What is Freelance Visa?

A freelance Visa is a type of resident Visa where the individual can get approval and become a resident, The individual can live and work in UAE. This Visa holder does not require any sponsor, he can not only sponsor himself but can also sponsor his/her family.

Why Freelance Visa couple be a better option than Job seeking visa?

A freelance Visa can definitely be a great option for individuals seeking to come to Dubai and explore the opportunities, Dubai is highly regarded as the land of opportunities. Therefore individuals irrespective of whatever profession they are in can take approval for the visa and fly to Dubai to explore the opportunities available in this part of the world.

Establishing your freelance business

As a freelancer, you will be an independent contractor or a lone practitioner running your own firm.

To do so, you'll need a freelance permit rather than a trade license, which you can get once you've established yourself and your business. To obtain the permit, you must apply to a free zone, which must be chosen based on the activity/sector you will be working in.

The following free zones provide freelancing permits:

Media City in Dubai

Studio City in Dubai

Dubai Knowledge Park Dubai Production City

Twofour54 Fujairah Creative City Ras Al Khaimah Economic Free Zone Dubai Design District

Free Zone of Ajman

Free Trade Zone of Umm Al Quwain

The cost starts at 7,500 AED and varies depending on which free zone you choose and whether you want a 1-year or 3-year permit.

You do not need to cancel your current residency visa if you are already a UAE resident on a visa sponsored by a parent or spouse.

Documentation for obtaining a freelancing permit

Among the documents necessary are:

Curriculum Vitae

The photograph was taken recently

Copy of passport and visa (valid for at least 8 months)

Bank recommendation letter

Timetable for obtaining a freelancing permit

Once submitted, the application might take 10 to 20 days to be granted. You will need to personally sign documentation after receiving confirmation, and the permit will be emailed to you.

Visa Application Process

After submitting your freelancing permit application, you will obtain entrance permission within 5 - 7 working days which is valid for 60 days from the date of issue.

Prior to getting your residency, you must first pass some residency criteria, such as a medical exam.

With a freelancing visa, can I sponsor dependents?

Yes, if you meet the salary requirements, you can sponsor family members.

The cost of living in the UAE, particularly in Dubai, is quite high, so you must be confident that your freelance business can support you.

Hensley&Cook is a leading provider of Corporate Services in the UAE, with offices in Singapore, Seychelles, and the Philippines.