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.
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?
At Ascent Partners, we help you identify the right Free Zone
setup type for your business. We understand your needs and help your business
remain compliant with the laws of the land.
Get in touch with us at ask@ascentpartners.ae or at 04 422 7339
for more details.