Freelance Visa in Dubai
- Freelance license and visa : starting from 9,200 AED
- Registration time frame : 3-4 weeks
- Bank account : Guaranteed
- Residence visa : valid for 2 years
With a freelancer visa, you can live in the UAE and carry out your professional activities lawfully, taking advantage of UAE residency without being restricted to a particular location or employer. International money transfers, international payments, and account opening are all possible at Emirati banks.
By starting with an affordable option, you may develop and grow your company. You can even move with your family, creating opportunities for their safe and secure work, education, and way of life in a GCC nation that is developing quickly. This is an in-depth guide to the UAE’s most affordable freelance visas in Dubai, UAE.
You must select one of the registering authorities that grant freelancer licenses in order to get a freelancer’s visa in the United Arab Emirates and launch the company as a sole proprietor.
Obtain a freelance permit or license (basically a work permit) before submitting the required paperwork for the visa application in Dubai. Evaluate the types of activities that each free zone allows as well as the prices to choose the one that works best for you.
Freelance visa and freelance license/permit explained
A freelancing license or permission differs from a freelance visa in Dubai. Now, let’s clarify the same. You can lawfully setup your business in the United Arab Emirates with a freelance license, which is essentially a work permit.
On the other hand, the UAE registration authority issues a freelance visa, which is a sort of resident visa that is based on a freelance permit.
Key facts about a UAE freelance visa
- Issued for 2 years
- You must be at least 18 years old
- Sponsorship of family members
- You and your family can work, study, buy and rent real estate, and take advantage of many services in the United Arab Emirates with a freelancing visa.
A freelancing visa, also known as a UAE residency visa, allows you to live in the nation without being sponsored by your job or business. It is a type of self-employment that offers freedom and independence in the United Arab Emirates.
Key facts about a freelance permit in Dubai
A freelance permit lasts one year, with an annual renewal.
You can have a registered address and register under your own name.
You can choose from a variety of activities with a single license.
Cost-effective facilities flexi-desks and co-working spaces.
No need to rent a real office space.
As proof of your credentials, you can be asked to provide certificates.
Income taxes are 0%. When a company generates one million AED in sales in a year, it is required to register and file for corporate taxes.
No corporate bank account. Personal bank accounts are used for business transactions.
Bookkeeping and accounting are optional and can be outsourced to reduce expenses.
Types of freelancer's visas in Dubai, UAE
Freelance permit-based visa
Existing UAE citizens who wish to work on their own while keeping their residence privileges may apply for a freelance permit. They might have to present an NOC from their present company or sponsor.
For the purpose of obtaining a residency visa, non-residents might obtain freelance permission. They may be asked to provide proof of qualifications, but they do not need a NOC. This is dependent on each individual circumstance.
Green residency for freelancers
A bachelor’s degree or diploma, freelancing permission from the Ministry of Human Resources, and proof of financial stability or at least AED 360,000 in income over two years are prerequisites for the Green Visa, which is intended for qualified freelancers.
Talent Pass Visa Dubai
The Talent Pass Visa, which the Dubai Airport Free Zone offers, provides a residency permit together with the chance to network with DAFZ’s extensive customer base. It is a desirable choice for long-term freelancing in Dubai since it offers adaptable office solutions to facilitate both local and remote activities.
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Types of freelance permits in UAE free zones
Every UAE free zone provides freelance permissions for a range of industries, often classifying operations into key sectors:
1. Media
Free zones that provide media-focused resources and networking opportunities, such as Dubai Media City, Abu Dhabi’s Twofour54, and Fujairah’s Creative City, are open to freelancers in the fields of content development, advertising, digital marketing, and production.
2. Education
Academic consultants, instructors, and trainers can obtain freelance permits in Abu Dhabi’s Twofour54 and Dubai Knowledge Park. These areas serve professionals by providing academic information, online courses, and workshops.
3. IT and Technology
Popular destinations for tech workers with expertise in software development, data analysis, and IT consultancy are Dubai Internet City, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and RAKEZ.
4. Design
The Dubai Design District (D3) and Ajman Free Zone offer specialized assistance for the creation of design studios or consultancies for creative designers working in the fields of fashion, graphics, and interior design.
5. Services and consulting
Professional service providers, legal consultants, and business advisers frequently use free zones such as DMCC and UAQ Free Trade Zone because they offer extensive support services and go toward consulting-based enterprises.
6. Content production
Dubai Media City and Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) both have specific facilities for producing high-end content and offer necessary permits for photographers, video producers, and creative studios.
7. Music
Free zones such as Dubai Studio City, which provides sound design, audio engineering, and music production resources, allow musicians and audio professionals to register.
8. Publishing
Sharjah Publishing City and Twofour54 in Abu Dhabi provide help to independent authors, editors, and publishers. These areas make distribution, copyright services, and publishing easier.
