Obtaining a freelance visa can be proved to be beneficial for many visa holders in UAE. As, this visa has more benefits rather then other independent visas in UAE. The individual, who wants to apply for the freelance visa for stay in UAE must know the terms and conditions of the such visa. As, freelance visa has requirements and the individual is required to be fulfilling the such conditions.
Understanding the characteristics and qualities of such freelance visa is essential for each applicant. The applicant must know the details and its criteria about the visa. Then he must decide that he is eligible or not for such service. And he can afford the costs of visa and he can survive in UAE on his behave. If you seems to be stable financially and have independent business in UAE, and you’re sure that you can survive in this type of dynamic land. Then you can go for the visa application as a freelancer.
This particular visa is not for everyone because of its high costs and independency. Such visa is just for those visa holders, who are residing in the UAE and they have strong source of income. And also they are not dependent on any employment company or embassy for their survive in UAE. In this particular guide, we have provided the comprehensive step-by-step guide to the visa details, eligibility conditions, benefits and also the application process.
Freelance Visa UAE, Dubai details
The visa allows the individuals to work on their behave, you have totally freedom to make yourself. You are not answerable to anyone. Many types of residents in UAE can apply for the such visa to stay in UAE as a freelancer. Firstly, the individual who have the strong media presence and are making the strong income through the media. The individuals having the expertise in their IT skills. And they are making a strong amount by providing the services to others. The skill can be video editing, SEO, Graphic designing or any other, it doesn’t matter. The third one falls in educational field. The individuals educating online can apply for it.
Process to obtain a freelance visa is not too simple as compared to others. There remain a specified process to make the application procedure successful. There are some essential documents that you will have to obtain from the authorized companies and embassy first before applying for the visa. So, it is compulsory of having the complete knowledge about the process to the visa. Here in this article, you will find the helpful content that will help you understand the visa conditions and application criteria. If you are planning to apply for this type of visa then you must read this particular guide
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Freelance visa Dubai benefits
There are many benefits of such visa in UAE. Such visa provides you various benefits that you can see here in below.
- You have freedom to work, you can work independently with multiple clients.
- No need of any sponsor from the UAE to stay there.
- You don’t need to pay the taxes in UAE because you have the tax free income source.
- You can stay in UAE until the visa remains valid, you don’t need any further visa for residing in the UAE.
- Through the such visa you can work from any place where you are. No need of being present at the specific place.
- You are able create your bank account through this freelance visa.
- You can sponsor your family members to visit or for residence visas.
- You can provide many services in your field without restrictions.
Requirements and Necessary Documents
To be eligible for the visa , you must meet the requirements. The eligibility conditions are given here in the below
- The applicant must be 18 years old.
- The applicant must have the bachelor’s degree.
- The applicant must have expertise in the skills he keeps
- The applicant must not have any criminal record in history
Note: Remember the individuals with matric or Intermediate degree are not eligible for this visa. They must not waste their money and time for applying to this visa. If anyone asks you that he can grant freelance visa for you, then it is fraud and you should avoid them.
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Necessary Documents:
- A valid Passport with minimum validity of six months
- A copy of your Emirates-ID must be required
- Having a valid residence permit is crucial for applying the such visa
- A cover letter explaining all your expertise and qualifications
- NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the employer or company if you are currently doing job anywhere
- Previous six months bank statements must be required for proving your financial stability
- A medical fitness record will also be required
- Passport size photos must be required for application process
- A freelance permit and establishment card will be required
Application Process for UAE Freelance Visa
To make the application process for the UAE freelance visa, follow the steps described here in below. Through these simple steps the process becomes easy, smooth and convenient. Just follow these simple steps as following.
Choose the free zone
The first step you need to take is to choose your free zone. You can choose one according to your industry and profession. Each industry has its related free zone. For example Dubai Internet City (DIC) is most popular for the tech freelancers. You should chose one free zone from the following of them.
- Dubai Media City: The individuals who have business related to media and creative work. They can select this free zone.
- Dubai Internet City: The free zone is for the individuals who are in business and technology field. They can choose this one free zone.
- Dubai Knowledge Park: The applicants can choose this one if their work industry is related to the education and consultancy.
- Fujairah Creative City: This free zone is cost-effective for all fields.
- Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ): This one is for the applicants who have expertise in IT and media.
