Dubai is a city of opportunities, where the sky is the limit for people who are willing to work hard. However, working in Dubai can be quite challenging if you do not know how to go about things. If you want to get a job in Dubai UAE, you will need to apply for a freelancer visa Dubai or freelance permit first.
Peoples who are going to Dubai United Arab Emirates will find a great flexibility when it comes to working inside the UAE, whether it is setting up their own business or working as a freelancer. With the growing popularity of ‘Gig Economy’, steps have been introduced to make it easier and cheaper for freelancers to work in Dubai. One of the best initiative of TECOM Group with partnership of Dubai’s Creative Clusters is the GoFreelance visa package.
Which allows freelancers in the fields of media, technology and education to easily apply for permits and visas! Today, we are going to discusses about how you can apply for a freelance visa in Dubai if you wish to work in media or educational sector.
What Is Freelance Visa & Freelance Permit In Dubai?
A freelance permit in Dubai is a license issued under the TECOM Group that allows you to work as an independent contractor and is renewed annually. Freelancer permits are ideal for people who are on a spouse’s or parent’s visa and only need a license to work as a freelancer.
However, for those peoples who are not sponsored under their spouse or parents , they can also apply for a freelance permit in Dubai, a residence permit that allows you to live and work in the UAE. Which is easily renewable after 3 years.
Who Can Apply For Freelance Visa In Dubai?
There are a number of individuals from various sectors who are eligible for a freelance permit in Dubai.
- Tech
- Media
- Education
If you want to pursue a career as an actor, writer, journalist, or in advertising, training or education advisor, you can apply for the Dubai freelance visa. The visa is issued by Dubai Internet City if you are working in the tech sector, by Dubai Media City if your work falls into the media sector and by Dubai Knowledge Park if your work falls in the education
In order to start working as a Freelance in Dubai, you must have a freelance permit and visa. The freelancer permit helps the employer know that you are authorized to work for them and it is your visa that will allow you to stay in the country.
To get a freelance permit, you need to be at least 18 years old. You may apply for the visa after getting the permit. The visa is usually valid for one year and can be renewed.
The Benefits Of Freelance Visa In Dubai
The benefits of having a freelance visa in Dubai include flexibility, affordability and the ability to work for multiple companies simultaneously. If you plan on working in any of the sectors mentioned above, getting a freelance visa could be your best career move.
Furthermore, being able to have a freelance visa in Dubai means that you can offer your services at very low prices.
In Dubai, having a freelance visa allows you to be an independent contractor for companies across the UAE. It also gives you access to the free-zone business center and allows you to sponsor family members to live with you in Dubai. However, keep in mind that as a freelance worker, you can’t sponsor employees.
How To Apply For The Freelance Visa Dubai?
You can easily apply for the freelance visa Dubai online. To get the freelance visa in Dubai, you will initially need to apply for the Freelance permit, which is a temporary working visa that allows you to work legally for other companies in Dubai. Once you have been.
1. Apply Online For Freelance Visa / Permit
The online application process for the GoFreelance visa is quite simple. You will need to first apply for your freelancer Permit in Dubai, which you can do by going to GoFreelance website and clicking on the link “Apply” Fill out required application form and need to submit required documents.
Required Documents For Freelance Visa / Permit In Dubai
Some of the documents that are needed in order to apply for a freelance permit in Dubai include:
- Resume/CV
- Recent photograph
- Passport and visa copy (with 8 months validity)
- Bank reference letter
- NOC from your sponsor in UAE
If you are applying in the field of education, please note that you must provide proof of educational qualification, which must be verified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the UAE Consulate in your home country. Similarly, if you are applying in the field of media, you must submit a portfolio or sample of your work.
If you are applying in the education or technical field, you can choose only one activity when applying for a permit.
1. No Objection Letter (NOC) From Employer / Sponsor
If you are on your spouse’s or parent’s visa, they will need to give the Immigration Department a No-Objection Certificate before you can apply for the freelance work permit. Likewise, if your employer sponsors your visa and you are employed full-time in Dubai, they will need to issue an NOC. Remember, you do not need NOC to renew your Dubai Freelance Work Permit.
2. Application Follow Up
After you have submitted your application online, you will receive an email when it has been approved. This can take up to 10-15 days. Visit the business center in Dubai Knowledge Park, Dubai Media City or Dubai Internet City and sign the documents in person; pay the fees; and then receive your permit via email.
3. Apply For Freelance Visa In Dubai
Once you get a freelance permit, you will also have access to TECOM’s business service platform called AXS. This platform allows you to get government or corporate services. Through this platform, you can first apply for an Establishment Card at an additional cost. After receiving the Establishment Card, you can then apply for a Freelance Employment Visa.
4. Complete The Procedure Of Residency Visa
Once you have applied for a freelance visa for Dubai, you will receive an entry permit within 5 to 7 days. Once you have received your entry permit (valid for 60 days from the date of issue), you will need to complete some additional residency visa procedures in Dubai, such as your medical test. Once this process is complete, your residency visa will be stamped and validated.
Freelance Visa Dubai Cost
There are some different costs for freelance visa / permit, establishment card and freelance visa.
- Freelance Permit : 7,500 AED (1 year validity)
- Establishment card : 2,000 AED (1 year validity)
If you are applying for a freelance employment visa in Dubai with three years validity inside the UAE:
- 4,960 AED for (general)
- 6,340 AED for (Express)
If you are going to apply for a freelance employment visa with three years validity in Dubai from inside the UAE:
- 3,330 AED for (normal)
- 3,900 AED for (Express)
Kindly note that the price which is mentioned above for a freelance employment visa is includes your medical test, Emirates ID fees & visa stamping fees.
Gofreelance Visa Office Contact Numbers
If you have further questions about the freelance permit and visa in Dubai, you can contact the relevant free zones in Dubai at the following contact numbers.
- Dubai Media City Office: +971-4-391-4555
- Dubai Internet City Office: +971-4-391-1111
- Dubai Knowledge Park Office: +971-4-390-1111
And this is Gulfinside guide to getting a freelance permit and visa in Dubai. However, in addition to the technical aspects, you also need a special qualification for the freelance lifestyle. This includes working alone, being self-motivated, and being ruthless in networking and chasing bills.
Once you have been given a freelance visa in Dubai, you can check the expiration date by checking the status of your UAE visa online. For those who plan to sponsor a family member, check out the new Family Visa Rules in the UAE.