The job seeker visa or the job exploration visa is a part of the new entry permits introduced by the country’s Advanced Visa System as a means to attract young talents and skilled professionals to explore job opportunities available in the country. Moreover, the job exploration visa can be obtained and applied for without the need for sponsors or a host.
Furthermore, according to the UAE’s new visa rules, all entry visas—including the job exploration Visa—will now be available for single or multiple entries and will be valid for 60 days from their date of issuance. They can also be renewed for similar periods.
UAE job seekers visa validity options
The UAE job seeker visa will be issued with three validity options, including for a period of 60, 90 and 120 days. Therefore, job seekers will have around 4 months to explore the job market in the UAE.
UAE job seekers Visa eligibility requirements
The job seeker visa does not require a sponsor or a host and will be granted if the applicant meets the following requirements:
is classified in the first or second or third skill level as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
is a fresh graduate of the best 500 universities in the world
has a minimum educational level of a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
UAE job seekers visa documents required
To apply for the UAE job seeker visa, the following documents will be required:
A passport copy of the applicant.
A coloured photo of the applicant
Attested qualification certificates
Please note that additional documents may be required in some cases.
UAE visa change is becoming hectic for the ones who want to change visa inside the country. This is due to the long procedures that need to be followed in accordance with it. This situation is mostly faced by the expat who is working in UAE where they need to extend their Dubai visa to have a stay for longer time. Sometimes people who are on vacation in Dubai with family for 30 days/90 days visa also require changing in the status of their stay at Dubai. This is the main advantage of this type of visa.
Expand your visa without leaving the country with our new role of UAE visa change inside country package. Why going through the tedious process of exiting the nation and returning when you can change the status without leaving the country. Not any more sitting tight in airport for long hours. Presently forever tourism has introduced the new visa extension package inside the country. Both 30 days and 90 days UAE inside country visa change price of the packages are accessible at reasonable cost.
The visa holders must submit their 2-3 days prior to their last day. This can be also done at by sitting at home. They also have a provision that they can extend visa without exiting outside country. Extending of Visa or changing is possible only for the tourists who are already residing in UAE. Visiting visa holder can extend their visa without exiting.
Forever tourism provides UAE visa change without exit for tourist visa holders and for on arrival nationalities. On arrival can avail pre-approved UAE tourist visas, For further information you can contact our visa expert team. What’s more, interestingly, these visa experts will suggest you with the appropriate procedure with the appropriate choice of visa category.
You can escape from the tiresome procedure that is required in exiting the country and coming back when you can change the status without exiting the country.
You no need to wait in the airport for long hours.
No need to depend on other places to travel.
Service applicable for the following:
Tourist visa holders
Resident’s visa cancelled applicants
On arrival visa holders
Documents required for Inside UAE Visa Change
Scanned coloured passport copy front and back
Scanned white background photo
Last tourist visa copy
Documents required from residence to tourist visa
Scanned coloured passport copy front and back
Scanned white background photo
Last residence visa cop
Documents required from a visitor who is on visa on arrival to tourist visa
Scanned coloured passport copy front and back
Scanned white background photo
On arrival visa/entry stamp
Guarantor’s Document for Inside UAE Visa Change
A guarantor can be a relative or friend who is currently working/ resident in UAE who can be the point of contact in case of emergency.
Scanned coloured passport copy
Scanned resident visa copy with minimum 3 months validity
Scanned Emirates I.D copy
Terms & Conditions to get UAE Visa Change
Prices are non-refundable.
Age restrictions are applicable for certain nationalities.
Visa application will be processed only after completing the document and clearing the payment.
Documents submitted are not to be forged, if so strict actions will be taken against the concerned.
If have overstay fines then it must be paid directly at the immigration counter.
If the Tickets is once booked it cannot be cancelled or Changed and it’s non-refundable.
if a person does not leave UAE within the required time then the entire fine will be paid by the guarantor/Applicant.
