Due to its strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and tax facilities, Dubai is becoming the favorite spot in the world of business. If you are a Freelancer and looking to explore UAE’s business friendly infrastructure – Freelance Visa is for you.
That’s why, how to get a Dubai Freelance Visa is something we will discuss in today’s guide. From cost to validity to how to apply – we will cover everything you need to know.
So, all you need is to stick with us till the end.
What Are the Eligibility Criteria To Get a Freelance Visa Dubai?
Before we dig into how to secure a Dubai freelance visa, you need to consider the eligibility criteria to understand whether you can apply for it or not.
So, here is a brief breakdown of it to understand who can apply for a Freelance Visa in Dubai.
- First and foremost, you must be at least 18 years old.
- You need to show proof of a minimum annual income of AED 360,000. This must be earned through self-employment and within two years.
- Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months from the time you apply.
- Remember, a minimum of a bachelor’s degree or a specialized diploma is also required.
- Your profession must fall on the DCCA approval list to become eligible for the Freelance Visa.
- It is also essential to get a sponsor from the relevant authority, such as Dubai FreeZone.
How to Get a Dubai Freelance Visa?
Congratulations! Now you met the criteria, and now it’s time to get a Dubai Freelance Visa. Here is how.
Step 1: Choose Your Field:
Dubai offers freelance opportunities in various sectors. Identify your area of expertise or the freelance field you will be working in – whether it’s design, tech, education, or media. This will help determine the specific requirements for your freelance permit, such as business setup costs and research-free zone options that align with your field. For instance, if you are a media professional, Dubai Media City (DMC) suits you the best.
Step 2: Select a Free Zone (Optional):
While it’s not mandatory, applying for your Freelance Visa through one of Dubai’s free zones is always recommended. It can offer advantages like faster processing and specialized support for your industry. All you need is to research different free zones to see if any align with your field or offer advantages for your freelance work. However, you must know that each free zone may have its own eligibility requirements and fee structure.
Step 3: Secure a Freelance Permit:
Getting the Frelance permit from the Free Zone authority is an essential step you need to fulfill. This will also help you secure your residency in UAE. You can also consider it as the foundation of your visa application.
You need to apply for the permit through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE). It typically includes the following documents:
- Passport copy
- Resume
- Educational qualification certificates (attested if required)
- Bank reference letter (depending on the free zone, this may not be required)
- Additional documents specific to your chosen freelance field (e.g., portfolio for creative fields)
Step 4: Gather Required Documents:
This will involve documents for both the freelance permit and the visa itself. The specific requirements may vary slightly depending on your chosen path (MOHRE or free zone), but common documents include:
- Freelance permit (obtained in step 3)
- Passport with a validity exceeding 6 months
- Proof of income (past two years’ tax returns or bank statements demonstrating an annual income of AED 360,000 or more) – alternatively, proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Dubai
- Proof of health insurance (valid in the UAE)
- Photographs meeting visa application specifications
Step 5: Submit Your Application:
Once you have all the documents, submit your application for the Freelance Visa. This can be done through the MOHRE website or the designated free zone authority’s website, depending on your chosen route.
Step 6: Apply for an Establishment Card (Optional):
This card allows you to operate your freelance business in Dubai and acts as a trade license against your services. While it’s not always mandatory, it can still offer additional benefits, especially if you want to sponsor your family. So, check with your chosen free zone authority to see if an Establishment Card is required for your freelance activity or not. If so, you can easily obtain it from the Department of Economic Development (DED). It will cost you around AED 2000.
Step 7: Undergo Medical Tests:
Dubai requires all visa applicants to pass a medical fitness test. You’ll also need to pass a medical fitness test as part of the visa application process. This typically involves a blood test and chest X-ray. However, only designated medical centers conduct these tests. Details of it will be provided during the application process.
Step 8: Visa Issuance:
After the successful submission of the application and medical tests – your visa will be issued. This can take some time, so be patient and plan accordingly.
Step 9: Visa Renewal:
Freelance visas in Dubai are typically valid for one or two years. That’s why you’ll need to renew your passport before it expires to continue living and working as a freelancer in Dubai. The renewal process generally involves similar procedures to the initial application but may involve updated documents.
What Is The Cost Of A Freelancing Visa In The UAE?
The cost of a freelancing visa in Dubai varies depending on your chosen Free Zone. However, here is the approximate cost idea of different Free Zones.
| List of Free Zones | Pricing Starts From AED |
|---|---|
| Dubai Internet City | 7500 |
| Dubai Media City | 7200 |
| Ras Al Khaimah Economic Free Zone | 11,500 |
| Ajman Free Zone | 11,000 |
| Fujairah Creative City Free Zone | 17,850 |
| Dubai Design District | 70,000 |
| Dubai Knowledge Park | 100,00 |
Whatever you choose among them, it’s important to consider the cost structure, visa expenses, and, most importantly, whether it meets your requirements or not.
Although, the cost of a freelance visa in Dubai depends on the Free Zone you choosed. We’ve also given a short estimate of the expenses of each free zone. Still, if you are getting confused and need a rough estimate of the cost, then don’t worry. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated costs you can expect;
| Freelance Permit | AED 7,500 |
| Establishment Card | AED 2,000 |
| Medical Tests | AED 320 |
| Residence Visa | 4,381 (one year) to AED 5,460 (multi-year) |
| Other Fees | Additional Gov. charges or anything else |
What Is The Validity Of The Dubai Freelancer Visa?
The validity of a Dubai Freelancer Visa depends on whether you apply through the Department of Economic Development (DED) or a free zone authority:
For instance, if you have applied through DED, the standard visa will be valid for one year. There might be options for two or three years, depending on specific programs, but one year is the most common.
Conversely, Free zones may offer visas with different validity periods. Some advertise visas valid for up to three years, but these may still require annual renewals.
