Dubai has emerged as an enticing workplace in the last decade or so. With the abundance of opportunities, a streamlined process, and a highly business-friendly environment, it has become a dream place for everyone to live and work. The government has also made it a point to make Dubai the world’s business hub and so it not only supports and encourages business activities but introduces appealing business initiatives from time to time.

Realizing the booming freelancing industry and the contribution it makes to a country’s economy, the TECOM Group in partnership with the Dubai Creative Clusters Authority recently launched the GoFreelance initiative to allow freelancers to work in the tech, media, and education sectors. This is an ambitious project on the part of the government and a golden opportunity for freelancers around the world to work in one of the leading business communities. If you are someone with skills and aspire to work as a freelancer in Dubai, this is the place for you to learn how to go about it.

Dubai Freelance Permit & Dubai Freelance Visa

These two terms are often misunderstood. The Dubai freelance permit is for people who are on their spouse’s or parent’s visa. This permit allows them to work as an independent contractor in Dubai and is licensed under the TECOM group. This is renewable annually. The Dubai freelance Visa, on the other hand, is for people who are not sponsored by their spouse or parents. The Visa allows them to live and work in Dubai and is renewable every three years.

The Dubai freelance permit or Visa allows you to work for multiple companies in Dubai and that too with the comfort of your home and on your preferred schedule. It truly takes you to the path of being your own boss and frees you from the rigid 9 to 5 job routine. You don’t need an office space which allows you to offer your services at lower rates. You can work as an independent contractor across the UAE with all the facilities available to a native citizen. The Dubai freelance permit/visa gives you unlimited opportunities to grow. It is the best career decision you will take.

Who is Eligible for a Freelance Permit and/or Visa in Dubai?

You are eligible for a freelance visa in Dubai if your skills fall in one of the following sectors.

• Technology
• Media
• Education

This includes a wide range of freelance activities. You can apply for a freelance visa Dubai if you are a web developer, E-Commerce developer, game developer, software developer, Database administrator, video editor, Choreographer, Photographer, Copywriter, graphic designer, actor, journalist, composer, researcher, trainer, education advisor, etc. You can find the complete list of freelance activities on GoFreelance.ae. For Tech and Education sectors, you can choose one freelance activity and for the Media sector, you can choose up to three freelance activities, such as Actor, Director, and Producer.

How to Get a Freelance Visa in Dubai?

Getting a freelance Visa in Dubai is a simple 3 step process.

1.   Fill in the application form.

2.  Once your application is approved, you will receive an email after which you have to visit one of the following business centers to sign the documents and pay the fees. The cost for the permit is AED 7,500 per annum.

Dubai Internet City (For Tech Industry)

Address:  Building #4, Ground Floor, Dubai Internet City

Dubai Media City (For Media Industry)

Address: Building #2, 2nd floor, Dubai Media City

Dubai Knowledge Park (For Education Industry)

Address: Block #18, 3rd floor, Dubai Knowledge Park

3.  Your freelance permit will be sent to you via email in 10-15 working days and you are all set to work as a freelancer in Dubai.

How to Apply for a Freelance Permit or Visa in Dubai?

To apply, click here and fill out the application form. You will need to submit the following documents.

• Resume/CV
• Passport Copy
• Visa Copy(if you are applying from within the UAE)
• Bank Reference Letter (from any local or international bank)
• Sponsor’s NOC (if you are applying for a permit and have a current residence visa)
• Portfolio or sample of work (for Media sector only)
• Certificates and credentials (for Education sector only)

Remember, if you are already working with a company and want to apply for a freelance permit, you will need to produce a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from them. This does not need to be reproduced for the renewal of the permit.

What Next?

After you have received your freelance permit, you can also apply for an establishment card (AED 2,000 per annum) and residence visa. The cost of the residence visa is the following. It is valid for 3 years and includes the cost of visa stamping, medical test, and Emirates ID.

If you are applying from outside the UAE then the residence visa cost will be:

• AED 3,330 (Normal)
• AED 3,900 (Express)

If you are applying from within the UAE then the residence visa cost will be:

• AED 4,960 (Normal)
• AED 6,340 (Express)

Conclusion:

Acquiring a freelance permit and Visa in Dubai will allow you to become part of the thriving Dubai businesses and get a taste of the Dubai culture. If you are someone who likes to work independently, have great time management and networking skills, there can’t be a better opportunity than this.

We have covered almost everything about applying and getting a freelance Visa in Dubai, documents required and the cost. If you still have any questions, refer to the GoFreelance’s FAQ section.