Freelancers seek projects in the UAE because its healthy economy, supportive business climate, and modern facilities attract worldwide professional talent. If you want to work as a freelancer in Dubai and around the UAE, you want to know what expenses come with getting Dubai freelance visas. So, in this blog, we’ll explain how to apply for a visa in Dubai with details about UAE freelance visa cost, application process, and additional perks of working as a freelancer in the UAE.
What is a Freelance Permit with Visa in the UAE?
People who want to live and work in Dubai and other Emirates must get a freelance visa, which lets them work independently. This visa allows you to reside and work in Dubai as a freelancer, conducting content work, website building, graphic design, and more. You need a freelance permit to apply for a residence visa or a freelance visa in the UAE.
What are the Types of Freelance Permits in Dubai?
A freelancing visa in Dubai provides legal permission to manage your freelance activities. People mainly use a freelance license to follow work plans in the tech media and entertainment fields. The following are the types of freelance visas based on location:
- The freelance visa in Dubai Media City lets innovative or media professionals live and work in this renowned media district.
- Free zones such as Dubai Internet City offer a tech freelancer visa to attract those people who want to work in their professional niche within Dubai’s main tech hub.
- Design professionals can access Dubai Design District facilities through the Freelance Visa, which serves those working in creative design fields.
- The freelance visa granted by Dubai Knowledge Park targets professionals in the education, training, and research disciplines.
What is the Freelancer Permit Cost in UAE?
The cost of a freelance visa depends on your selected freelance work category and free zone, as well as your visa purpose, such as permanent residency or permit. The following are the details of all expenses linked to getting a freelance permit in Dubai:
- UAE freelance visa costs range at AED 7,500* for the permit. Each free zone in Dubai sets its rates for freelance permit costs, which differ from one area to another.
- Freelancers in Dubai who are planning to bring their family members should budget for the family visa expenses, which range between AED 4,000* and AED 6,000*, depending on dependents.
How to Get a Freelance Permit in the UAE?
To apply for a freelancer visa, you must follow these steps to start your application:
- Choose a UAE Freezone
Companies planning to start operations within the UAE should select from among its established free zones. Every free zone provides spaces to different businesses and permits freelance workers to choose their preferred option.
- Apply for a Freelance Permit
After selecting your desired place between UAE free zones and Dubai districts, you can apply for a freelance permit. As a freelancer, you can work legally inside this designated area after obtaining a freelance license.
- Submit Visa Application
You must submit your freelance visa application request to GDRFA once you have the freelance license. This step enables you to obtain a freelance visa.
- Visa Application Processing
Getting a work visa requires between 2 to 4 weeks of processing time. It needs mandatory health tests, plus documents proving your work and other supporting materials based on the selected free zone.
- Get Your Work Visa
The authorities will grant you the freelance visa Dubai, which enables you to reside and work in the UAE freelance market.
Important Considerations Regarding Freelance Visa Dubai
This type of permit and visa in Dubai for self-employment remains effective for one to three years. The Dubai Airport Free Zone allows its free zone members to modify their visa terms with ease.
Your visa application funds will stay unused once you submit your application for a freelance permit in Dubai, so verify all necessary documents before applying. Also, you can request a freelancer visa either through the Dubai visa application portal or by using professional services like Xpert Advisory, which handles freelance visa processes.
Benefits of a Freelance Permit in Dubai
The following are the benefits of a freelance visa in Dubai:
- A freelance permit and visa enable you to run your company, choose customer contracts and establish your work hours according to your preferences.
- Through a freelance visa, Dubai residents gain entry permissions to specific business free zones like Dubai Media City, Dubai Design District and Dubai Knowledge Park, and several free zones.
- All freelancers in the UAE benefit from the tax exemption policy. Freelancers who do not need to pay personal income tax within Dubai face significant financial benefits.
- The global freelance community opts for Dubai as their operational base because it grants exceptional prospects in the media technology and design fields. The United Arab Emirates provides its freelancers with outstanding prospects to develop their professional journey.
Final Words
Understanding the UAE freelance visa cost will help you build a freelance business and enjoy life in this dynamic city. The expense of a freelance visa depends on the free zone selection, but freelancers gain far more advantages than the upfront costs. A visa for freelancers helps them seek work opportunities in the UAE while enjoying the freedom to work and live in Dubai due to its wide appeal for international freelancers.
However, getting a freelance work permit in Dubai might not be an easy task. Therefore, to provide professional support, Xpert Advisory is here to help you. Our team of skilled visa consultants utilises their successful application experience to create a seamless and efficient visa application process for clients. Contact our team now to book your consultation to launch a successful freelance career!
FAQs
How Much Does it Cost to Obtain a Freelance Visa in the UAE?
To get a UAE freelance visa, you must pay for a freelance permit along with an establishment card and a residency visa. To obtain the necessary permits in the UAE, you need to pay AED 7,500* for the license, plus AED 2,000* for the establishment card and AED 2,750* to AED 5,000* for the residency visa.
Does Freelance Work Visa Offer Good Value?
Foreign job seekers need a freelancer visa to build their new professional life in another country. Freelance visas make it lawful for independent work and enable professionals to handle their working days and client interactions as they want. When freelancers own their businesses, they can develop their brands and work independently without any local sponsor restrictions anywhere in the UAE.
What Benefits Can You Obtain with a 2-year Freelance Visa?
You can obtain legal permission to stay in Dubai with your Freelance Visa, which is typically valid for one to two years for the freelance permit and establishment card, but five years for the Green Residence Visa. You can use the Green Residence Visa to get your family members’ legal residency in the UAE.
