For people who work from anywhere, Dubai is an awesome place! Reasons why include warm weather, no taxes and many companies going on well there. Read on for information regarding obtaining a visa for being a freelancer in Dubai this year.
The Dubai Freelance Visa has many benefits.
You will pay 0% corporate or personal income tax so that you can retain more money. You can work from anywhere in the universe whenever you get the Dubai Visa, that is once you are there. Your Dubai O Visa is valid for one year and can be renewed after three years depending on preference. Dubai has got several free zones, some with peculiar benefits than others — family reunification visa allows you to bring along your wife or spouse as well as kids.
Who is Eligible for the Dubai Freelance Visa?
Some of the independent contractors targeted by the UAE in terms of freelance visas are as shown below
IT Professionals, Designers, Educators, Media professionals, Sportsmen as well as Artists and, Banking Professionals. Another new license since 2023 allows people with no particular expertise whatsoever to engage in freelancing within the UAE.”
Kinds of Freelancing Visas in Dubai
Dubai provides different forms of freelance visa alternatives upon your choice of free zone: • Talent Pass: Professionals within media, education, arts, technology, marketing as well as consulting can apply from Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority. • Media Freelancing Visa: Issued by Dubai Media City. • Educational Freelancing Visa: It is issued at the Dubai Knowledge Park. • Having a Background in Design: Apply from Dubai Design District Some other free zones which provide freelancers with permits are Dubai Internet City, Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone and Abu Dhabi twofour 54.
Here are the steps on how to apply for a Dubai Freelance Visa:
1. Gather Documents: Resume, passport copy (which is valid for at least 8 months), a recent photo, and qualifications proof (if necessary).
2. Apply for the Freelance Visa: This process requires going to Dubai Development Authority who will process your application upon submission.
3. Apply for the Establishment Card: This will cost you about AED 2,000 so that your freelance business can operate efficiently.
Note: The cost of a freelance visa is different from the establishment card fee.
In the year 2024, the Dubai Freelance Visa will cost you on average AED 20,000 in the course of its issuance and renewal. You will also pay a further price in the form of AED 10 “Knowledge Dirham” innovation fee among others for this visa. Furthermore, you have to part with an annual AED 2,000 on the residence card.
Dubai Green Visa versus Freelance Visa
The Dubai Green Visa is a form of residency permit that was first introduced in October 2022 which is designed to accommodate highly skilled talents, investors, and top graduates. The major difference between it and a freelance visa is that it offers an opportunity to sponsor oneself as well as stay longer time period (usually 5 years). Dubai Green Visa for freelancers has a fixed price of 2,280 AED.
Dubai Virtual Working Program (2024)
It is a program that offers remote workers a virtual work visa and they are required to earn a minimum of $3500 per month in case of employees and $5000 for those who are business owners.
We have immigration lawyers who can help with the following.
Understanding the requirements of the Dubai Independent Visa. By choosing the right Freezone based on your business. Upon successful completion of the application process. Guidance on incorporation of a company in Dubai (if applicable).
Contact us now and start your freelance business in Dubai!
