How Much Is Freelance Visa In Abu Dhabi

The demand for freelance visa in Abu Dhabi has increased because more and more individuals are opting for the freelance visa to reside in the UAE. The freelance visa is a good option that provides an individual visa holder with a different kind of living arrangement. An individual having this kind of visa can make the most of their skills and experience abroad, even if they are working alone.

If you plan to settle in UAE and intend to do freelancing jobs, especially for non-UAE companies, then you should consider getting the Freelance visa. This is the best form of work visa in the country, as it does not require any sponsor and visas can be extended time to time. This permit is applicable for a particular job and the expiry date will be mentioned on the visa.

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How Much Is Freelance Visa In Abu Dhabi

Residents moving to Dubai will find that there is great flexibility when it comes to working in the emirate, whether it’s establishing their own business or working as a freelancer. With the rising popularity of the ‘gig economy’, there have been initiatives introduced to make it easier and cheaper for freelancers to operate in Dubai. One such initiative is the GoFreelance package, by the TECOM Group in partnership with the Dubai Creative Clusters Authority, which allows freelancers in the media, technology and education sector to easily apply for a permit and visa! Today, Touriangle discusses how you can apply for a freelance visa in Dubai if you’re planning to work in the media or education sector. 

What is the Freelancer License in Abu Dhabi?

The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) introduced the freelance license to woo brilliant minds into the country.

Whether you are a UAE citizen, resident, or non-resident looking to take your freelance career to the next level, there is every reason to be excited about the UAE freelance license/permit. However, before you become ecstatic, you must understand the freelance license.

This outstanding initiative was designed specifically for certain business activities deemed beneficial to the UAE economy.

The Abu Dhabi Department of economic development is providing freelance licenses to 48 business activities, many of which are technical or service related. And as a freelancer, you can offer these services remotely.

Freelance Visa Dubai Installment

What is the Freelance permit?

You shouldn’t mistake freelance visas for a permit. While the former is required for non-residence of Abu Dhabi or UAE who wish to ply their trade in the country, the latter is ideal for residents covered by their spouse’s or parents’ visa. 

Such people only need a license to work as a freelancer. Plus, holders can easily apply for a residence visa and don’t have to list office space, as it’s not a compulsory requirement. 

How does Freelance Visa Contribute to Economic Development in Abu Dhabi?

Holders, the private sector, and the entire UAE economy enjoy the Abu Dhabi freelancer license benefits.

While holders benefit from the affluent community, infrastructures, and flexibility of working in the UAE, the Abu Dhabi economy and even UAE citizens benefit from the abundance of talents flocking into the country.

Advantages of the Freelance License In Abu Dhabi 

The freelancer license in Abu Dhabi has attracted UAE non-residents and residents thanks to its enticing benefits. 

Freelancers or self-employed who qualify and are given the visa will be allowed to participate in corporate activities from an authorized location or where they live.

In addition, with the Abu Dhabi freelancer license, professionals don’t have to go through much stress to apply for a work permit. You can apply for a work permit even without a sponsor.

Abu Dhabi Freelance Visa Categories

Business Activities Covered by Freelance Visas in Abu Dhabi 

Before you become excited about a freelance license in the UAE, you must note that not all freelance activities are covered under this initiative.

 Here are some of these activities that are covered under the new freelancer license:

Media

1. Information technology consultancy
2. Translator
3. Web designers
4. Producer

Tech

1. Project development 
2. Design and programming of electronic chips
3. Software development

Others

1. Jewelry design, costume jewelry
2. Gardening services
3. Agricultural extension services
4. Food safety consultant
5. Reviewing accounting and auditing systems
6. Islamic financial institutions
7. Fashion design
8. Interior designers

Do you offer software development services or boast of other technical expertise? Then, you can apply for an Abu Dhabi freelancer license.

This also applies to others who offer the pro services above. However, if you are a UAE resident and are covered by your parents’ visa, you’ll need a freelance permit to start working. 

Freelance Visa Dubai Cost 2022

Abu Dhabi freelance license/permit costs AED 800 (Up to 6 activities – Additional Activities: AED 100 each). Abu Dhabi FreeLancer visa costs AED 7500. The total cost can range from AED 12000 to AED 15000 (including the health insurance fees), and your visa will be valid for two years (for non-GCC nationals).

Worthy of note is that the stated costs cover your medical test, visa stamping, and emirates ID.

Validity of the Abu Dhabi Freelance License

The Abu Dhabi freelance license has an expiry period of two years. Afterward, you are required to renew it annually after its initial expiration.

Holders of the freelancer visa can also sponsor their family members in the United Arab Emirates. But, the sponsorship will be under the family visa, not the company’s name. Like the typical Abu Dhabi freelancer license, a family visa expires after two years. 

Getting a freelancer permit

Many free zones offer freelancer permits in UAE. You’ll need to apply to the free zone of your choice to get your permit.

UAE Free Zones that offer Freelancer Permits*

• Abu Dhabi’s twofour54
• Ajman free zone
• Dubai media city
• Dubai Internet City
• Dubai Knowledge Park
• Fujairah creative city
• Dubai design district
• Umm Al Quwain (comes with two residence visas and family sponsorship)

*Regardless of the zone you choose to apply to, you can work across UAE in your specialty.