Even applicants who had cancelled employment visa can apply for this package. If the applicants are unaware of their last day to remain in the country they can check the status online. As per the information, cancelled employment visas have not been extended and they will have to either exit to home country or do visa change to tourist visa.
If you are a passport holder of the below country or territory, no advance visa arrangements are required to UAE visa Information. Simply disembark your flight at Dubai International and proceed to immigration, where your passport will be stamped with a 30‑day visit visa free of charge.
90‑day UAE visa Information visit eligibility
If you are a passport holder of one of the below countries or territories, your passport will be stamped with a multiple entry 90‑day visit visa that's valid for 6 months from the date of issue, and for a stay of 90 days in total. Citizens of the below European countries are also entitled to apply for a pre‑arranged visit visa if their 90‑day visa on arrival has been fully utilised
180‑day UAE visa Information visit eligibility
If you hold a Mexican passport you’re eligible for a multiple entry 180‑day visit visa that's valid for 6 months from the date of issue, and for a stay of 180 days in total.
Dubai immigration procedures
As an added security measure, Immigration Authorities at Dubai International are now conducting random eye screening for visitors to Dubai.
Visitors asked to proceed for eye screening are required to present a hard copy of their visa or a printed version of the visa number confirmation page at the screening counter. If you do not have a copy with you, a charge of AED 30 per copy applies ‑ payable only in AED.
Important information
Before you travel to the UAE, please check your visa requirements and make sure you have a valid visa if needed, or if your passport needs to be valid for a minimum period. Holders of non‑standard passports and travel documents may also have different entry requirements: find out if you need to apply for a visa and other passport requirements.
As of 29 April 2016, GCC residence permit holders will need to apply for a UAE visa before arriving in Dubai.
As of 1 May 2017, Indian nationals holding a normal passport valid for a minimum of six months from the arrival date, and a visit visa or green card issued by the USA which is valid for a minimum of six months, or holding a UK or EU residence, can obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 14 days for a charge of AED120 (subject to change). They can apply to extend their stay for an additional 14 days for AED250 (subject to change).
Required documents
Colour photograph of applicant
Colour copy of applicant's passport. The passport must be valid for at least three months.
The original application form (available at all Emirates ticketing offices) can be accessed in Arabic or English, depending on the applicant’s nationality. Download the English or Arabic application form.
Copy of the Emirates ticket
Additional documents are required for visitors of some countries
Additional documents may be required, depending on your country of residence. Please use our visa search tool above or visit our visa requirements page for more information.
Afghanistan National ID Card (Tazkira ID)
Iraq National ID Card
Pakistan National ID Card
Iran National ID Card
UAE visa Information Rules and conditions
Visa fees must be paid upon application.
Additional visa processing fees apply.
The passenger must travel to and from Dubai on Emirates or code share flights only.
Visa fees are non‑refundable.
The ticket is non‑refundable if the visa has been issued and utilized.
Visa processing time is approximately 3 to 4 working days.
Entry into the UAE is subject to immigration approval.
All visas are valid to enter Dubai for 60 days from the date of issue, except the 96‑hour and 48‑hour visas, which are valid for 30 days from the date of issue.
UAE Golden Visa rules launch 3/10/22. Here’s everything you need to know about eligibility, application process, benefits and more
Benefits and how to apply New UAE Golden Visa, Green Visa, long-term visit visa:
First announced on Monday, April 18, by the UAE Cabinet – led by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai – the sweeping changes are already benefitting the country’s economy.
You are reading:New UAE Golden Visa, Green Visa, long-term visit visa rules come into effect 3/10/22
The long-term visas are being granted to investors, entrepreneurs, startup owners, exceptional talents, scientists, professionals in various fields, outstanding students and graduates, humanitarian pioneers, and frontline heroes.
The benefits of long-term visas and Golden Visas will extend to immediate family members. Children can be sponsored by the Golden Visa or Green Residence visa holder until the age of 25 – an increase from the previous rule of 18 years – with no age limit for unmarried daughters. Children of determination are granted a residence permit, regardless of their age.
