What is the UAE Freelance Visa?

UAE is one of the most popular choices for work, visit, and immigration purposes. The country is known for its innovative visa programs and pathways for foreign nationals. One such initiative is the UAE Freelance Visa, which was introduced in 2022 to attract experienced freelancers to the country.

The UAE Freelance Visa allows skilled freelancers worldwide to work in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). With a freelancer visa, you can gain legal access to offer freelancing services within the UAE. The Freelance visa is an ideal option for freelancers in professions like media, education, IT, Tech, design, and more.

Unlike a full-time job, the UAE Freelance visa offers flexibility to work remotely, for more than one client, and at your schedule. With this visa, you can avail many benefits, including tax-free income, family reunion through sponsorships, an international client base across different sectors, and more.  

If you are a freelancer looking to expand your services globally, the UAE Freelance Visa is the right choice!

 

Why Apply for a UAE Freelance Visa?

The UAE Freelance Visa offers many benefits for skilled freelancers, which include:

1. Live and work as a legal resident in the UAE: The UAE freelance visa allows you to reside there and offer freelancing services. You can work as an individual contractor or be self-employed at your convenience.
2. Cost-effective entry to UAE's job market: The Freelance visa is one of the most affordable and budget-friendly visa programs that allows you direct access to the country's job market. With the freelance visa, you can expand your services abroad and set up your own freelancing business in the UAE.
3. Entry to the UAE's industrial Business area: There is a growing demand for freelancers in different niches, especially those in tech, design, education, IT, etc. The Freelance visa allows you to connect with top industrialists and businesses in the UAE.
4. Flexibility: Unlike regular work visas, the UAE Freelance visa allows you to work flexibly. The freedom to choose your work timings, set schedules at your convenience, and manage multiple clients makes it a good option for freelancers and individuals working remotely.
5. Route to Long-term residency in the UAE: Freelancers with a UAE Freelance visa can even become country residents. Freelance visa holders who have established themselves in the UAE can opt for the Golden visa program, which gives them the right to build and set up their businesses and settle down as permanent residents of the UAE.
6. Family Sponsorship: As a UAE Freelance visa holder, you can become a benefactor and sponsor your family (spouse and children) to come and stay with you in the UAE.
7. "NO" requirement for a local sponsorship: You do not need a local sponsor to apply for a freelancer visa in the UAE. You can migrate to the country without any sponsorship, work as a freelancer, and hold complete possession of your earnings.
8. Avail UAE's banking services: With a UAE Freelance visa, you can set up your own bank account and even apply for credit cards and bank loans upon becoming eligible. Having your bank account in the United Arab Emirates makes it easy to receive money transfers for the freelancing services offered.
9. Work from anywhere: As a freelancer, you will not have any workspace restrictions, giving you the flexibility and comfort to work from anywhere in the UAE. You can even work remotely from co-working spaces across the country without any limitations.
10. Increase your networking: Business events, marketing expos, meet-ups, and business conferences are some of the ways you can increase your visibility and market value in the country. With a Freelance visa, you can join such events and expand your networking by meeting with well-known business moguls.
11. Visa-free travel: UAE Freelance visa holders can also apply for a residence visa, which allows visa-free travel to countries in the Middle East. With the visa-on-arrival option, freelancers looking to set up businesses in countries like Qatar, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia can benefit.
12. Avail Healthcare services in the UAE: The country offers healthcare facilities to visa holders, including those on a Freelance visa. With a UAE Freelance visa, freelancers can become eligible to apply for medical insurance that allows them to enjoy top-class medical facilities.
13. Increases reliability and credibility: The UAE Freelance Visa can increase your credibility as a freelance service provider. It can also be useful while working as a freelancer with international clients.
14. Pathway to potential job opportunities in the future: Freelance visa holders looking to switch to a full-time employment option can explore the UAE's job market and the multiple job opportunities available across different industries. Freelancing work experience can be used when applying for jobs in the United Arab Emirates.
15. "NO" income tax: The UAE maintains a zero income tax policy, which allows freelancers to earn in Dirhams while retaining all of their earnings. 
16. Global exposure: The UAE is a global hub for businesses and regularly hosts expos, events, and business fairs.  With a UAE Freelance visa, you can attend these events and exhibit your skills on an international platform.
17. Global recognition of the Freelance license:  The UAE Freelance license is widely recognized and acknowledged internationally. This gives freelancers a chance to land projects from top companies and organizations. The Freelance visa further adds credibility to the resume by setting them up as trustworthy and experienced professionals.
18. Faster processing time: On average, a UAE freelance visa takes 10-30 days to process, making the process hassle-free. The paperwork and documentation involved in applying for the freelance visa are also minimal and less complicated.

 

Eligibility Criteria for a UAE Freelance Visa

To be eligible for the UAE Freelance visa, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Be at least 21 years of age
2. Have a valid passport
3. Have minimum educational qualifications like a university degree or diploma
4. No salary requirements
5. Clear the medical test
6. Have a clear criminal history

 

Who can apply for a UAE Freelance Visa?

