively a work permit), then submit the necessary documents for the visa application. To determine which free zone suits you best, review the types of activities each free zone registers and compare the costs.

Freelance visa and freelance license/permit explained

A freelance visa is not the same as a freelance permit or license. Let's explain. A freelance license is actually a work permit that grants you the right to legally conduct business activities in the UAE. A freelance visa, on the other hand, is a type of residence visa issued by the UAE registration authority (free zone) based on such a freelance permit.

Key facts about a freelance visa

• Issued for 2 years
• You must be at least 18 years old
• You have to provide certificates as a proof of qualifications 
• No corporate tax burden until your turnover reaches 3 mln dirhams
• Accounting and bookkeeping is not mandatory and can be outsourced to reduce costs
• Sponsorship of family members
• With a freelance visa, you and your family can work, study, buy and rent property, and utilize different services in the UAE

A freelance visa is a UAE residency visa, offering the flexibility of living in the country without the need for a sponsoring company. It's a form of self-employment in the UAE, granting independence and freedom.

Key facts about a freelance permit Dubai

• Freelance permit is valid for 1 year, renewed annually
• You can register under your own name and have a registered address
• You may select several activities under one license
• Cost-effective facilities - flexi-desks and co-working spaces
• No need to rent physical office

Types of freelance permit in the UAE free zones

Each freezone has an extensive list of activities for which you can obtain a license. Most of them can be grouped into the following categories:

• Media
• Education
• IT and technology
• Design
• Services and consulting
• Content production
• Music
• Publishing
• Arts

Registration authorities 

The UAE houses many business registration authorities, providing multiple options for a freelance visa in Dubai or other emirates.

Regardless of where your permit and visa are issued, you retain the same rights to work throughout the UAE. The distinction between various licensing authorities, like Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City, and Dubai Knowledge Park, lies in the range of business activities they offer to freelancers and the associated costs.

Dubai freelance permit

There are several options to obtain a freelance work permit Dubai. You can choose the Dubai South Free Zone or one of the free zones managed by the TECOM group.

TECOM

The TECOM group includes free zones such as Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, Dubai Knowledge Park, Dubai Design District, Dubai Industrial Park and others. The first four of them are offered through the gofreelance.ae service.

GoFreelance, facilitated by the Dubai Development Authority, offers a vast range of freelancing activities spanning four categories: design, education, media, and technology. These groups encompass a multitude of activities, making it an ideal platform to acquire your freelance work permit in the UAE.

You can also seek a freelance license in other free zones and emirates, for example in Abu Dhabi (Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development), Twofour54, in the UAQ free trade zone, in the Ajman free zone, in the SHAMS free zone, in the RAKEZ, and in the Fujairah's Creative City free zone.

Freelance visa Dubai requirements

To be eligible for a freelancer license and visa, you must meet several mandatory criteria:

1. Be at least 18 years old.
2. Have certificates or diplomas that confirm your qualifications.
3. Have sufficient and persuasive experience in your chosen field.
4. Have no criminal record.

Documents required

For most freelancers, there are no strict professional background requirements. You simply need to gather certain documents and submit your permit application.

Generally, the required documents are:

• Valid passport copy
• Visa and Emirates ID copy (if you are a UAE resident)
• No objection letter from current sponsor (if you are a UAE resident)
• Recent photo
• CV
• Portfolio of works (if applicable)

Securing a freelance visa will grant you a residence visa, allowing you to live in the country. Additionally, you will need a work permit or freelance license to start legally freelancing in the UAE.

Steps to obtain a freelance visa and license in the UAE

The process of obtaining a visa and license suitable for freelance work in the UAE involves several steps. How to apply for a freelance visa Dubai? Here's general overview:

1. Select a licensing authority: Based on your professional activity, select a suitable free zone. Each free zone has different costs and requirements for the freelance permit.
2. Apply for a freelance permit: Submit your application for a freelance license, along with the necessary documents. The permit allows you to work legally as a freelancer in the UAE. Usually, it takes 5-10 days to get your license. 
3. Apply for a freelance visa: Once your freelance permit is approved, you can apply for a freelance visa. The visa allows you to live in the UAE and provide sponsorship of  family members.
4. Secure your entry permit. Then arrive in Dubai to finalize the visa application procedure, undergo medical checks, and complete other formalities.
5. Undergo a medical fitness test and fingerprint record. In Dubai free zones medical insurance is also required.
6. Collect your visa and start freelancing: Once approved, you will receive your visa, which is valid for 2 years.