The UAE Golden Visa residency programme
Which was first implemented in 2019, enabled expats to live, work, and study in the UAE without the need of a national sponsor and with 100 percent ownership of their business on the UAE’s mainland.
With the new rules, the criteria to apply for the 10-year visas have now been eased, as more people across a diverse set of professions will be offered the opportunity to apply for the Golden Visa.
You are reading:New UAE Golden Visa, Green Visa, long-term visit visa rules come into effect 3/10/22
The five-year UAE Green Residence visa
Which targets exceptional talent, skilled professionals, freelancers, self-employed residents, investors, and entrepreneurs – replaces its previous two-year version.
Number of new entry permits and visas
For the first time – do not need a host or sponsor have been announced by the UAE Cabinet to benefit visitors, tourists, and job seekers.
Here’s a detailed overview of everything you need to know about each of the UAE’s new visa types launching on October 3, 2022:
UAE Golden Visa: Eligibility criteria and benefits
In addition to securing their stay in the UAE for a period of 10 years, the new rules will allow the Golden Visa holder to sponsor his/ her family members, including spouse and children regardless of their age, and to sponsor support services (domestic) labourers without limiting their number.
You are reading:New UAE Golden Visa, Green Visa, long-term visit visa rules come into effect 3/10/22
Furthermore, the restriction related to the maximum duration of stay outside the UAE in order to keep the Golden Residence valid has been removed.
There are other benefits for family members that allow them to stay in the UAE in the event of the death of the original holder of the Golden Residence until the end of their permit duration.
UAE Golden Visa eligibility criteria:
Eligibility criteria for the UAE Golden Residence Scheme has been simplified and the categories of people eligible to apply for the long-term 10-year visa have been expanded under a new set of executive regulations.
You are reading:New UAE Golden Visa, Green Visa, long-term visit visa rules come into effect 3/10/22
Under the new executive regulations, the UAE Golden Visa will grant 10-year residence to investors, entrepreneurs, exceptional talents, scientists and professionals, outstanding students and graduates, humanitarian pioneers, and frontline heroes, who meet certain eligibility parameters.
Golden Visa for scientists: The UAE Golden Visa will be granted to scientists and researchers with high achievements and influence in their field based on the recommendation from the Emirates Scientists Council.
The candidate must have a PhD or a Master’s degree in the disciplines of engineering, technology, life sciences, or natural sciences from the best universities in the world, as well as substantial research achievements.
Golden Visa for professionals: The UAE Cabinet has revealed a major expansion in this category to attract highly skilled workers with educational qualifications and professional experience in all disciplines, including medicine, sciences and engineering, information technology, business and administration, education, law, culture, and social sciences.
Golden Visa for exceptional talents: The UAE Golden Residence visa will be granted to top talents in vital fields.
It will be awarded based on talent only regardless of the educational qualification, employment status, monthly salary, or professional level.
It requires the recommendation or approval of a federal or local government entity, and includes talented individuals in culture, art, sports, digital technology, inventors, and innovators in other vital fields.
Golden Visa for real estate investors: Real estate investors can obtain Golden Residence when purchasing a property worth no less than $544,500 (AED 2 million).
As per the new amendments, investors are also entitled to obtain the Golden Residence when purchasing a property with a loan from specific local banks.
Investors can also obtain Golden Residence when buying one or more off-plan properties of no less than $544,500 (AED 2 million) from approved local real estate companies.
Golden Visa for outstanding students and graduates: This long-term, 10-year visa will also target high-performing students in UAE secondary schools, and outstanding graduates from UAE universities, as well as from the best 100 universities worldwide, according to specific criteria that includes their academic performance (cumulative average), the year of graduation, and the university classification.
