How to get a freelance visa for the UAE in 2025?
The United Arab Emirates has implemented self-employment visas for a variety of categories in an effort to attract bright minds to the nation. In which a freelance visa is of enormous importance.
Some of the numerous free zones in the UAE that offer a diverse selection of freelance visas for foreigners and residents to work in the country include Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City, Dubai Knowledge Park, Dubai Design District, and Ajman Free Zone. The visa allows individuals to work in their respective fields throughout the UAE, regardless of the free zone in which they apply.
The Dubai Development Authority reports that the cost of a freelancer’s permission is Dh7,500, not including the price of a visa.
As with other freelancing zones, Fujairah’s Creative City Media Free Zone allows up to three activities and four visas, one of which is free. The company also provides PRO and Flexi-desk services. Media, events, consulting, teaching, marketing, design, technology, communication, and the entertainment industries are welcome.
There are 40 categories of freelance visas available for Dh6,000 at the Ajman Free Zone, in addition to flexible co-working spaces. Family sponsorship and two residence visas are available to members.
In the UAE, freelancers may obtain visas through the following methods and locations:
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Talent Pass:
In a joint effort with Dubai Culture, Dafza, and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), the three-year “Talent Pass” visa is now available to professionals in the arts, education, technology, marketing, and consultancy, as well as those who rent office space from Dafza.
This encompasses a wide range of licenses, such as those for import, export, and re-export, general commerce, light manufacturing, packaging, and assembly, online trading, e-commerce, a partnership license with the Department of Economic Development that exempts companies registered at the Dubai Airport Free Zone from the requirement of an office space for off-site operations, and a services license.
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Banking/finance professionals:
Freelancers interested in working with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development can apply if they have expertise in consulting on tax matters, Shariah review consultancy for Islamic financial institution transactions, auditing and accounting systems, or analyzing and reviewing these areas.
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Media:
Dubai Media City also offers freelance visas to professionals in a variety of media-related fields. About 45 different types of positions are open to professionals. Members of this profession encompass a wide range of skills and experiences, including but not limited to: acting, animating, creating art, audio/sound engineering, brand consulting, camerawork, choreography, commentary, composition, content creation, copywriting, directing, editing, event planning, graphic and furniture design, journalism, market research, hosting, web design, web development, and more.
For those interested in working as freelancers in Abu Dhabi’s media, production, and entertainment industries, twofour54 provides two-year visas.
Media professionals can also apply for freelance permits in the Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone, with prices starting at Dh6,100.
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Educators:
Professionals in the fields of education, e-learning, executive coaching, research, and training are eligible to apply for the freelance visa through Dubai Knowledge Park.
A one-year visa costs Dh2,750, and a three-year visa costs Dh5,000. Professionals can apply for these visas through gofreelance.ae. The remaining paperwork includes a business license, a Dh2,000 establishment card, a phone number in the UAE, proof of medical insurance, a copy of the original passport, and a passport photo.
Freelance permits for educators can be obtained in the Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone for as little as Dh6,100.
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IT professionals:
The freelance visa is open to individuals who work as independent contractors in the following areas: web development, mobile development, software architecture, data science and analytics, customer service, information technology, and telecommunications networking.
If you are a professional, you can apply for a one-year visa for Dh2,750 or a three-year visa for Dh5,000 through the website gofreelance.ae. In addition, you will need a valid health insurance policy, a UAE phone number, a Dh2,000 establishment card, a passport with a photo, and a freelance license.
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Designers:
Freelance opportunities are available at Dubai Design District for individuals with the following skills and credentials: fashion designers, concept artists, hairstylists, image consultants, interior decorators, object designers, personal shoppers, textile designers, visual merchandisers, and wedding planners.
- Select your business platform.
- Find out how to become a freelancer….
- Collect Necessary Paperwork….
- Send in an application for a NOC (if one is required)…
- To begin, set up a business checking account.
- Health Screening and Insurance….
- Get a business ID card….
- Submit an application for a freelance visa to the United Arab Emirates.