The UAE Freelance visa allows you to work in job sectors listed in the table below:

Tech	Media	Education	Design
Architecture Freelancer	Actor	Education Advisor	Apparel Designer
Customer Service Freelancer	Aerial Shoot Photographer	eLearning Advisor	Concept Designer
Data Science	Animator	Executive Coaching	Costume Designer
Analytics Freelancer	Artist	Researcher	Fashion Artist
IT	Audio	Trainer	Fashion Designer
Telecommunication	Brand Consultant		Hair Stylist
Software Development and more	Cameraman		Interior Designer
	Choreographer		Image Consultant
	Commentators		Jewellery Designer
	Composer		Make-up Artist
	Content Provider		Object Designer
	Copywriter		Personal Shopper
			Textile Designer
			Visual Merchandiser
			Wedding Planner

 

*Looking for freelancing jobs in the UAE? Avail Y-Axis Job Search Services to find the right one.

 

UAE Freelance Visa Cost and Payment Modes

The cost to apply for a UAE Freelance Visa depends on the Free zone you choose. 

You can choose from any of the below listed free zones in UAE:

1. UAE Media City
2. UAE Internet City
3. UAE Design District
4. UAE Knowledge Park

The table below has a complete breakdown of the cost of applying for a UAE Freelance Visa:

Factor	Fees (per annum)
Freelance permit	AED 7,000
Medical test	AED 100
Entry permit	AED 1,150
Freelance visa for non-residents	AED 12,121

 

The application fee for a UAE Freelance Visa is around AED 7,000. The visa costs can be paid through credit/debit cards or bank transfers.

Note: The full fee amount must be paid before starting the application process. Once paid, the application fees cannot be refunded. 

 

UAE Freelance Visa Processing Time

The processing time for a UAE Freelance Visa is 7-14 days. However, the exact time taken to process the visa may differ based on other conditions.

 

What are the Highlights of the UAE Freelance Visa?

With a Freelance visa in the UAE, you can:

1. Live and work in the UAE legally without a local sponsor.
2. Get low-cost and direct entry to the country’s booming job market.
3. Work flexibly by getting to choose clients from different industries.
4. Apply for work permits and residency in the UAE.

 

What makes the UAE Freelance Visa different from the other visas?

The UAE freelance Visa primarily targets independent freelancers looking to offer freelancing services in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) without being restricted to a single employer. This factor makes the Freelance visa distinct and flexible in comparison with the other visa types.

 

Top 5 Benefits of the UAE Freelance Visa

1. Flexible working options: The Freelance visa allows you to work for more than one client at the same time. You can take on different projects and work according to your own schedule. 
2. No restrictions: You can reside and conduct freelancing work in the country with no limits. You do not need an employer or a local sponsor and can enjoy complete ownership of your freelancing business.
3. Sponsor your family: As a UAE Freelance Visa holder, you can sponsor your spouse and children to come and live with you.
4. No tax benefits: The UAE does not impose income taxes on personal earnings, allowing you to save your income without tax deductions. 
5. Accelerated processing: The process of obtaining residency in UAE through the Freelance Visa is streamlined and faster than other visa pathways.

 

What are the features of the UAE Freelance Visa?

1. Can live and work in the UAE as independent contractors with legal authorization
2. You can work from anywhere in the region, from an office setup, shared workspaces, or the comfort of your home.
3. Valid for a maximum of two years that can be renewed annually
4. Open your bank account in the UAE and avail yourself of financial services.
5. Get tax benefits and become an NRI.
6. Sponsor your family to come and live with you.
7. Long-term residency route through the Golden Visa pathway

 

What are the employment and project benefits?

1. Get legal work authorization and residence in the UAE
2. Streamlined and low-cost process to set up a business
3. Manage and choose between multiple projects and clients
4. Explore networking and business opportunities in the UAE

 

What are the financial benefits of the UAE Freelance Visa?

1. Financial benefits:
a) Tax-free earnings 
b) Pocket-friendly and cost-efficient entry to the job market in the UAE
2. Convenience benefits: 
a) “NO” requirement for an office space 
b) Work from multiple locations 
3. Adaptability benefits:
a) Faster processing time in just 14 days 
b) Simplified application process with professional assistance 

 

Documents Required for a UAE Freelance Visa

You must have the following documents for a UAE Freelance visa:

1. Passport with a validity of 6 months
2. Copies of the latest passport-sized photographs
3. Academic transcripts or certificates (University degree or Diploma)
4. Updated CV
5. Updated portfolio highlighting your professional experience 
6. Documents to prove your civil status & nationality 
7. Proof of funds to support your stay in the UAE
8. Medical insurance  
9. No Objection Certificate (Only if you are currently working in the UAE)
10. Business plan with information about your freelance work history

 

How to apply for a UAE Freelance Visa?

You must first apply for a UAE Freelance Permit to apply for a UAE Freelance visa. The Freelance permit gives you legal access to live and work as a freelancer in the country.

Here is a simple step-by-step process to apply for a UAE freelance visa:

Step 1: Select the industry that is relevant to your skill set

Step 2: Gather the documents required for a UAE Freelance visa  

Step 3: Complete the online visa application process through the applicable free zone authority

Step 4: Complete the freelance visa application and establishment fee payment

Step 5: Wait for the visa status to be approved. The process could take around 3-14 days.

