UAE Freelance Laws

The laws on becoming a legal freelancer in UAE 

The basics

• Letter of reference from the bank
• Relevant degrees attested from relevant authority
• Resume
• No-objection certificate from the current sponsor
• Passport and visa copy
• Finalize the free zone you wish to obtain a license from
• Submit the application along with relevant documents
• Deposit the requisite payments
• Within 10 business days, you will get the license

And 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 non-UAE 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 / or by visiting the service center. Costs can vary significantly.

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:

Dubai:

The Dubai Economic Department has launched a freelance visa

Dubai Development Authority and the TECOM Group have launched the GoFreelance initiative, where 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 for the work permit only and if a residency visa is required, we can help you through the process (Obtention of Immigration Card, Residence Permit. GoFreelance offers a business Center facility to work from if you wish.

More freelance and business set up options can be found under Dubai Production City and Dubai Studio City.

Abu Dhabi:

You can get a freelancer permit from twofour54, online. 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. But it is mandatory to contract the latter from twofour54. If you are already under a dependent visa, it might not be the best option.

In addition, the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development has also launched a freelancer visa option for AED 1,700.

Ras Al Khaimah:

The Ras Al Khaimah Economic Free Zone permit starts from AED 6,100 and includes access to business Centers and a range of support services and a residency visa.

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.

Ajman:

Ajman Free Zone (AFZA) freelance package starts 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.

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.