Humanitarian pioneers: As per the UAE government, humanitarian pioneers are also eligible under the new Golden Visa rules. Such as distinguished members of international and regional organisations, outstanding members of associations of public benefit, recipients of recognition awards in humanitarian fields and distinguished volunteers and sponsors of humanitarian efforts.
Frontline heroes: Frontline workers with extraordinary efforts in crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic can also get the Golden visa under the new rules issued by the UAE government.
Golden Visa for entrepreneurs and startup owners: The new executive regulations have also set flexible requirements for entrepreneurs eligible to obtain the Golden Residence.
New UAE Golden Visa
Additional Golden Visa eligibility criteria for entrepreneurs and startups owners includes:
Entrepreneurs should own or be a partner in a startup registered in the UAE under the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) category, and the registered startup must generate annual revenues of not less than $272,250 (AED 1 million).
Entrepreneurs or startup owners who obtain approval for a startup idea from an official business incubator, from the Ministry of Economy, or from a competent local authority will be deemed eligible to obtain the Golden Residence in this category.
Entrepreneurs who are founders – or one of the founders – of a previous entrepreneurial project(s) that was sold for a total of not less than $1.9 million (AED 7 million) will be entitled to the UAE Golden visa. For this category, the approval of the Ministry of Economy or competent local authorities will be required for projects or ideas.
Additional Golden Visa eligibility criteria for professionals includes:
Applicants should have a valid employment contract in the UAE.
Applicants should be classified in the first or second occupational level as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation classification, which is aligned with the International Standard of Classification of Occupations ISCO by the International Labour Organisation.
Applicants must have a minimum educational level and must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
Applicants should have a monthly salary of not be less than $8,167 (AED 30,000).
You are reading:New UAE Golden Visa, Green Visa, long-term visit visa rules come into effect 3/10/22
Dubai Multiple Entry Visa : Dubai's General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) has issued the first special dubai-multiple-entry-visa, 90-day tourist visa to a football fan.
Jordanian national Mohammed Jalal became the first recipient of the visa that is issued to fans attending the Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022.
Holders of the 'Hayya' card – a personalised document required by people to attend any of the World Cup matches, which offers them multiple entries to the UAE throughout the tournament.
You are reading : dubai-multiple-entry-visa Announced For Football Fan
The GDRFA said it expects to receive and process a large number of applications for the visa that lets holders stay in the UAE for 90 days, with the option to renew it for a similar period.
Lt. General Mohamed Ahmed Al Marri, Director-General of GDRFA, said Qatar is expected to receive 1.4 million visitors during the World Cup.
Dubai Multiple Entry Visa
Dubai is prepared for visitors to set up base here and shuttle to Qatar for the matches. The tournament is being played at a time when the emirate has the most pleasant weather, he added.
Football fans can even stay in the Dubai and be part of its famed New Year's Eve celebrations, the top official said.
Dubai is rolling out the red carpet to receive football fans. According to AP, some soccer fan clubs have already said they'll be commuting to Qatar during the cup on 45-minute flights from Dubai.
The Dubai Sports Council has estimated hundreds of thousands of fans could arrive in the city. Special fan zones have been set up across the city, while hotels are offering attractive packages that include stay, transport and shuttle flights.
Budget airline flydubai will operate at least 30 return flights a day to Doha.
What is the Job Seeker Visa and who is eligible? Here are the details you need to know about new UAE Job Seeker Visa
The job seeker visa is granted to those classified in the first, second or third skill level per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization and to the latest graduates of the top 500 universities in the world.
According to the announcement by the UAE government, the new visas that were announced – which includes the visa to explore job opportunities – have the following features:
1. Require no host or sponsor 2. Offer more flexibility, multiple-entry options 3. 60 days validity 4. One unified platform to apply through
While details of the platform for application have not yet been announced, the validity of the visa for 60 days is double the duration of regular one-month visit visas.
Jobseekers are set to be the biggest beneficiaries of the UAE's new visa rules, with experts predicting an influx of people looking to come to the Emirates to explore employment opportunities.
