COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO FREELANCE PERMITS AND VISAS

Freelance Permit

• Purpose: Allows you to legally work as a freelancer in the UAE.
• Issued by: Various free zones and government departments like Dubai Media City, Abu Dhabi’s twofour54, and Ajman Creative City.
• Requirements: You may need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your current visa sponsor if you are already on a different visa.
• Validity: Typically, valid for one year and can be renewed

Freelance Visa

• Purpose: A type of residence visa that allows you to live and work in the UAE as a freelancer.
• Issued by: GDRFA or ICP but processed through the Free zones and other authorities that issue freelance permits.
• Requirements: You need to have a freelance permit first. Other requirements include a medical test, Emirates ID, and health insurance.
• Validity: Usually valid for one to three years, depending on the issuing authority.

To work as a freelancer in the UAE, you’ll need to follow a series of steps to obtain both a Freelance Permit and a Freelance Visa.

Here’s a detailed guide:

Processes

1. Choose a Free Zone
   • Select a free zone that offers freelance permits, such as Dubai Media City, Abu Dhabi’s twofour54, or Ajman Creative City.
2. Apply for a Freelance Permit
   • Documents Needed: Passport copy, passport-sized photo, No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your current sponsor (if applicable), and proof of qualifications or work experience.
   • Application: Submit your application through the chosen free zone’s online portal or service center.
3. Obtain the Freelance Permit
   • Once approved, you’ll receive your freelance permit, which allows you to legally work as a freelancer in the UAE.
4. Apply for a Freelance Visa
   • Documents Needed: Freelance permit, medical test results, Emirates ID application, health insurance, and entry permit.
   • Application: Submit your visa application through the free zone’s portal or service center.
5. Complete Medical Test and Emirates ID
   • Undergo a medical test and apply for an Emirates ID as part of the visa process.
6. Receive Residency Visa
   • Once all documents are approved, you’ll receive your residency visa, allowing you to live and work in the UAE.

Costs

• Freelance Permit: Starts from AED 7,500 per year.
• Establishment Card: AED 2,000 per year.
• Medical Test: Costs vary depending on the free zone.
• Entry Permit: Around AED 1,150.
• Residency Visa: Approximately AED 5,000, depending on the free zone.

Requirements

For Freelance Permit

• Eligibility: Typically for professionals in media, technology, and education sectors.
• Documents: Passport copy, passport-sized photo, NOC (if applicable), and proof of qualifications or work experience.

For Freelance Visa

• Eligibility: Must have a freelance permit and meet health and security requirements.
• Documents: Freelance permit, medical test results, Emirates ID application, health insurance, and entry permit.

Here’s a comprehensive list of authorities in the UAE that provide Freelance Permits and Freelance Visas:

Dubai

• Dubai Media City
• Dubai Internet City
• Dubai Knowledge Park
• Dubai Design District (d3)
• Dubai Development Authority (DDA)
• Dubai South Free Zone

Abu Dhabi

• twofour54
• Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED)

Sharjah

• Sharjah Media City (Shams)

Ajman

• Ajman Free Zone
• Ajman Creative City

Fujairah

• Fujairah Creative City

Ras Al Khaimah

• Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ)

These authorities offer various packages and services tailored to freelancers, including office space and business support services.