Freelance Visa In Sharjah

The United Arab Emirates has a reputation of being one of the best countries in terms of how they treat their expatriates. The UAE immigration laws are quite flexible, and they allow a great number of expats to stay in the country long term.

A new visa called the “Freelance Visa” has been launched in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. It allows holders to live and work in the UAE on a 2 year renewable visa. This post explains how this new visa can help you if you’re a digital nomad who lives and works online.

With a large foreign population, Sharjah is a multicultural city. Strict immigration laws make it more difficult for expatriates to move to and find jobs in Sharjah. However, with the Dubai Visa Camp’s Freelance Visa, it is possible for freelancers to settle in the emirate.

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Meaning Of Freelance Visa In UAE

What is the freelance permit and visa

With a view to creating more job opportunities in the country, the UAE announced in November 2020 that not only UAE nationals, but UAE citizens, residents and non-residents too can apply for freelance licenses in the UAE.

Freelancers can now legally stay and work in the Emirates, and even bring their families and or dependents with them.

For residents: freelancer permit

If you’re resident in Dubai on your spouse’s or parent’s visa, then you’ll only need a freelancer permit to start working. Full-time working professionals in the UAE can also become freelancers by obtaining a permit.

However, you’ll a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your sponsor and/or employer.

For non-residents: freelancer visa

If you’re not otherwise resident in the UAE, you’ll have to apply for a freelancer visa, which is a residency permit that allows the individual to live and work in the emirate as a freelancer.

You’ll also have to apply for a residence visa.

Freelance Visa In Dubai

The Freelance Visa allows three months for anyone who wishes to engage a business or profession in the UAE. It does not require any sponsor. Any expatriate intending to work in the UAE on this visa must acquire a No Objection Certificate permitting him/her to work in a particular occupation. You’ve heard that there is a freelancers visa in Sharjah, and maybe even wished you could move there. But before you pack your bags and book your flight, you need to know that the visa process isn’t what it seems.

If you are a foreign national looking to work in the United Arab Emirates, you have 2 options — spend a fortune setting up your company, or apply for a freelance visa. This article looks to breakdown the process and requirements of the freelance visa and hopefully help you decide if it’s right for you.

Freelance Visa Dubai Installment

Be Your Own Boss: A Complete Guide to a Freelance Career in the UAE

If there is a silver lining to the year 2020, it is that of employers understanding that most work can be done to quality and in time without showing up at the workplace for eight hours or more, five days a week.

It gave employees a taste of a work-life without daily commute and the flexibility of planning your day that working at home affords. 

Although the ’new normal’ had been a way of life for some countries pre-pandemic – in the USA, 57 million Americans freelanced in 2019 (Forbes) – removing the physical need for employees to be in the workplace has raised a number of questions about how the workforce will look like in the future, leading to a potential rise in the use of freelancers.

Keeping up with the global trend, a recent survey by the UAE job portal Bayt.com and You Gov titled ‘Entrepreneurship in the Middle East and North Africa 2021’, showed that 62% of UAE residents would prefer to be self-employed given a chance.

While in the past, freelancing across the Emirates was not a viable career choice due to high costs, strict business licensing, and visa regulations, we are now witnessing a mini revolution in the way business and individuals in the UAE are looking at freelancing as an alternative to traditional employment.

Thanks to policy changes initiated by the UAE government – making freelancing legal and issuing visas that allow people to work as freelancers on the side – the country’s work environment is changing.

The scope and opportunities are also growing, leading to a rise in the number of self-employed people across the Middle East and beyond, with the UAE as the base. As businesses recognise the benefits of a more accessible, flexible, qualified source of talent, freelancers are becoming an attractive option for both short and long-term contracts, providing companies with a chance to avoid the time and cost involved in hiring permanent staff.

UAE today is a great place to kickstart your freelancing career.

Is Freelance Visa Legal In UAE

Becoming a legal freelancer in the UAE

In November 2020, the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) announced that UAE residents, as well as non-residents could apply for freelance licences.

According to the new law, freelancers can now legally live and work in the UAE. Applicants are not required to take office space and can apply for residency visas for themselves and their families.

To work as a freelancer in the UAE, you need a residence visa and work permit, with the requirements for residents and non-residents listed below:

For UAE residents

If you are a UAE resident on your spouse’s or parent’s visa, you only need a freelancer permit to start working. Full-time working professionals in the UAE can also become freelancers by obtaining a permit.

