Dubai Freelance Visa: Do you need a degree, costs and application process

Dubai: Thinking of moving to Dubai to pursue freelancing? If you are planning to apply for a freelance permit from abroad, there are a few essential details to consider. Recently, a Gulf News reader from India reached out with questions about how to kick-start their freelancing journey in Dubai.

“I am writing to inquire about obtaining a freelance visa and permit in Dubai. I am a graphic designer and photographer with two years of work experience in Dubai. I am currently in India and would like to explore the possibility of freelancing in the UAE,” he said.

According to Liam Doherty, enterprise director at Connect Resources, a UAE-based Human Resources (HR) management agency, almost everyone can apply for a freelance licence in the UAE, provided they have the necessary skills and qualifications for their specific profession.

“A degree certificate is not mandatory for obtaining a freelance visa. You can apply for either a skilled or unskilled visa. However, to secure the correct designation and choose from the wide range of available options, you will need an attested degree certificate,” he explained.

He further clarified that, depending on the nature of your activity, you may need to provide appropriate credentials or certifications. In some cases, a portfolio, along with credentials and certificates, may be required to support your application.

“Graphic Design is a skilled level 1 designation so a freelancer would need to have a degree copy to have this designation on the visa. However, photography is a skilled level 3 so a high school certificate or diploma level would be sufficient to have it on the visa. In both cases, you can have an unskilled visa with a lower level designation and still operate on it as a freelancer,” he added.

“With a freelance visa, you have the flexibility to work in multiple areas, such as photography and graphic design, provided you are trained and qualified to do so,” Doherty stated.

He explained that the freelance visa is different to the freelance permit “The freelance permit has given a Sole Establishment Licence from the free zone and is a government licence to carry out freelance work and allows you to have more than one or two activities on it,” he said.

A freelance visa, on the other hand, is what business set up companies issue to freelancers. “It's similar but there is no licence involved, you are simply sponsored as a freelancer by a company to do freelance activities,” he added.

According to experts who spoke to Gulf News, indicated that the cost of a freelance visa varies depending on the free zone or business setup consultancy you choose. A one-year freelance visa typically costs around Dh7,000 and must be renewed annually. A two-year freelance visa ranges from Dh14,000 to Dh20,000 and is also renewable.

“The visa application process can be initiated while the applicant is outside the UAE. However, the final steps, including the medical test and biometric requirements, must be completed within the UAE,” explained Sayli Salvi, content and social media manager at Decisive Zone, UAE-based business setup and company formation consultancy.

She added that applicants need to enter the UAE on a visit visa to finalize their residence visa formalities, including a ‘status change.’ This change must be completed before the expiry of the visit visa or grace period to avoid fines.

“Freelance visas in the UAE are issued by various free zones, and the access and benefits depend on the specific free zone selected,” Salvi noted.

Dubai offers numerous free zones for freelance licences and visas, including Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, Dubai Studio City, Dubai Design District, and Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), among others. Many of these free zones provide ‘flexi desk’ options, shared office facilities, co-working spaces, and even virtual office setups.

“Yes, a freelance visa can help you open a personal bank account in the UAE, as residency is a key requirement for banking access,” Salvi explained. She explained that for those looking to open a corporate bank account, additional requirements, such as a trade licence, proof of income, and a company address, may be necessary.

This article was published on December 24, 2024 and has been updated since.