The new visa rules, which came into effect on Monday, October 3, represent one of the biggest shake-ups to the UAE's immigration policy in years after being approved by the Cabinet in April.
The jobs market in the UAE is growing. Last month, UAE jobs portal Bayt.com and market research agency You Gov reported that about 70 per cent of UAE companies plan to hire new employees next year.
Half of all companies surveyed plan to recruit a maximum of five new staff members over the next three months, while 25 per cent will hire between six and 10 employees.
The jobseeker visa was introduced to attract young talent and skilled professionals to explore job opportunities in the country.
Who can apply for the new job seeker visa ?
The visa is open to those classified in the first, second or third skill level per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization and to the latest graduates of the top 500 universities in the world.
It does not require a sponsor or a host.
The minimum educational level should be a bachelor's degree or its equivalent.
How long is the Job Seeker Visa valid for?
The job seeker visa is multi-entry and valid for 60 days.
The UAE’s Green visa is a type of residence visa, that allows its holder to sponsor himself/herself for 5 years, eliminating the need of a UAE national or employer to sponsor his/her visa.
Benefits of Green visa:
getting residence permits easily for family members, including spouse, children and first-degree relatives the ability to sponsor their male children up to 25 years (previously 18 years), with no age limit for unmarried daughters children of determination (those with special needs) are granted a residence permit, regardless of their age longer flexible grace periods that reach up to 6 months to stay in the UAE after the residence permit is cancelled or has expired. The residency of family members will be the same as that of the original residence visa holder.
The following categories can apply for a UAE Green visa:
1- Freelancers/self-employed people
Freelancers and/or self-employed people who wish to apply for a Green visa need to submit:
a freelance/self-employment permit from Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation proof of a bachelor’s degree or specialised diploma evidence of annual income from self-employment for the previous two years for an amount not less than AED 360,000, or prove financial solvency throughout their stay in the UAE.
2- Skilled employees
To apply for a Green visa, skilled employees must :
have a valid employment contract be classified in the first, second or third occupational level as per Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation hold a minimum of bachelor’s degree or equivalent have a salary of not less than AED 15,000.
3- Investors or partners
The Green visa for investors is given to investors establishing or participating in commercial activities. It replaces the previous residence visa that was valid for 2 years only. Requirements include:
approval of the investment and proof of investment (If the investor/partner has more than one licence, the total invested capital will be calculated.) approval of the competent local authorities.
Renewing the Green visa
The visa is renewable for the same term upon its expiry.
The expatriates who wish to work in Dubai need to apply for a Dubai work permit or a work visa to be legally employed in the emirate. A work permit (entry permit) is a document issued by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship that allows foreigners to enter and work in the UAE legally for a certain period of time.
The Dubai work visa (Residence visa) is issued to foreigners once they are already inside the country and have entered using the entry permit. When moving to the UAE, you will ultimately need to get a residence visa, on which your work permit will be listed.
Dubai work visa types
In Dubai, there is one type of work permit. This work permit is often referred to as a labour card. However, employees will need to obtain an entry visa, a residence visa, and an Emirate ID card before applying for a work permit.
However, under the new UAE visa rules, the UAE has recently introduced an entry permit for temporary work missions that allows visitors holding a temporary work assignment (such as probation testing or project-based mission sponsored by the employer) can apply for the entry permit for a temporary work mission. A visitor can apply for this entry permit if they are a relative or friend of a UAE citizen or resident.
Furthermore, the validity of all entry visas will now be available for single or multiple entries and will be valid for 60 days from their date of issuance. They can also be renewed for similar periods. Some of the requirements include:
a temporary work contract, or
a letter from the employer clarifying the visit purpose
proof of health and fitness to work.
Dubai work visa age limit & categories
Any foreigner over the age of 18 can choose to work in Dubai, provided they meet the following standards as set up by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).
