Freelancing is youngster’s favourite choice for starting their ventures independently. Getting a Freelancer Permit or Freelance License in the UAE will enable newbie entrepreneurs to start self-sponsored employment in the UAE. Also, they can secure a residence visa for themselves. Also, they can sponsor their spouse and children for a tenure of 2 years renewable.
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The Freelancing permits and Visas are available in the few Free Zones and the Mainland in UAE at low cost. There are many cost-effective options available. The Free Zones support the Freelancers with ample amenities and the right platform to grow.
Why Choose a Free Zone in UAE for obtaining a Freelance Permit?
The Free Zones will help individuals to secure a Freelance License for them without any hassle. The entrepreneur can build a network and start operating in the Free Zone seamlessly.
Also, there are few categories of business activities such as media, marketing, project management, IT consulting, etc., for which a Freelance Permit is available in the UAE Free Zones. The entrepreneur can secure the Freelance license from the Free Zones and utilize the co-working or shared desk space.
So, by being in the Free Zone, they can easily network and collaborate on projects with other companies. Also, take up projects from around UAE and abroad by setting up a base in UAE. Also, Freelancing is beneficial for entrepreneurs who are entering the business and test the waters before they start operating a full-fledged company.
What are the Benefits of having a Freelance Permit in UAE?
Additionally, the Freelance Permit in UAE It is valid for a 1 year period and is subject to renewal yearly. The Freelance Permit will help individuals to work on their own and deliver their services. Also, the Freelance Visa in UAE will help entrepreneurs to continue their stay in the country for 1 year or 2 years depending on the tenure.
Furthermore, The Freelancer Permit in UAE enables entrepreneurs in the country to have legal support for their job identity and gain credibility among clients.
Accordingly, Dubai’s work scenario is changing with the younger generation taking on the work floors, and the work culture from regular 9-5 office work is shifting to a more flexible work life. Generally, the Freelance Permit is for promoting freelancers to expand their network, gain more acceptance and establish their own companies in Dubai for the future.
Also, Individuals who already have a UAE residence visa can apply for Freelance Permit from the Free Trade Zones in UAE.
How to Apply for a Freelance Permit in Dubai?
To obtain the Freelance Permit, the individual must apply to the relevant Freezone where they intend to take a freelance license and freelance visa. Then, submit an application for interim approval along with the brief business plan, passport copy, and photograph.
In case of approval, you will receive a customer confirmation letter from the respective Freezone Authority. Sign the confirmation letter and resubmit it for final approval. Make all the payments such as the freelance permit fee, employee visa sponsorship fees, and first instalment for rent or office space (optional) and other charges (if any).
Finally, sign the Free Zone Sponsorship Agreement and collect the Freelance Permit along with the freelance visa. The entrepreneur can avail the Flexi-desk & business facilities within the Free Zone and start their Freelance business in the UAE legally.
Freelance Permit Cost in UAE
The Freelance Permit along with the Freelance visa cost from a Free Zone in UAE is around AED 15,435. It is expected to see a drop in fee rates as the Free Zones become more competitive. In Dubai, the Dubai South Free Zone offers a Freelance permit for AED 7,000 for a selected list of business activities (without a freelance visa in UAE).
Similarly, Dubai Economy has a Sole proprietorship Professional License (Freelance Permit in UAE) for AED 7,000. the Freelance Permit is from the Dubai Media City, Dubai Production City, Dubai Knowledge Park, etc., based on the specific business activity.
Cost of Freelance Visa in UAE Free Zone & Mainland
The Freelance Visa cost in UAE depends on the specific Free Zone where the Freelance Permit is taken. For example, the Freelance Visa Cost of Dubai Economy’s Freelance Permit is around AED 2,750 for a one-year visa. Similarly, the Dubai Airport Free Zone has a Talent Pass – A Freelance Permit with a two-year Freelance Visa.
Individuals from the field of media, education, art, technology, marketing, etc., can avail of the Freelance Permit to work on their own. The cost of the Talent Pass is AED 9,500 and is renewable yearly.
The Freelance Visa Cost is separate and the Dubai Airport Free Zone authority will issue it upon making the payment and submitting the required documents. The cost of a Freelance visa from Dubai Airport Free Zone for a 2-year period could cost approx. AED 7000.
Other Free Zones in UAE that offer Freelance permits are RAKEZ, Umm Al Quwain, Sharjah Media City, Ajman Free Zone, Ajman Media City, etc. There are a lot of business activities that the individual can choose. Also, the cost of the Freelance Permit from Free Zones in Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, etc., is cheaper than the offering in Dubai.
5 Year Green Visas in UAE
The 5-Year Green Visa in UAE allows residents to sponsor their parents and children (up to 25 years). It targets highly skilled people, investors, entrepreneurs, top students, and graduates. Freelance Permit holders with annual income from their self-employment of at least AED 360,000 in the past two years can qualify for the Green Visa.
The Green Visa will be open for most categories from investors, and entrepreneurs to SMEs. talented people, scientists, students, etc. The new Visa categories aim at boosting economic opportunities, attracting global talent to UAE, and also making UAE a permanent home for ex-pats and their families.
So, the Freelancing culture is still at a very early stage and the marketplace for Freelancers is very niche and is expected to grow in the coming years. There are a couple of online aggregators in UAE such as freelancer.com that act as an interface between freelancers and clients.
Also, many small and medium companies are considering freelancing as a prospective option to reduce hiring costs and avoid visa, medical insurance, and PRO experiences.
For any assistance regarding the Issuance of the freelance visa in UAE, reach out to us today itself!
