Guide to Get 3 Year Freelance Visa Eligibility in the UAE
How to Get 3 Year Freelance Visa Eligibility in UAE? Keeping with the global trend after the pandemic, millions prefer to be self-employed after finding the taste of working from home and away from daily reporting to their employers. A recent survey revealed that given a chance, 62% of the UAE residents would prefer self-employment for themselves.
In earlier days, freelancing was not a viable career. There were massive business setup costs, licensing restrictions for businesses, and visa regulations. Today, the UAE is witnessing a mini-revolution in the way businesses are conducted. Hence, many individuals are looking at self-employment as an alternative to employment.
New Government policy
The UAE government has initiated policy changes for work regulations. Freelancing is now legal, and visas are issued to freelancers to allow people to work on the side. The opportunities and scope in various sectors have given rise to self-employment in the UAE. The Emirate is now the new destination for kickstarting one freelancing career.
Become a freelancer legally in the UAE
After the new policy in November 2020 by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development or ADDED, residents of UAE and non-residents can apply for a freelance license. Freelancers can live and work legally in the UAE, and for this, they need not have an office set up. They can apply for a residence visa for themselves and their families. As a freelancer, one requires a residence visa and a freelance work permit in the UAE.
Requirements for the UAE residents and Non-residents
If one is a UAE resident on their parents or spouse visa, they can become a freelancer by getting a permit to operate as one. Even full-time professionals can obtain a freelancer permit to work on the side. One needs to demonstrate their skill in the relevant segment to acquire a freelancer permit along with a non-objection from their employers, allowing them to work as a side hustle.
If one is a non-resident, a residency permit is required to live and work in the UAE as a freelancer. Several options are available for everyone to consider freelance as a career in UAE. Many Free zones allow a freelance permit to enable freelancers to get residency visas and sponsor their families. All processes are to be completed online, and the choice and costs vary according to the different sectors one would like to work in.
How to get a Freelancer Permit?
Currently, the following free zones are offering freelance permit
- Dubai Media City
- Production City
- Studio City
- Dubai Design District
- Knowledge Park
- Abu Dhabi’s twofour54
- Ras Al Khaimah Economic Free Zone
- Fujairah Creative City
- Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone
- Ajman Free zone
Cost of License
Costs vary to get freelancer visa in Dubai and depend on the business requirements and regulations of a particular free zone. The permit is for a one-year or 3-year residence visa or a legal working permit as a freelancer in the UAE.
The Free Zones available for Freelancing in UAE
areas:
Dubai:
The Dubai Development Authority, in collaboration with TECOM Group, has launched a new initiative known as Go Freelance.
Registrations for businesses are operational in four sectors for freelance visas. They are Media (Dubai media city) and Education (Dubai Knowledge Park). Design (Dubai Design District) and Technology (Dubai Internet City). The package costs include a residence visa and business center facility to start Dubai media city company formation from here.
Abu Dhabi:
One can get a freelancer permit from twofour54 media zone in Abu Dhabi by logging on to their website. The Media Zone Authority has reduced freelance license fees for the first two years. One only has to pay the fees for visa registration and health insurance. Also, ADDED has launched a free vis option for freelancers.
Ras Al Khaimah:
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Free Zone issues work permits, and the fees start from 6100 Dirhams. It includes a residency visa, business centers facility, and a host of support services. One can get complete details on their website.
Other emirates such as Fujairah, Ajman, and Umm Al Quwain offers freelance permits, online support services, health insurance, visa for three years, and hub facilities. The UAQ trade zone in Umm Al Quwain offers individuals a specially designed free trade zone to carry out activities in the media, film, and technology sectors.
Moreover, If one wants to outsource the entire freelancing permit work to experts, then business consultants like Business Link UAE can help in providing necessary assistance. The consultants specialize in getting freelance licenses, residence permits, business centers to operate from, and other administrative work.
If you need expert advice to get 3-year freelance visa eligibility in UAE? Consult with our experienced business setup consultants in Dubai. Write to us info@businesslinkuae.com or call 00971556070118
