Freelancers are self-employed professionals who work on a project-by-project basis and are paid accordingly rather than working for a specific company with a monthly salary structure.
Freelancing platforms such as freelancer.com, upwork.com, and fiverr.com have already had millions of freelancers working in various sectors.
Dubai is an ideal place for business expansion, offering opportunities for ambitious and active foreigners to live and work in the country.
Freelance visa and Freelance Permit
If you explore how to freelance in the UAE, you might come across the terms freelance visa and permit. To work as a freelancer in UAE, one must have a work permit and a residence visa.
What is the difference between both?
A freelance visa in UAE is a residency permit allowing individuals to reside in the country. You must have a residency visa to apply for a freelance permit. If you are a non-resident, the first and most significant step in obtaining a freelancing working licence is to get a residence visa.
If you are a resident of the country, you are already under the sponsorship of a spouse, parents or an employer. Then, you can apply for a freelance permit with a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the sponsor to start freelancing legally
A freelance permit or license is authorization to work as an independent contractor in the UAE. The freelance licence distinguishes you as a sole specialist and allows you to operate under your name rather than a brand name.
You can get a freelance permit and visa under various jurisdictions from any of the Emirates in the UAE- Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain, and Ras-al-Khaimah.
Popular Jurisdictions for freelance license:
Dubai
Dubai Media City, Dubai Studio City, Dubai Production City, Dubai mainland (Dubai Economy and Tourism), Dubai Design District
Sharjah
Sharjah Media City Free Zone
Ajman
Ajman Free zone
Ras Al Khaimah
RAK free zone (RAKEZ)
Abu Dhabi
Twofour54 free zone
Fujairah
Creative City Fujairah Free Zone
If you are outside UAE, you can apply for a freelance visa and license with our expert team. All you need is the necessary documents.
The documents necessary for obtaining the licenses would be as follows:
After submitting the documents, you will receive the visa status change update. Then, you will have 30 days to visit the country with the passport to complete the medical examination, stamping and other procedures.
Professionals under specific sectors are eligible for getting a freelance license. What are the freelance activities you can carry out in the UAE?
The United Arab Emirates has always been a tax-free haven. Individuals working as freelancers in the UAE do not have to pay personal income tax. If you are a freelancer and your annual income exceeds Dhs. 375,000, you must register for VAT. Anyone earning less than these amounts is exempt from VAT registration.
One advantage of starting your freelance business now is that you will not have to pay personal taxes.
Digital marketing, social media specialist, graphic designing, blogging, influencer marketing, lifestyle coach, trainer, HR consultant, business executives, online tutoring, web and app development, designers, copywriting and stylists.
If you want to be your boss, the freelance route is the most secure and effective way to build your empire. The UAE constantly comes up with new opportunities for freelancers specialized in various sectors.
Are you ready to join the freelance community in the UAE?
Contact Freedom2Work! Our freelance advisors can support you in obtaining your freelance license and visa in the UAE.