Step 6: Fly to the UAE and start your freelancing journey

 

How to renew a UAE Freelance Visa?

Once issued, the UAE Freelance visa allows you to work in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for a maximum of two years. The Visa must be renewed annually, and the renewal process may take 2-3 weeks.

The fee to renew the UAE Freelance Visa can be around AED 7,500 to AED 15,000.

You can follow the steps given below to renew your UAE Freelance visa:

Step 1: Fill out the online visa renewal application 

Step 2: Attach the required documents

Step 3: Clear the medical fitness test

Step 4: Complete the visa renewal fee payment 

Step 5: Wait for the visa to be renewed

 

Job Market in the UAE for Freelancers 

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has a global job market with nearly 68,000+ job vacancies for freelancers. The average monthly salary for freelancers in the UAE is around AED 5,000-7,500. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the two major cities with the most freelancer job prospects. Data analytics, cyber security, graphic design, social media marketing, online tutoring, etc., are some of the top in-demand job roles for freelancers in the UAE.

 

Tips for Freelancers in the UAE

Below are some tips for freelancers in the UAE:

1. Connect with the professionals in your field of work
2. Market and exhibit your services the right way
3. Create and set up a bank account for easy payments and transactions
4. Learn about the cultures and business practices in the UAE
5. Avail the co-working spaces provided in the available areas
6. Keep learning new skills and upgrade your CV

 

Differences between UAE Freelance Visa vs. Setting up a Company in the UAE

Feature	Freelance Visa	Setting Up a Company
Cost to apply	The cost of applying for a freelance visa is affordable, and renewal fees are low.	The cost to set up the business is high, including factors like rent, license, registration, etc. The renewal fees are also expensive.
Do you get ownership rights?	You do not need a local sponsor to obtain complete ownership rights.	Similar ownership benefits are available in UAE's free zones; however, they may come with restrictions.
Is the process easy?	The process to acquire the visa is faster and can be done in 1-14 days.	The process of setting up a company is time-consuming and involves complicated documentation and approvals.
Are there any legal requirements?	The requirements are not too complicated and usually involve a freelance permit and visa.	The requirements are complex, including trade licenses, office leases, and other approvals.
Who is it ideal for?	It is ideal for individual contractors, consultants, and freelancers.	It is ideal for big business organizations operating on a large scale.
Is office required?	No office is required. You can work remotely from home or co-working office spaces in the UAE.	Yes, it requires a physical office space that is leased or rented.
Does it offer flexibility?	Offers the flexibility to work independently.  You can also work on different projects in different industries.	It does not offer flexibility as the operation is done systematically, following the same structure or business model.
Do you get any tax benefits?	UAE charges zero income tax, allowing freelancers to avail all of their earnings.	Business owners can also benefit from zero corporate tax.
Does it involve constant observation?	It mostly includes fewer examinations and other reporting requirements.	It requires regular auditing and reporting of finances and other renewals.
What should be the team size?	It is ideal for small-scale teams and entrepreneurs	It is ideal for large-scale teams and business organizations that require many employees.
Can you offer visa Sponsorship?	Can sponsor family and a maximum of 2 employees (in specific free zones).	Can sponsor more employees, but the cost per visa can be high.
UAE Market Entry	Less complicated and direct market entry	A comparatively slower entry process due to legal issues and other business setup formalities.
Scalability	It is ideal for freelancers looking to start small and expand later.	Ideal for business organizations looking for faster expansion.
What is the risk level involved?	The level of risk is low, considering the minimal rules and less investment.	The level of risk is high considering the high investments and costs, including operational expenses.
Networking options	Offers a great opportunity for freelancers and consultants by giving them access to the UAE job market.	It offers more credibility for already established businesses; however, setting up a new business in the market would require more funds.
Is there any flexibility to work?	Yes, you can work for more than one client from any industry without any restrictions.	No, you can only offer services for registered business activity.
Who should apply?	Remote workers, Freelancers, consultants, and those in the creative field.	Large-scale entrepreneurs with more capital are looking to expand their business operations.

 

 

How can Y-Axis help you?

Y-Axis is the leading overseas immigration consultant in the UAE. For 25+ years, we have offered end-to-end immigration services. At Y-Axis, we make the Freelance Visa process simple, efficient, and stress-free.

Sign up with Y-Axis, to avail the following services:

1. Expert assistance with the UAE Freelance visa process, including:
   a) Sole professional permit​
   b) Lease agreement​
   c) Establishment card​
   d) e-Channel registration​
   e) Security approval​
2. UAE Residency visa (Includes medical test and Emirates ID)​
3. Assisted guidance for acquiring a Freelance Permit.
4. End-to-end assistance with the complete UAE Freelance Visa application process till the visa is issued.
5. Guidance on the required documentation and other paperwork.
6. Extended support to help you set up your bank account in the UAE.
7. Step-by-step assistance with the family sponsorship process (if required)
8. Expert consultation services with business setup and expanding your networking in the UAE.