If you are eager for office space, Flexi desk, or PRO services, you may want to consider applying in Fujairah free zone. This zone also offers three activities, including four visas (one is free).

Also, for those looking to avoid license fees, you may want to consider getting your freelancer permit from twofour54.

The Media Zone Authority has waived all license fees for the first two years in the media zone. So, all you have you pay for are the visa registration process and health insurance.

How to Apply for Freelance License and Permit in Abu Dhabi

Don’t fret! Applying for a freelancer license or permit in Abu Dhabi is a piece of cake. All it takes are a few simple steps.

We have highlighted them below:

1- Go online and apply for the permit 

Application for a freelance permit in the UAE can be made via the Abu Dhabi Business Centre (ADBC). On the site, choose “FreeLancer License” and complete the application.

You’d be required to submit some supporting documents:

• Application Form
• Passport (copy)
• Passport Photo
• Up-to-date CV
• Visa copy (if you are applying from within the UAE)
• Attested Certificate / Academic Qualification / Record by issuing entity (copy)
• Experience Certificates
• NOC letter from your UAE sponsor or employer if you are on a permanent contract and work in the private sector.
• Letter of intent from a business partner of the zone stating their interest in working with you as a freelancer or a detailed business plan outlining your experience/plans/strategy for working within the zone.

You can apply to the private sector, business sector, government sector, public sector, or entertainment industry.

However, suppose you are applying to the education sector. In that case, you’d need to provide health insurance, a freelancer permit, a UAE phone number, an original passport and passport photos, an establishment card, a university degree, or other proof of academic qualifications.

Your degree must be approved by your country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the UAE Consulate.

Also, if you are under your spouse’s or parent’s visa, you’ll need to get a No-Objection Certificate (NOC letter) from your sponsors before applying for the permit.

2- Monitor the application

After the online application process, an email will be sent to you after approval (it can take 10-15 days). Afterward, you’ll have to visit the Abu Dhabi Business Centre or twofour54.

There, you’ll sign the necessary documents and pay the fees. After this, your permit will be sent to you through email.

3- Apply for your Freelancer Visa

After receiving your permit, you’ll be given access to TECOM’s business service platform (AXS). With this platform, you can benefit from several government services and apply for the establishment card, which costs AED 2,000 (to be renewed annually).

After receiving the establishment card, you can apply for a residence visa. The standard residence visa is for three years.

4- Finish the residency visa process

After submitting your application for the Abu Dhabi FreeLancer Visa, you’ll be given an entry permit. Once you get this permit (valid for 60 days from the issue date), you’ll have to undergo visa processes, like your medical test. Afterward, your residency visa will be approved and issued to you.

Freelance Visa Ajman

Ajman Free Zone offers freelance visas for Dh6,000 in 40 categories and flexible co-working spaces. Members are eligible for two residence visas and family sponsorship.

Below is how and where freelancers can get visas in the UAE:

• Talent Pass

The Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority (Dafza), Dubai Culture and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) have launched ‘Talent Pass’ – a three-year visa for freelance work in addition to renting office space by Dafza for professionals in the field of media, education, art, technology, marketing and consultancy.

This includes commerce licences for import, export and re-export; a general commerce licence; industrial licence for light manufacturing activities and packaging and assembly; e-commerce licence for online trading of goods and services; a licence issued in partnership with the Department of Economic Development, which allows companies registered at the Dubai Airport Free Zone to apply for the Department’s license without the need for an office space for working outside the free zone; and a services licence.

• Banking/finance professionals

Professionals in the field of accounting and auditing, analysing and reviewing accounting and auditing systems, Shariah review consultancy for the transactions of Islamic financial institutions and consultations in the fields of tax can apply for the freelance with the Abu Dhabi’s Department of Economic Development.

• Media

Professionals working in various fields related to media can also obtain a freelance visa in Dubai through Dubai Media City. There are around 45 categories that professionals can apply for. It includes actor, aerial shoot photographer, animator, artist, audio/sound engineer, brand consultant, cameraman, choreographer, commentator, composer, content provider, copywriter, director, editor, events planner, graphic and furniture designers, journalists, market analyst, presenters, print media specialists, web designers, web developers and other professionals.

In Abu Dhabi, twofour54 offers freelance visas within the media, production and entertainment industries with a validity of two years.

Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone also offers freelance permits to media professionals, starting from Dh6,100.

• Educationists

Under this category, education advisors, e-learning advisors, executive coaches, researchers and trainers can apply for the freelance visa with Dubai Knowledge Park.

Professionals can apply through gofreelance.ae for a one-year visa for Dh2,750 and a three-year visa for Dh5,000. The other documents required are a freelance licence, Establishment Card for Dh2,000, UAE phone number, valid medical insurance, original passport and passport photo.

• IT professionals

Freelancers working in the field of web, mobile, software development and architecture, IT and telecommunication networking, data science and analytics and customer service can apply for the freelance visa.

Professionals can apply through gofreelance.ae for a one-year visa for Dh2,750 and a three-year visa for Dh5,000. The other documents required are a freelance licence, Establishment Card for Dh2,000, UAE phone number, valid medical insurance, original passport and passport photo.

• Designers

Apparel designers, concept designers, fashion stylists, image consultants, fashion artists, hairstylists, interior designers, object designers, personal shoppers, textile designers, visual merchandisers and wedding planners can obtain freelance from Dubai Design District by furnishing all required documents.