• Residence Permit Rules regarding attaining a UAE citizenship is stringent and in no way an expatriate can attain the citizenship of the UAE. Unlike UAE citizenship, the resident permit/ visa is easily attainable for expatriates. Attaining a resident visa is nearly the same as enjoying the UAE citizen’s privileges.

• Here are the scenarios in which a foreigner gets the UAE residence visa. 

• for students – International students may apply for a Residence Permit when they get admission to a University. A student Residence Permit is issued here.

• Residence permit for investors – Foreign investors and entrepreneurs are granted Residence permit.

• Residence permit for employees – When it comes to employment, Residence permit is granted to the employee.

• Residence permit issued for property buyers – Individuals who invest in the real estate of Dubai in the form of house purchase that amounts to greater than AED 1 million.

• Freelancer Residence permit – A freelancer is granted a Residence permit after he/she attains a Freelancer license.

• Family permit – An investor or a freelancer may apply for a Residence permit for the members of the same family.

The term Dubai freelance visa refers to a residence permit in Dubai, which gives you the eligibility to live and work in the Emirates while getting resident permits for your dependents or family members. To get the freelance visa in Dubai, first, you should secure a freelancer license. Several Free zones in Ras-Al-Khaimah, Abu Dhabi and Dubai provide Freelance Licenses. Professionals in media, education and technology domains are allowed to apply for a Dubai Freelance License. A Freelance License lets these professionals offer their valuable help, support and service as consultants in the UAE. Issuance of Freelance license is part of the UAE government’s meticulously planned decision to attract expertise in different sectors of the UAE. Many free zones offer Freelance License and some of them are listed below:

• Dubai Knowledge Park (DKP)

• Dubai Internet City (DIC)

• Twofour54

• Ras Al Khaimah Economic Free Zone Authority (RAKEZ)

As already discussed only the individuals and professionals who belong to the education, technology and media sectors can apply for the Freelance license/Permit.

Education sector – Individuals who offer e-learning consultancy, conduct research, educational consultants, counsellors come under this category.

Technology sector – Many professionals who apply for the freelance license belong to the technology sector. Information technology, all sorts of web- based development, app development, data analytics and many others come under the category of the technology sector.

Media – artists, creative individuals, professionals who excel in the field of music and related streams, directors, writers, PR executives, print media professionals, social media analysts and many other creative professions come under Media.

Many creative professionals, particularly in the media sector, have benefitted from the launch of affordable freelance licenses. The Media and Entertainment free zone, Twofour54 based in Abu Dhabi has helped many young professionals establish themselves in the Production industry. Freelance licenses have helped not just the job-seeking individuals. It has helped the employers too. Here are some of the major benefits connected with hiring freelancing individuals to the workforce.

• Hiring freelancers help the business establishment in business expansion.

• The employers can cut down the cost of hiring full-time employees and the associated expenses. The associated expenses include the visa charges, medical insurance expenses, air tickets cost etc. When all these expenses add up, it becomes considerably huge.

• Hiring freelancers is more flexible compared to full-time employees. The employer needs to hire a freelancer only when there is a requirement.

• The employer can manage the cash flow more easily.

• Helps the employer to meet quick and bulk employee requirements.

• The employer may select from the vast pool of freelancers in order to pick the right candidate.

• The employer can get the desired workforce from all over the world.

The advantages of pursuing a freelance job is very obvious and here are they.

• A physical office is not needed for freelance ventures.

• The freelancers enjoy the flexibility in job timings.

• Freelancers may work irrespective of their location.

• Freelancers can cut the travel-cost by working from home. This helps the freelancers minimize their expenses and thereby increase profits.

• Freelancers have the freedom take up multiple assignments at the same time.

• A freelancer with time and effort can transform the freelancing venture in to a successful business.

• Freelancers can create a brand of their own.

• Being their own boss, freelancers enjoy better work-life balance.

When comparing the company registration formalities, obtaining a Dubai Freelance VISA is rather simple. The freelance license fee connected with the issuance of the Freelance license is affordable too. To attain a Dubai freelance license, you must register in a relevant free zone jurisdiction.

Here is how you should proceed for a freelancing career:

1. Obtain the appropriate application form and fill it out.
2. Procure documents such as a passport copy, educational certificates, necessary proofs, and a business plan.
3. Change the residence visa to a freelance visa to acquire a freelance license. To accomplish this, your sponsor must sign a No-Objection certificate.
4. Prove satisfactory banking history and acquire the supporting certificate from your bank.
5. Submit other documents such as a CV, endorsement letter from your present or former employer, etc.
6. Select the appropriate free zone for registering your freelance license.
7. Submit the filled application and passport copy to the free zone authority.
8. The free zone authority will issue a confirmation letter. Sign and return the confirmation letter.
9. Pay the fees associated with acquiring a Freelance permit.
10. After signing the sponsorship contract, acquire the Freelance Permit and Visa.
11. Wait for 10 days for the license to be issued.

The validity of the freelance license has recently been extended to 2 years.

The license fee varies with the free zone jurisdiction and the type of activity. ONE STEP CSP offers the most affordable license fee.

Do you want to apply for a Dubai freelance visa? Are you someone looking for a career change to freelancing? If yes, contact our experts who will assist you in completing all the formalities associated with acquiring a Freelance License in UAE.