To apply for a freelance permit, you must have proof of your relevant skill set as well as permission from any employer in the instance that you are looking at freelancing as a side-hustle.

For UAE non-residents

If you are not a UAE resident, you will have to apply for a freelancer visa – a residency permit that will allow you to live and work in the UAE as a freelancer.

Your options

There are many options to choose from for both UAE residents and non-residents considering a freelance career to live and work in the UAE legally. Many free zone options offer a freelancer permit that can enable you to get your residency visa and sponsor your family.

The choice will depend on the activity/ industry/ sector, and all processes can be completed online. Costs can vary significantly, so it is important that you research well before choosing a free zone that suits your individual needs.

How do I get a freelancer permit?

The free zones that currently offer a freelance permit include:

• Dubai Media City
• Dubai Studio City
• Dubai Production City
• Dubai Knowledge Park
• Dubai Design District
• Abu Dhabi’s twofour54
• Fujairah Creative City
• Ras Al Khaimah Economic Free Zone
• Ajman Free zone
• Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone

Costs range between AED 7,500 and AED 20,000 (depending on the free zone regulations and your business requirements) and the permit must be renewed annually. The cost will also vary based on whether you need a 1-year or 3-year residence visa or only a permit to work legally as a freelancer in the UAE. If you are already a UAE resident, sponsored by a parent or a spouse, you do not need to cancel your current residence visa and get a new one.

To get started, here are your free zone options:

Abu Dhabi: You can get a freelancer permit from twofour54 by logging onto their website here. The Media Zone Authority has waived all license fees for the first two years in the media zone, which means that you only need to pay for the visa registration process and health insurance.

In addition, the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development has also launched a freelancer visa option. More details here.

Dubai: Dubai Development Authority and the TECOM Group have launched the GoFreelance initiative, where currently registration is open under four sectors for freelance visas: Media (Dubai Media City), Technology (Dubai Internet City), Design (Dubai Design District) and Education (Dubai Knowledge Park).

The fee for the package is AED7,500 and if a residency visa is required, they will help you through the process and offer a business centre facility to work from if you wish.

Ras Al Khaimah: Ras Al Khaimah Economic Free Zone permit starts from AED 6,100 and includes access to business centres and a range of support services and a residency visa. For a full list of activities and to register, please check their website. 

Fujairah: Fujairah Creative City has many options on offer with a starting price of AED 5,750. Offering flexi desk, online support, internet access, PO box and PRO services.  Please check their website here for more details. 

Ajman: Ajman Free Zone (AFZA) freelance package start at AED 6,000 plus visa, Emirates ID, and basic health insurance cost. You can apply under several activities, and it includes a visa valid for three years along with Hub facilities. Click here for more information.

Umm Al Quwain: UAQ Free Trade Zone is designed for individuals in the technology, media and film sectors. By obtaining a freelance license and visa from the UAQ FTZ, you become a registered freelancer in the UAE eligible to carry out their chosen profession with full legal support. For more information and to apply for a UAQ freelance permit, check their website here.

If you would like to outsource your freelance permit and visa set-up, several private companies specialise in business licences and establishments that can do the legwork for you at an additional extra cost. This is a good choice if you are exploring your options, as they can guide you through the process.

How Can I Get Freelance Visa In UAE

Getting the freelance permit

You’ll have to get your freelancer permit issued from a free zone in Dubai, which will help you get your residency visa as well.

The TECOM Group, in conjunction with the Dubai Development Authority, has launched the GoFreelance initiative, where eligible individuals can share their talent with the world get exclusive opportunities to get new jobs, bid on projects and grow their network.

Applicants will need the following documents:

• Resume/CV
• Recent photograph
• Passport and visa copy (valid for at least 8 months)
• Bank reference letter
• NOC from your UAE sponsor
• Proof of academic qualifications certified either by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or the UAE Consulate in your country of origin (for those applying in the education sector)
• Portfolio or sample of your work (for those applying in the media sector)

Fill up their application form and attach your passport and visa (if you have one) copies here, and wait for 5-7 days to get their approval by email. You then have to visit the business centre in Dubai Knowledge Park, Dubai Media City or Dubai Internet City to show your original passport, sign the documents, and complete the payment for your freelance permit.