Based on their academic qualifications/skill sets, foreign workers are divided into three categories:
Category 1: Holding at least a bachelor’s degree
Category 2: Holding a post-secondary diploma in any field
Category 3: Holding a high school diploma.
Dubai work visa requirements
To obtain a work permit and Residence visa in Dubai, employees will need the following documents:
A valid passport and a photocopy
Passport photos
Copies of academic qualifications. (Your qualifications have to be authorized by the UAE Embassy or consulate in your country as well as from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of your country)
Copies of the applicant’s birth certificate (and marriage certificate if applicable).
An Emirates ID card
An entry permit from the Ministry of Labor
A medical certificate, issued by a government-approved health centre in the UAE.
Proof of accommodations in the UAE, such as a copy of a lease agreement
A copy of a company card from the employer
A copy of the company’s commercial license
Evidence that the applicant has sufficient financial means to support themselves in the UAE
Proof of payment of the application fee.
Dubai work visa validity
When the applicants first receive a work permit, it is valid for 30 days and can further be extended for 30 days. Thus, applicants can stay in Dubai for 60 days, during which their employer must arrange to get a Residence Visa, an Emirates ID, and their Labour Card.
It is the Residence Visa in addition to the Labour Card which allows travellers to live and work in the UAE legally. The Residence visa and the associated work permit usually last for one or two years, depending on your employment contract.
How to apply online for a Dubai work visa?
To start the necessary procedure to obtain your employment visa and work permit for Dubai, you need an employer willing to hire you. There are three stages in the process of obtaining a Dubai work visa:
Obtaining an entry visa for the UAE
To begin the process of obtaining an Employment Entry Visa (Pink visa/Residence visa), the employer will need to follow the procedure as follows:
Apply for visa quota approval on your behalf. The Ministry of Labour (MOL) will approve this.
Submit an employment contract to the MOL. You will be required to sign this contract.
The Ministry must approve the work permit application before issuing an employment entry visa. With the approval and visa secured, you will need to enter the UAE within two months.
Upon entering the UAE with a Pink visa, you will have a period of 60 days to obtain a residence visa and formal work permit.
Obtaining an Emirates ID
An Emirates ID is required for the medical screening. To apply for an ID, you need to provide your entry visa along with an original passport and a copy. Employees need to apply in person at the Emirates Identity Authority (EIDA) centre.
Obtaining a residence visa and work permit
To apply for a Residence visa, you will need all of the required documents, as mentioned above.
Once your company secures visa quota approval from the Ministry of Labour, you can sign your contract and return it to the employer. At this point, the employer can apply for a work permit on your behalf. The work permit will be listed as part of the Residency visa. On approval of the work permit, the employee is then allowed to begin working officially.
Receive the employment entry visa
The applicants will now receive an Employment Entry Visa (Pink visa) at the airport. It allows applicants to live in the UAE for two months while they finish their residency visa application.
Once you are in the UAE, you will need to undergo a medical screening and attend the Emirates ID service centre (sometimes known as a Customer Happiness Center) to show your passport and entry permit and undergo biometric tests. The Ministry of Labor will further receive your medical results and employment contract, which is used to process you onto the payroll system.
Collect your Emirates ID
The applicants will now have their Residence visa stamped into their passports. Once applicants have this, they may open a bank account and access government services. After ten days, applicants can collect their Emirates ID card.
The employment visa for Dubai, or any other emirate in the UAE, comes with specific rules ensuring the workers’ rights are not violated.
The UAE freelance visa is one of the most popular visas in the UAE, which allows the holder to self-sponsor themselves and work in the areas permissible. In words of one syllable, it’s your ticket to freedom! Freedom to live in your favorite country, freedom to utilize your talent and skills your way to make money, freedom to work when you can, freedom to work from the comfort of your home or even car, freedom to travel wherever, whenever you want!
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. A whole host of people from the world over migrate to Dubai, the city where dreams turn into reality in the blink of an eye. Thanks to the approachable visa system of the country and of course, the business-friendly policies!