Freelance visa cost in Dubai

The cost of a freelancer visa varies depending on the freezone. Its breakdown typically looks like:

1. Freelance permit - starts from 7,500 AED
2. Establishment card - 2,000 AED
3. Medical test - depends on the free zone
4. Entry permit - 1,150 AED
5. UAE residency visa for freelancers - depends on the free zone, about 5,000 AED

Other expenses for freelancers

Future costs will include expenses to renew residence visa and freelance permit, to rent working space (if needed), to order outsourced accounting and bookkeeping services (if needed), and to pay corporate tax if you will be subject to it. Also, you’ll have to pay if you decide to cancel UAE visa.

Want to know how much a freelancer visa will cost you? Schedule a free consultation with our business expert!

Office space for freelancers in Dubai

While freelancers often work from home, some free zones offer shared office spaces. These co-working spaces offer a professional environment and networking opportunities. You can utilize virtual offices that come with an official business address for you and other business services including meeting rooms.

Virtual offices for freelancers start from 5,500 AED per year.

Benefits of a freelance visa UAE

UAE resident status

The main advantage of a freelancer visa in the UAE is the official status of being a resident of the country. With a residency permit, you can:

• Live freely and work legally in the United Arab Emirates
• Rent and purchase property
• Conduct business in the UAE
• Open bank accounts
• Sponsor your family
• Enroll your children in schools
• Pursue your own education
• Buy a car and obtain a driver’s license

You become a resident of the Emirates and can enjoy many of the benefits this country offers.

Legal conduct of business activities

With a freelancer visa, you can legally conduct commercial activities, including:

• Registering at a legal address
• Opening accounts in Emirati and international banks
• Issuing invoices and receiving payments from legal entities
• Adhere to UAE tax regulations while lowering your tax burden

Lowered tax burden

In the UAE, there is no personal income tax, property tax, tax on dividends, capital gains tax for individuals, and several other taxes. 

The corporate tax is one of the lowest at 9%. A freelancer is required to pay this tax if their revenue exceeds the threshold of 1 million dirhams. In this case, they must register with the UAE tax authority for corporate tax purposes.

Besides, freelancers can qualify for a Small Business Relief and enjoy zero-percent corporate tax if they earn no more than 3 mln dirhams (valid until December 31, 2026).  

Flexible living 

In addition to not being tied to a specific work schedule or place of residence, freelancers have the opportunity to establish relationships with multiple employers, allowing them to increase their monthly income. 

Lower business setup costs

Obtaining a freelancer license is cheaper than registering a company in the UAE. A freelancer does not need to rent an office or hire employees who need to be paid salaries. Freelancers can use cheaper working facilities such as home offices, flexi-desks and co-working spaces. From a tax perspective, freelancers have the opportunity to reduce their tax burden.

High standards of living in the UAE

• Strong and transparent banking system:UAE banks adhere to international standards, have a strict compliance system, and closely monitor to ensure that "grey" money does not enter the country.
• Smooth international transactions: There are no currency controls, allowing you to make money transfers anywhere in the world and accept any payments.
• Major hub for international trade: The United Arab Emirates is a global trade and financial center with direct access to international markets. 
• Government being friendly to foreigners: It is keen on attracting foreign business and finance, as the country aims to reduce its dependence on oil revenues and diversify its economy.
• Rapidly growing tourism: The Emirates are actively building infrastructure and creating recreational areas that allow for comfortable leisure even during peak temperatures. Therefore, businesses providing services in the tourism sector are likely to succeed.
• High level of safety: The UAE has consistently ranked among the top 5 safest countries in the world for many years. 
• Multinational society and excellent networking: Over 80% of the population in the United Arab Emirates are expatriates. People come to this country to live and do business because they find the conditions highly favorable. 

Living in the Emirates without resident status is possible but very inconvenient, as the country has strict controls over visitors. There are lots of options on how to secure a Dubai residence visa, including Golden visa, property investor visa, etc. Discover the most suitable type of UAE residency for you right now!