Usually, the processing time is 10-15 business days. Once your permit is approved, you’ll receive it via email.

Getting the establishment card

After you receive your permit, you’ll get access to TECOM’s business service platform called AXS from where you can avail a number of government or corporate services. Here, you’ll need to apply for the Establishment Card, which comes at an additional cost.

To apply for the card, you’ll require your freelancer permit and a UAE mobile number.

Marketing & Communications professions eligible for a UAE freelancer visa:

• Animator
• Brand Consultant
• Content Provider
• Copywriter
• Creative Director
• Editor: Audio, Video
• Editor: Publishing
• Events Planner
• Graphic Designer
• Illustrator
• Journalist
• Market Analyst
• Marketing Specialist
• Media Planner
• New Media Specialist
• PR Specialist
• Print Media Specialist
• Social Media Specialist
• Social Media Influencer
• Web Developer
• Web Designer
• Writer
• Web, Mobile, Software Development and Architecture Freelancer
• Data Science and Analytics Freelancer.

Benefits Of Freelance Visa In UAE

There are numerous benefits to having a freelance visa in Dubai. Not only can you be your own boss of your business, but you can also:

• You can get a UAE residence permit
• You do not need a local sponsor
• You can sponsor your spouse or family members
• The visa application is simple
• You can diverge into a new field of work
• You do not need to worry about bookkeeping
• You can earn more
• You can take longer holidays
• You do not need office space
• Work at your own pace
• You can travel and live anywhere

With all the benefits and the ease of visa application, Dubai Freelance Visa is one of the best options for entrepreneurs and freelancers.

According to the Undersecretary of ADDED, His Excellency Rashid Abdul Kareem Al Balooshi, the new freelancer permit will greatly enhance the capital’s business sector. This includes a significant reduction of unemployment and:

• Allowing Abu Dhabi businesses to take advantage of a wider pool of expertise in the work market.
• Reducing the need for companies to hire people full time for positions in which services are required periodically.
• Providing employment opportunities for people such as students, housewives and retirees.
• Allowing working professionals with technical expertise the chance to increase their income by practicing freelance activities after their regular work hours.

That concludes our review of the freelancer licence in Abu Dhabi. If you are working freelance in Abu Dhabi and are looking for a workspace, you may also consider setting up your business in the co-working spaces in Abu Dhabi.

Want to work as a freelance professional in the education, media and tech industry in Dubai? You’ll want to check out the freelance visa and permit in Dubai.

Freelance Visa Dubai Cost 2022

The freelance visa Dubai costs vary depending on the urgency, the permit’s validity, and if you are applying from Dubai or outside.

Additionally, Indian citizens must pay separate fees for the freelance license or permit, establishment card, and freelancer visa. The Dubai freelance visa costs are as follows:

• The freelance permit in Dubai is valid for a year and must be renewed annually; it costs AED 7,000
• The establishment card in Dubai is valid for a year and must be renewed annually; it costs AED 2,000
• The freelance residence visa in Dubai costs AED 4,960 (normal) or AED 6,340 (express) and is valid for 3 years if applied from within the UAE.
• The freelance residence visa in Dubai costs AED 3,330 (normal) or AED 3,990 (express) and is valid for 3 years if applied outside the UAE.
• The freelance employment visa for a one-year visa in Dubai costs AED 2,750, and the three-year-visa employment visa costs AED 5,000 through GoFreelance.
• The total for a freelance visa Dubai cost can be between AED 10,000 and AED 25,000.
• The Talent Pass license fee is AED 9,500, which must be renewed annually.

Additionally, the Dubai freelance visa costs may vary depending on the location of the free zone. Hence if you apply at:

• Ras Al Khaimah Free Zone, the costs can start from AED 15,000
• Fujairah Free Zone, the costs can start from AED 14,000
• Umm Al Quwain Free Zone, the costs can start from AED 13,000
• Ajman Free Zone, the costs can start from AED 11,000
• D-Tech FTZ in Dubai, the costs can start from AED 7500
• Twofour54 in Abu Dhabi, the costs can start from AED 2500
• Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) FTZ, the costs can start from AED 20,000

You might also have to pay additional fees throughout the entire visa process, such as paying for your medical insurance. However, the cost for the freelance visa includes the medical test, visa stamping, and Emirates ID.