WHO SHOULD APPLY FOR THE FREELANCE VISA IN DUBAI?
There are various sectors for which you can obtain freelancer eligibility in Dubai:
Education
Media
Tech
If you are pursuing professions such as acting, screenwriting, journalism, advertising, training, education advisor, customer service or web development, you are eligible to apply for the freelance visa in Dubai. You can find a complete list of freelance activities that you are permitted to carry out with this visa on the GoFreelance website.
Please note that the Dubai Internet City will issue your freelance permit if you are working in the Tech sector, Dubai Media City for the media sector and Dubai Knowledge Park for the education sector.
BENEFITS OF HAVING A FREELANCE VISA IN DUBAI
There are several benefits of having a freelance permit and visa in Dubai. Firstly, it allows you the flexibility to work for multiple companies. If you plan to work in any of the sectors mentioned above and don’t want a 9-to-5 job, becoming a freelancer in Dubai could be your best career move.
Additionally, the affordability of having a freelance visa in Dubai means you can offer your services at much lower prices. With the Go-Freelance package, the setup costs are much lower and no office space is required, allowing more freelancers to enter the market.
Having a freelance visa and permit in Dubai also allows you to work as an independent contractor for companies across the UAE and allows you access to the free zone’s business centre, as well.
With the freelance visa in Dubai, you can also sponsor family members to come and live with you in an apartment or villa for rent in Dubai. However, bear in mind that you cannot sponsor employees with your freelance permit and visa.
It’s no more a secret that hiring freelancers in Dubai is quite inexpensive as compared to a full-time employee, and employers know that they can save up to 50% on operational costs by hiring freelancers in Dubai. Therefore, a freelancer visa is a win-win for both! So many people are switching from their 9-hours-routine jobs to freelancing for work-life balance. But this is just one of many reasons. When it comes to the merits of freelancing in Dubai, the world is your oyster! The affordability of having a freelance visa in Dubai and no requirement of office space to start a business allow more freelancers to enter the market. Not only, a freelance visa in Dubai is cost-efficient but also easy to acquire. Some of the benefits that you get to enjoy after getting a freelance permit and visa in Dubai are:
Flexibility to work for multiple companies
Freedom from mundane 9-to-5 job
Can be your side hustle
You are your own boss
Getting a corporate bank account organized is uncomplicated. Once you are set up in your free zone, you are able to access the most relevant bank to your industry needs
When you are freelancing, you don’t need to have a separate company name. Your name itself acts as the trade name or brand
No limit on monthly income
Access to the free zone’s business center
The freelancing community is on the radar of the Dubai Government
Freelancers are not subject to frequent audits like other fully-fledged companies. Neither do they have to file structured financial reports etc. at a regular frequency
You can sponsor your family members to come and live with you. You might want to check up on the new family visa requirements in the UAE here
No need to rent an office space (Hello savings!)
Freedom to travel to your home country or any other country anytime
You have enough flexibility as you can work any time, anywhere
Some activities such as writing give you the freedom to work from anywhere in the world from the comfort of your home
No regular travel expenses & hassles
Affordable way to get 3-year residency in the UAE
You are able to offer your services at much lower prices, which means more business
Low setup costs as there is no need of office, business insurance, employees-related formalities, bookkeeping, etc.
Access to a huge market as the Emirate has no dearth of businesses, employers, companies and even tourists and residents looking for best and cheap freelancers in Dubai with great skills
What are the disadvantages of working as a freelancer in Dubai?
They say, hope for the best, prepare for the worst! And for that, you must see both sides of the coin. Becoming a freelancer in Dubai could be your best career move but you should know the cons of obtaining a freelance visa as well.
