There are significant advantages to obtaining a freelance visa in Dubai. Let’s explore them briefly:

• Flexibility: You are allowed to work for multiple companies while managing your schedule.
• Legal compliance: With this visa, you are permitted to legally live and work in Dubai.
• Cost-effective: The visa is affordable and accessible.
• Networking: You receive plenty of opportunities to grow your client base.
• Sponsor your family: A freelance visa allows you to sponsor family members.
• Gain access to infrastructure: Dubai’s famous infrastructure and global connection can help you launch your business towards success.

The eligibility criteria to apply for a freelance visa in Dubai may differ depending on the free zone you will be applying to. Listed below are some of the basic requirements you need to fulfill before you apply for a freelance visa:

• You must be 18 years of age or older to apply for the visa.
• Own a passport with 6 months of validity.
• Submit income proof; a self-employment income of AED 360,000/year for the previous two years is required to show that the applicant won’t be reliant on government funds to make ends meet.

The documents required to apply for the freelance visa are listed below:

• A completed application form
• Passport copy
• Passport-sized photo
• A CV that has been updated
• Emirates ID copy (if you’re already a UAE resident)
• Academic credentials certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the UAE Consulate
• Two professional references (with contact details)
• A letter of intent or a job offer that includes information about your work history and personal and professional background
• Your sponsor must issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC), if necessary

For the residence visa application, you’ll likely need:

• The approved freelance permit
• Dubai Establishment Card (issued with the freelance permit)

The free zones in Dubai offer many opportunities for those seeking a freelance visa. These are tailored to meet your specialities. Read below to find out which free zone will be ideal for your business ventures:

• Dubai Media City: Obtaining a freelance visa here is ideal for freelancers who are interested in the media field in professions such as journalism, writing, and broadcasting.

Freelance visa cost: Starts at AED 7250

• Dubai Internet City: Ideal for freelancers are IT professionals, software developers, and tech consultants.

Freelance visa cost: starts at AED 7500

• Dubai Knowledge Park: For freelancers who specialize in education and training, the DKP is the ideal place. It offers opportunities for academic and professional growth.

Freelance visa cost: starts at AED 100,000

• Dubai Design District: This zone is perfect for freelancers who are designers, artists, and creative professionals.

Freelance visa cost: starts at AED 70,000

1. Identify the freelance business activity you aim to specialize in or provide services for.

2. Once you have determined what business activity you will engage in, you must obtain a freelance permit. In 2024, you must choose the jurisdiction from which you would like to obtain a freelance permit:

• If you are applying from the Dubai Mainland, you will need to obtain a freelance permit directly from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization in Dubai (MoHRE)
• For a freelance permit from the free zones, research and select a free zone authority in Dubai that caters to your freelance activity. Apply for a freelance permit through the chosen free zone authority. Enclose the required fees and documents with the free zone authority.

3. Ensure that you have all the necessary documents mentioned above with you when submitting your application.

4. You must acquire a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your local sponsor if required. 

5. Open a corporate bank account to conduct your financial transactions.

6. After the above steps, you must undergo medical tests and apply for health insurance. It is mandatory to have health insurance when applying for your visa.

7. You must apply for an establishment card that acts as your business establishment card in the free zones.

8. With your freelance visa, you can apply for your residence permit. Apply for the permit via the GDRFA website.

9. Once you have submitted your application, await your visa and proceed with entry procedures.

A freelance visa might cost approximately AED 14,170 to AED 25,000 or more, depending on the circumstances. Let’s break down the cost of a freelance visa in 2024:

• Freelance permit: AED 7,500 issuance fee will require annual renewal.
• Cost of an Establishment Card: AED 2000
• Employment Visa:
• A 3-year valid visa costs AED 2750.
• 5-year valid visa costs AED 5,000

You must renew the visa every 3 years or 5 years, respectively.

• Residence visa
• If you apply for a residence visa with a 3-year validity from outside the UAE, normal processing charges will amount to up to AED 3,330. Express processing charges amount to AED 3,900.
• If you apply for a residence visa within the UAE, the standard processing cost will be AED 4,960, and the express charges will be AED 6,340.
• Medical fitness test charges will amount to AED 300
• Emirates ID charges: AED 370
• Medical insurance: ranges from AED 1500 to AED 2000

As a freelance visa holder in Dubai, there are a few regulatory requirements you must keep in mind:

• Freelancers must only be involved in activities permitted under their visa category.
• Stay on top of residency visa renewals.
• Update business information or make changes in personal status.
• Adhere to ethical and legal business practices.
• Freelancers might have to register for VAT if their income exceeds the threshold limit.
• Corporate tax might have an impact on some businesses that freelancers operate.
• Visa Cancellation Process:
• Inform relevant authorities about the intention to cancel the visa.
• Settlement of outstanding fees and/or fines
• Comply with exit procedures, such as returning resident permits.