9. Arts
Visual artists, illustrators, and craftsmen can pick Dubai Design District or Fujairah’s Creative City, which offers studios, galleries, and event venues specifically for the creative arts.
Because of each free zone’s unique speciality, freelancers can access networks, resources, and support systems specifically tailored to their business, expanding their opportunities. Activities that fall under each of these categories are also offered in some of these free zones.
Registration authorities
There are many options for a Dubai freelance visa in Dubai or other emirates, thanks to the UAE’s numerous business registration bodies.
You have the same rights to work anywhere in the United Arab Emirates, regardless of where your permit and visa are obtained.
When discussing a freelance visa in Dubai, for instance, the differences between different licensing authorities—such as Dubai Media City, RAKEZ, AFZA, etc.—lie in the type of commercial activities they allow freelancers to engage in and the fees involved.
Dubai freelance permit
In Dubai, there are multiple ways to get a permit to operate as a freelancer. Your options are the Dubai South Free Zone or another free zone run by the TECOM group.
TECOM
Free zones including Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, Dubai Knowledge Park, Dubai Design District, Dubai Industrial Park, and others are part of the TECOM group. The first four of them make it possible to get a freelancing visa in Dubai, which is provided by the gofreelance.ae service.
The Dubai Development Authority facilitates GoFreelance, which provides a wide range of freelancing activities in four categories: media, technology, education, and design. These groups cover a wide range of activities, which makes them the perfect place to get your UAE freelance work permit and Dubai visa.
In other free zones and emirates, such as Abu Dhabi (Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development), Twofour54, the UAQ free trade zone, the Ajman free zone, the SHAMS free zone, the RAKEZ, and the Creative City free zone in Fujairah, you can also look for a freelance license.
Freelance visa in mainland Dubai
To get a freelance license, freelancers who want to work on the UAE mainland must work with a local agent. This local representative serves as your sponsor and communicates with the appropriate government agencies. Like free zone permits, freelancers must also fulfill specific restrictions, including age and qualifications.
But it’s usually better to get freelance permission in a UAE-free zone. Free zones are more appealing to freelancers than mainland options because they provide more efficient procedures, fewer obstacles, and flexible work arrangements.
Therefore, obtaining a freelance visa in the UAE free zones may be simpler and save you time and money.
Dubai Freelance visa requirements
You must fulfill a number of requirements in order to be qualified for a freelancer license and visa:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have any necessary diplomas or certifications proving your qualifications.
- Have enough relevant experience in the sector of your choice.
- Have no criminal history.
Documents required
There are often no strict standards for freelancers with professional backgrounds. All you need to do is collect the required paperwork and apply for your permit.
Typically, the following documents are needed:
- Valid passport copy
- Visa and Emirates ID copy (if you are a UAE resident)
- No objection certificate (NOC) from current sponsor (if you are a UAE resident) (if applicable)
- Recent photo
- CV
- Portfolio of works (if applicable)
You can live in Dubai if you have a freelancing visa, which also grants you a residency visa. To begin lawfully working as a freelancer in the United Arab Emirates, you will also require a work permit or freelance license.
Steps to obtain a freelance visa and license in the UAE
There are various procedures involved in getting a license and visa that allow you to work as a freelancer in the United Arab Emirates. How can I apply for a Dubai freelancing visa? Here is a basic overview:
- Select a licensing authority: Choose a free zone authority that is appropriate for the area of work. The qualifications and charges for the freelance permit vary for each free zone.
- Apply for a freelance permit: Submit the required paperwork and your application for a freelancing license. With the authorization, you can operate lawfully as a freelancer in the United Arab Emirates. Getting your license typically takes five to ten days.
- Apply for a freelance visa: You can apply for a residence visa when the selected free zone authority has accepted your freelance authorization.
- Secure your entry permit: After that, travel to Dubai to complete the necessary paperwork, including applying for a visa and going through medical examinations.
- Undergo a medical fitness test and fingerprint record: Medical insurance is also necessary in Dubai’s free zones.
- Collect your visa and start freelancing: You will obtain your visa, which is valid for two years after it is approved.
UAE Freelance visa cost
Dubai offers reasonably priced freelancing visas, varying costs according to the freezone. Usually, its breakdown looks like this:
- Freelance permit : starts from 7,500 AED
- Establishment card : 2,000 AED
- Medical test : depends on the free zone
- Visa fees : 3,000-5,000 AED
Other expenses for freelancers
Future visa costs will cover things like renewing your resident visa and freelance permission, renting a workspace if necessary, ordering accounting and bookkeeping services from outside sources if necessary, and paying company tax if you are responsible for it.
If you choose to cancel your UAE visa, you will also be responsible for payment.
Office space options for a freelancer in Dubai
Some free zones have shared office spaces, but freelancers typically work from home. These co-working facilities provide networking possibilities as well as a professional environment. You can use virtual offices, which offer meeting spaces and other business services like an official business address.
