some to study in top universities and obtain international experience, some to realize their pioneering dreams, and some to just lead a high-quality life before they leave their jobs and stop working in a city that appears new every day.
A large number of people from around the world move to Dubai, the city where dreams convert into reality in the twinkling of an eye. Thanks to the agreeable visa system of the country and of course, the business-friendly strategies! If you want to know what is the best, most affordable and easiest way to obtain a residency in Dubai without the requirement of a sponsor, the answer will be– a freelancer visa in Dubai.
What is a freelance visa in Dubai?
Having a look at the growing importance of the ‘gig economy’ across the world, the UAE couldn’t help but initiated freelance visas in 2019. As the name shows, the freelancer visa in Dubai is one of the most favorite visas in Dubai, which enables the holder to self-sponsor and work in the regions allowable. Simply and clearly as possible, it’s an opportunity to achieve freedom! Freedom to reside in your ideal country, freedom to use your talent and skills your way to earning money, freedom to work when you can, freedom to work from the convenience of your home, freedom to embark on a journey wherever, whenever you desire! Since there are many distinguished talents who select the UAE as their destination to live and work, there is a high competition between them to be permissible to work in this developed and modern country. Mr. Arash Zad is an experienced and trustworthy lawyer who is familiar with the details of freelance visas and can provide you with accurate consultancy and assistance to get this visa and be one of the lucky people who can get the chance to live and work in the UAE.
What is the difference between a freelance permit and a freelance visa?
Although both the freelancer visa in Dubai and the freelance permit follow an identical objective, a freelance permit in Dubai is for those people who are already living in Dubai on their spouse’s or parent’s visa. And since they are already sponsored, they don’t need a freelance visa like unsponsored people to work as a freelancer in Dubai or any other emirate of the UAE. The freelance permit or certificate is given under the TECOM Group, which allows the holder to work as an independent contractor and is extendable each year. The freelancer permit is great for those who are residing in Dubai on dependent visas, like housewives and single parents.
On the other hand, individuals who aren’t sponsored by their parents or spouse and are inclined to work as a freelancer in Dubai must ask for a freelance visa in Dubai. The freelancer visa is an extendable residency permit that enables the holder to reside and work in Dubai for up to three years. A freelancer also requires a work permit to become a completely qualified freelancer. Such a work permit in the UAE can be granted by a few license-granting authorities – chiefly free zones. Almost every Emirate has a free zone that can issue a freelance permit and a visa.
Who is permissible to apply for a freelance visa in Dubai?
If you are sure that you are a specialist in the field of your interest and want to turn it into your occupation or source of income, then you are qualified to ask for a freelance visa in Dubai. Journalism, marketing, digital marketing, acting, writing, photography, teaching, yoga, dancing, singing, education consulting, customer service, web development, etc., there are a lot of activities you may work on as a freelancer. Go to GoFreelance to gain access to the complete list of freelance activities that you are allowed to do with this visa type.
How to apply for a Dubai freelance visa?
You can apply for a freelance visa in Dubai, either by outsourcing or by DIYing. If you select the first one, it will certainly take you to Adam Global Dubai, one of the trustworthy freelance visa service authorities in Dubai, where your case will be given to a professional freelance visa expert who will ensure you get your visa rapidly and easily. And if you choose the second one, then you need to ask for the visa all by yourself.
You yourself will be your PRO in this situation. Just 3 simple steps and you will become a freelancer with one of the main communities: Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City, Dubai Knowledge Park & Dubai Design District.
Step 1:
First and most importantly, you are obliged to apply for a freelance permit or authorization online, so you can get recorded as a freelancer in Dubai. You can carry out that online via the GoFreelance website. Select the option “Go Apply”, complete the freelancer visa in Dubai application form and submit the needed documents that involve:
Your resume/CV
Your new photograph as per the UAE-verified specifications
Passport and present visa copy (valid for at least 8 months)
Bank reference letter
NOC from your UAE sponsor/employer
Industry-particular documents verified either by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the UAE Consulate in your country of origin. For example, evidence of academic qualifications if the selected sector is Education or your portfolio or sample of your work if the chosen sector is Media
Step 2:
The next step after completing your freelance visa application online is to follow up on the same. The application progress will be announced to you through email. Your visa sanction can take up to 10-15 days.
Step 3:
Once officially agreed you have to go to the business center in the selected sector or free zone in Dubai to sign the documents in person and pay the costs. After the process is finished, you will get your freelance permit in Dubai through email.
Step 4:
After getting the freelance permit, you are required to gain access to AXS, TECOM’s business service platform, initiated in cooperation with the DDA, which allows you to benefit from a number of government or corporate services. Through this platform, you have to first ask for the establishment card and then for a freelance work visa under the Dubai Development Authority (DDA), which is valid for three years. Keep in mind, both these documents will have an extra cost.
Step 5:
Now that you have gained all three documents – freelance permit, establishment card and freelancer visa in Dubai – there is just one more step to realize your dream – finish the residency visa procedures in Dubai. After submitting a freelance visa application in Dubai, you will get an entry permit within 5 to 7 work days. Once you get the entry permit (valid for 60 days from the date of grant), you must follow and finish specific residency visa procedures in Dubai, such as your medical test and biometrics. When these procedures are finished, your residency visa which is valid for three years from the date of the grant will be stamped.
It is time to examine your community for chances! And keep in mind, the most challenging step of any travel is the very initial step. So be patient and stay enthusiastic and organized. It is very necessary to assign the visa application process to a very experienced and professional lawyer who has already applied for a visa for his previous clients successfully.