Dubai Freelance Visa: How to apply? | Benefits

Are you wondering how to apply for a freelance visa in Dubai? Well then, you are at the right place cause in this article, we have shown a detailed view of freelance visas, eligibility, and benefits too.

Dubai is, no doubt, one of the fastest-growing countries. It has a way more developed economy where every enthusiast wants to achieve success. While many people look for full-time jobs, some professionals are interested in freelancing. And Dubai has freelancing opportunities too.

All right, so now let’s see the procedures to apply for a freelance visa in Dubai.

What is Freelance Visa in Dubai?

The TECOM Group in Dubai permits the freelance license, which needs a renewal each year if you want to continue your freelancing. But this license applies to those living on their parent’s or spouse’s visa.

Someone not sponsored by paren’s or spouses will also be able to apply for a freelance visa. It basically works as a residential visa with freelance working permission. However, in both cases, the holder has to renew the freelancing permission.

Benefits of Dubai Freelance Visa

A freelance visa in Dubai gives you several benefits, from working opportunities to the financial establishment. Here are some benefits you get:

Flexibility– It gives you the opportunity to work for various companies at flexible times.

Affordable– The charges for a freelance visa and its renewal are much lower than the earnings you’ll gain.

Independent– With a freelance visa, you can work independently. You will work for your own living all over the UAE.

Family sponsor– Dubai freelancers can sponsor members of their family to live with them in a rental apartment or own housing. However, always remember that you can not sponsor other than family members.

Who can Apply for a Freelance Visa in Dubai?

As specified in the official notice, not everyone can apply for a freelancing visa in Dubai. Only some particular job sectors are considered to have freelancers. Here are the four sectors where you can work as a freelancer in Dubai.

Education
Design
Media
Tech

You can apply for a freelance visa if you are engaged in a profession such as screenwriting, journalism, acting, advertising, customer service, education advisor, or web development. However, to get complete detail regarding job specifications and eligibility, you must visit the website, GoFreelance.

Note- For different sectors, the freelance license will be issued from different places, such as Dubai Internet City for Tech, Dubai Knowledge Park for Education, and Dubai Media City for the Media sector.

How can You Apply for a Freelance Visa in Dubai?

You can have a freelance visa for Dubai by following a few procedures. And nowadays it has become very easy. So, here is a step-by-step guide to applying for a freelance visa in Dubai.

1. Online Applicator for the Permit

First of all, you need to visit the website GoFreelance and then select “Go Apply”; it will redirect you to a form fill-up page. Then you must fill out the form with all the required details. Moreover, you will have to submit some documents such as;

Recent photograph
Resume/CV
Bank reference letter
Visa & Passport copy (Minimum 8 months of validity)
NOC from the sponsor (If sponsored)

Please note – You must submit your academic qualification for education sector applicants. However, the qualification must be certified by two authorities of the applicant’s country, the UAE Consulate and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. And for media sectors, you must submit work samples or a portfolio.

However, if your parent or spouse sponsors you, you don’t have to submit certificates. Moreover, if you are a full-time job holder in Dubai, you will require only a NOC certified by the employer for a freelance license. And lastly, for freelance permit renewal, no one requires the NOC.

2. Receiving the Freelance Permit

Once you have successfully submitted the application for the freelance permit, the authority will notify you via email regarding the application. The application will take 10 to 15 working days to approve. After that, you must go to the business center in Knowledge Park, Internet City, or Media City based on your freelance sector. And then, you must do personal verification, document signing, and fee payment. Once all is done, you’ll receive the Dubai freelance permit.

3. Application for a Freelance Visa

Finally, you can apply for a freelance visa after getting the freelance permit. However, the freelance permit will give you access to the TECOM business platform AXS. This will let you opt for various government and private services job opportunities. And through AXS, you need to give an application for the establishment card with a few additional costs. And finally, you need to apply to the Dubai Development Authority for a freelance employment visa.

Please note that this visa remains valid for only three years; after that, you must renew it.

4. Residency Visa

After successfully submitting the application for a freelance visa to DDA, you’ll get entry permission within 5 -7 office days. After receiving the permission, you need to do some specific procedures, such as a medical test. And finally, when all the procedures are done, you will receive a stamped visa valid for three years.