The initial price for virtual offices is approximately 5,500 AED per year.
| Facility | Description |
|---|---|
|
Home office |
Perfect for people who would instead work on their own without incurring overhead. |
|
Flexi-desk |
Numerous free zones offer flexible shared desk space, making it an inexpensive choice with access to office facilities. |
|
Coworking spaces |
These provide networking possibilities in a professional context, making them perfect for independent contractors who appreciate teamwork. |
|
Virtual offices |
Provide conference spaces, a unique business location, and essential office support without a desk. |
Benefits of a freelance visa in UAE
UAE resident status
The primary benefit of getting a freelancer visa in the United Arab Emirates is the official residency status. Having a residence permit allows you to:
- Live freely and work legally in the United Arab Emirates
- Rent and purchase property
- Conduct business in the UAE
- Open bank accounts
- Sponsor your family
- Enroll your children in schools
- Pursue your own education
- Buy a car and obtain a driver’s license
Legal conduct of business activities
In Dubai, you are allowed to engage in the following commercial activities with a freelancer visa:
- Using an authorized address to register
- Creating accounts with foreign and Emirati banks
- Receiving money from legal organizations and sending invoices
- Reduce your tax burden while adhering to UAE tax laws.
Lowered tax burden
Personal income tax, property tax, dividend tax, individual capital gains tax, and several additional taxes are all canceled in the United Arab Emirates. However, under UAE corporate tax legislation, independent contractors might be required to pay taxes on their company income. The following outlines freelancers’ corporate tax responsibilities:
| Criteria | Corporate tax rate | Requirement | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Standard Corporate Tax |
9% |
Freelancers must pay if revenue exceeds 1 million dirhams |
Revenue over 1 million dirhams |
|
Small Business Relief (valid until Dec 31, 2026) |
0% |
Freelancers can qualify if revenue does not exceed 3 million dirhams |
Revenue up to 3 million dirhams |
Flexible living
Freelancers have the chance to build relationships with several companies, which enables them to boost their monthly revenue, in addition to not being restricted by a specific work schedule or location of residence.
Lower business setup costs
In the UAE, obtaining a freelancer license is less expensive than registering a business. A freelancer doesn’t need to hire staff who must be paid salaries or rent an office.
Cheaper workspace options for freelancers include co-working spaces, flex desks, and home offices. In terms of taxes, independent contractors can lower their tax liability.
High standards of living in the UAE
Strong and transparent banking system: UAE banks have a strict compliance system, follow international standards, and keep an eye out to ensure “grey” money doesn’t get in.
Smooth international transactions: Because there are no currency restrictions, you can accept any payment and send money anywhere globally.
Major hub for international trade: With direct access to global markets, the United Arab Emirates is a major hub for trade and finance.
Government being friendly to foreigners: In order to diversify its economy and reduce its reliance on oil earnings, the nation is eager to draw in foreign investment and business.
Rapidly growing tourism: Even during hot weather, the Emirates aggressively develops recreational spaces and infrastructure to enable comfortable leisure. As a result, companies that offer services in the travel and tourist industry are likely to be successful.
High level of safety: For many years, the UAE has been rated as one of the top five safest nations in the world.
Multinational society and excellent networking: In the United Arab Emirates, foreigners comprise more than 80% of the population. Because of the highly favorable conditions, especially when it comes to obtaining a freelancing visa in Dubai, many travel here to live and conduct business.
Securing your freelance visa with JSB Incorporation
JSB Incorporation provides assistance with company formation, license acquisition, resident visas, and bank account establishment to help enterprises establish themselves in the United Arab Emirates.
Business consultants, legal advisors, accountants, tax experts, and real estate professionals make up our team of seasoned professionals, all up to date on UAE laws and standards.
Based on your background, objectives, and potential, we can help you setup your freelancing business in Dubai and assist you in obtaining the most affordable freelance visa. You can securely build your future in one of the most vibrant business cities on earth with JSB Incorporation.
After all, connect with us today to get started with your company formation in Dubai, UAE.
FAQs
Yes, you must register with the Federal Tax Authority, pay VAT quarterly, and pay VAT (5%) on all applicable deliveries within the UAE or GCC VAT-implementing nations if your revenue reaches 375,000 AED.
Freelance permission in Dubai normally only permits a personal account.
It is only necessary for freelancers to file for taxes and pay corporate tax if their annual account turnover is above one million dirhams. The corporate tax rate is nine percent.
A UAE residency visa, which can be obtained through freelance permission, is required if you continuously plan to live and work in the country.
Freelancing typically involves providing expert services. Obtaining a trade license that specifically addresses product trading is advised for trading.
Don't miss out on this limited-time opportunity!
We'd Love To Hear From You
contact us
Find us Here
Office No 20, 4th Floor, Al Moosa Tower 2,
Sheikh Zayed Road Dubai, United Arab Emirates P.O. Box 27614.
Get In touch
+971 4 824 4842
info@jsbincorporation.com