Here’s what you need to know about freelance visas in Dubai

Dubai's Freelancing Haven: A Gateway to Entrepreneurial Success

Dubai has emerged as a thriving hub for freelancers and entrepreneurs, offering a unique blend of business-friendly policies, a dynamic economy, and a cosmopolitan lifestyle. The city's commitment to fostering innovation and supporting the gig economy has made it an attractive destination for individuals seeking to establish their own businesses or pursue freelance work.

FREELANCE VISA AND WORK PERMIT IN DUBAI FOR RESIDENTS

Thanks to their parent’s or spouses’ visas, individuals already residing in Dubai can get a freelancer work permit. You can apply for a permit even if you are employed full-time. In such situations, however, an NOC (No Objection Certificate) from your employer/sponsor is needed.

FREELANCE VISA IN DUBAI FOR NON-RESIDENTS

If you are not a UAE resident, you must apply for a freelancer visa to acquire a residency permit. This permit allows individuals to reside and work in Dubai as a freelancer. Also, you will have to apply for a residence visa.

 

1. HOW TO APPLY FOR A FREELANCER VISA IN DUBAI AND PERMIT

Applying with IQ strategy  permit and freelance visa in Dubai is now a simple process that requires only a few steps. A free zone in Dubai issues a freelance permit.

To get freelance visas in Dubai, you will initially need to apply for a freelance permit or licence to be registered as a freelancer in the emirate. 

 

DOCUMENTS FOR FREELANCER PERMIT IN DUBAI

Documents needed to apply for the freelance permit in Dubai include: 

  • Resume/CV
  • Recent photograph
  • Passport and visa copy (valid for at least 8 months) 
  • Bank reference letter
  • NOC from your UAE sponsor (if applicable)

Please note that if you are applying to the education sector, you must submit proof of academic qualifications certified by the  MOFA  ( Ministry of Foreign affairs )or the UAE Consulate in your country of origin. Likewise, if you are applying in the media sector, you must submit a portfolio or sample of your work. 

If you are applying in the education or tech sector, you can only choose one activity when applying for a permit.

 

NO OBJECTION LETTER FROM SPONSOR/ EMPLOYER

If you are on your spouse’s or parent’s visa, you will need a No-Objection Certificate from them before applying for the permit. Likewise, if you are employed full-time in Dubai, and your company sponsors your visa, you will need an NOC from your employer. Remember that you don’t require the NOC to renew your Dubai freelance work permit. 

2. FOLLOW UP ON THE APPLICATION

After IQ have submitted your application online, you will be notified by email when it has been approved, which can take up to 10-20 days. After this, you must visit the business centre in Free Zone , where you must sign the documents and pay the fees personally. Afterwards, you will receive your freelance permit in Dubai via email. 

3. APPLY FOR THE FREELANCE VISA IN DUBAI

Once you have received your freelance permit, you will also receive access to  business service platform, AXS, launched in partnership with the Dubai Development Authority (DDA), which allows you to avail many government or corporate services. Through this platform, you can first apply for the establishment card, which will bear an additional cost. After receiving your establishment card, you can apply for a freelance employment visa under the Dubai Development Authority (DDA). Here’s a look at the freelance visa in Dubai requirements.

4. COMPLETE THE RESIDENCY VISA PROCEDURES

Once IQ submit your freelance visa application in Dubai, you will receive an entry permit within five to seven working days. You will receive the entry permit (valid for 60 days from the date of issue). As the next step, you must complete certain residency visa procedures in Dubai, such as your medical test. When these procedures are complete, your residency visa will be stamped that remain valid for three years from the date of issue. 

FREELANCE VISA IN DUBAI PRICE

There are separate costs involved when applying for freelance visas in Dubai.

  • Freelance permit (valid for 1 year): AED 7,500
  • Establishment card or immigration card (valid for 1 year): AED 2,000
  • Employment visa (valid for 3 years): AED 2,750
  • Employment visa (valid for 5 years): AED 5,000

If you are applying for a residence visa in Dubai (valid for three years) outside the UAE, the costs are:

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

For those applying from within the UAE, the costs are:

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

Please note that the above freelance employment visa costs include medical test charges, visa stamping charges and the Emirates ID fee.

*Please note that Freelance visa Dubai cost 2024 may differ depending on your field and other cost

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