The
UAE, the most competitive emerging market in the GCC region, has introduced
freelance visas for a variety of categories to attract global talent across
various industries.
Multiple
Free Zones across the UAE—including Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City,
Dubai Knowledge Park and Dubai Design District—allow for residents and
foreigners to work in the UAE.
One
of the main benefits of applying for the visa is that the licence holder can
work across the UAE in their relevant fields irrespective of the Free Zone they
apply in.
In
this article, we have listed some of the popular Free Zones offering freelance
visas in Dubai:
Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority (DAFZA)
One
of the recent initiatives launched by the Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority
(DAFZA), Dubai Culture and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners
Affairs (GDRFA), the Talent Pass allows eligible professionals in the fields of
media, education, technology, art, consultancy and marketing to
freelance in Dubai.
The
Talent Pass is a three-year visa that would also enable the licence holders to
rent an office space through DAFZA and you will be able to access a community
of 2,000 international companies from more than 20 sectors.
Dubai Media City
Dubai
Media City offers a freelance visa for professionals working in various
media-related fields. Freelancers can apply for a licence from around 45
categories including photography, acting, animating, composing, editing,
writing, graphic designing, analysis and web designing, among others.
Dubai Knowledge Park
Dubai
Knowledge Park offers a freelance visa for professionals in the education
industry. Freelancers who are experienced as education advisors, e-learning
advisors, researchers, trainers and executive coaches can apply for this visa.
Dubai Design District
Dubai
Design District offers a freelance visa for professionals who are apparel
designers, fashion stylists, image consultants, concept designers,
hairstylists, interior designers, visual merchandisers and even wedding
planners, among others.
Freelance
IT professionals working in the fields of web, mobile, software development and
architecture, data science, analytics and telecommunication networking and even
customer service will be able to apply for a freelance visa within the UAE.
What are some of the common documents required to apply for a freelance permit?
Some
of the common documents required to apply for a freelance permit include the
following:
· Your
original passport
· Establishment
card
· Passport-sized
photo
· UAE phone
number
·
Valid medical insurance, if applicable
How can Ascent Partners help?
Ascent Partners is a boutique consultancy providing
bespoke, end-to-end corporate services ranging from company formation to
accounting, bookkeeping, and compliance services for entrepreneurs looking to
set up their next venture in the UAE. We work alongside to strategise, startup,
and scale businesses in the UAE and the broader region.
With a combined experience of 50+ years, our expert
consultants provide reliable and unparalleled guidance throughout all strategic
phases of a business' evolution.
To know more, Get in touch with us at ask@ascentpartners or 04 422 7339 to start up and scale your
business.