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Apply for the Freelance Permit
After choosing your free zone you must apply for the freelance permit. You must have to apply through the related website according to your free zone. You can apply for the permit through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE). You should also apply for the establishment card from the website of your chosen free zone. Follow these steps to apply for the Freelance Permit.
- Visit the website related to your chosen free zone
- Register yourself through inserting the email
- Find out the section dedicated for the “freelance permit application”
- Fill the application form by the information required there
- Ensure the information you inserted is completely right
- Upload all the required documents
- Pay the fee for the freelance permit (The fee may vary for each free zone, typically it starts from 7500 AED)
- After paying the fee submit the application form
- The approval may take 10-15 working days
- After the specific time period for approval for the permit you will receive the response
- After getting the freelance permit, you can go for the further application to the residency visa
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Gather all Documents
Now, the applicant must have to gather all necessary documents for the application process. All the necessary and important documents are given below in this article. Go to collect all these essential documents and then go apply fir the visa. Collecting all the papers and documents is crucial as they will be required during the application process.
Apply for the Residency Visa
For the application process to resident visa go to apply for the visa through the website of your chosen free zone. You can apply through the GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) for the such residency visa. The website is dedicated for the UAE visa application procedures and immigration related activities. For application to UAE Residency visa follow these simple steps.
- Visit the official website of your selected free zone or GDRFA
- Find out the section for the “visa applications”
- Select the “Residency visa application”
- An application form will be displayed on the screen
- Fill the application form by providing the personal information and details
- Insert the information without making any mistake
- Recheck the application form to avoid any mistake there
You will also be called for a medical test to ensure your medical fitness. You will be checked properly by the doctors and they will make sure that you have no any serious disease. After ensuring your medical fitness they will give you the medical fitness permit.
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Upload the required documents
After filling the application form, now you should have to upload all the required documents. You must have gathered all the documents and the papers before starting the application process. All the required and important documents are given above in the article. You should provide all these documents.
A freelance permit/license and establishment card will also be required during the application process. Don’t forget to collect these documents. Upload all the papers and documents properly and carefully.
Pay the fee
Now, you will have to pay the fee for the visa. The fee may vary according to the free zone you choose for yourself. You will be informed about the visa fee. You can pay the fee using debit / credit card or through the bank account.
Processing Time and approval
After paying the fee you can submit the application form for approval. The visa approval duration may change according to each free zone. The processing time period may take 2-3 weeks (10-15 days). During this time period you should regularly check your visa status by tracing your visa through the track ID. After the specific time period of visa approval, you will get the visa issuance.
Get the Emirates ID
After the visa approval you will visit the Immigration office near you to obtain your Emirates ID form. Get the stamped visa also. Now you have got the visa and you can now stay as a freelancer in the UAE. And can start your working as a freelancer legally.
What is the process of freelance visa in UAE?
As the freelance visa allows the individuals to stay and work in UAE independently. So, you will have to obtain a freelance permit first and then you can go for the further process to the visa. To obtain this visa you should take these steps so that you could done it easily,
- Gather all the required documents
- Choose your free zone
- Visit the official website of your selected free zone
- Make the application process done
- Pay the fee
- Wait for visa approval
- Get the visa and start working as a freelancer
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Can a Freelance Visa holder can sponsor family?
Yes, the individual having the freelance visa can sponsor any family member for getting a visa in UAE. You can support any family member if you have this type of visa as it allows you to sponsor.
What should be requirements for getting a freelance visa in the UAE?
There are specified requirements that an applicant should meet for getting the visa. The applicant must be 18 years old, must have the bachelor’s degree, must have a strong income source and also have expertise in his field.
What is the validity time period for the freelance visa?
You have the option to select the validity of your visa. The visa can be valid for 1 year, that is renewable after expiration. You can choose 2 years freelance visa and you can also extend it. The visa also comes with the validity of 3,4 and 5 years green visa. You can choose anyone of them, the costs for the such visa will vary according to validity time period.
What will be the cost for the freelance visa?
The cost of freelance visa may fall between 12,500 AED to 30,000 AED. It may vary according to each free zone and duration of validity of visa. You will have to pay these fees and other costs for visa as following
- Freelance Permit: An estimated fee is AED 7,500 that you will have to pay for the submission of freelance permit application.
- Establishment Card: You will have to pay AED 2,000 for getting the establishment card. It may vary for each free zone.
- Medical Test: It may differ depending on the free zone (It may fall around AED 320)
- Entry Permit: AED 1,150
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