You cannot sponsor employees with your freelance permit and visa
The freelance visa/permit is only for one person, and that is you. This simply means you cannot hire any employee to work for you. For that, you have to have a trade license and so much more
You are required to have a certain aptitude for the freelance lifestyle. This includes being comfortable working alone, self-motivation and being relentless in networking and chasing bills
You need to have some sort of financial backup as it is likely that you may initially have to spend a few months to a year, networking and developing a portfolio
You have to keep track of the visa expiry date
You have to stay up-to-date on the ever-changing rules and regulations in the Dubai because you are the boss of your business
You have to be very careful about the project deadlines if you want more business through word of mouth
Freelance permits are open to individuals from only four sectors in Dubai
A freelancer cannot have Tax Registration Number (TRN) that are mainly required by larger corporations to be engaged. However, you can still get business from small to medium-scale businesses that do not need TRN
No proper office environment, which can cause distractions and low work efficiency. You may use your clients’ office or co-working spaces available in the designated free zone if required, though
Freelance visas and work permits are dispensed by free zones, which means they are restricted to that particular FEZ
If the advantages of having a freelance visa outweigh the disadvantages of having a freelancer visa in Dubai, then a freelance visa can be your best bet in Dubai.
Which free zone is best in the UAE for a freelance visa?
It is not about the best free zone, but about the right free zone when it comes to getting a Dubai freelance visa. Dubai boasts more than 35 free zones, and each free zone entices different clients. While some are designed for creative businesses, some are specific to technology, education or even medical services. Researching before choosing one is momentous as there are myriad factors you want to consider, such as your industry and place of residence, before embarking on your freelancer journey.
HOW TO APPLY FOR FREELANCER VISA IN DUBAI
Applying for the Go-Freelance’s permit and freelance visa in Dubai is now a simple process that requires only a few steps. To get the freelance visa in Dubai, you will initially need to apply for the freelance permit or license to be registered as a freelancer in the emirate.
1. APPLY ONLINE FOR THE PERMIT
You can apply for the freelance permit in the UAE through the GoFreelance website. Select the option Go Apply and fill out the application form and submit the required documents.
DOCUMENTS FOR FREELANCER PERMIT IN DUBAI
Some of the documents needed to apply for the freelance permit in Dubai include:
Resume/CV
Recent photograph
Passport and visa copy (valid for at least 8 months)
Bank reference letter
NOC from your UAE sponsor
Please note that if you are applying to the education sector, you will have to submit proof of academic qualifications, which must be certified either by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the UAE Consulate in your country of origin. Likewise, if you are applying in the media sector, you will have to submit a portfolio or sample of your work.
If you are applying in the education or tech sector, you can only choose one activity when applying for the permit.
Table of Difference: Freelance Visa Vs. Freelance Permit in Dubai, UAE
Parameters
Freelance Visa
Freelance Permit
Visa Type
A UAE residency visa allowing one to live in the country
A licence allowing the licencee to work as a freelancer. Issued to those who already have the UAE residency
Validity
3 years
1 year
Sponsorship
No sponsorship is required
Prior sponsorship is a must to be eligible for a freelance permit
NOC
NOC is required from the current sponsor (if there is any). For visa renewal, it is not required, though.
The applicant needs to present a No Objection Certificate from the current sponsor
Sectors
Freelancer eligibility in Dubai can be obtained in three vital sectors: 1. Education 2. Media 3. Tech 4. Creative Industries
A freelance permit in Dubai can be registered under these sectors: 1. Media (Dubai Media City), 2. Tech (Dubai Internet City), and 3. Education (Dubai Knowledge Park) 4. Design (Dubai Design District)
Interdependence
Freelance visa holders might need a work permit to function to work legally as a sole practitioner in the UAE
Freelance permit holders don’t need a freelance visa to act as a freelancer in the UAE
Cost (new & renewal)
3-years Freelance Employment Visa in Dubai: AED 4,960 (Normal) or AED 6,340 (Express) 1-year Freelance Permit: AED 7,500 1-year Establishment Card: AED 2,000
Dh7,500 (According to Dubai Development Authority aka DDA)
