Dubai has become a popular place to visit, either for tourism or for work purposes. If you are a freelancer looking for opportunities to make something for yourself at an international level, visiting Dubai can be the best option for that. From world-class infrastructure to impressive incentives, Dubai is the melting pot of world business. 

However, before visiting Dubai from India to work as a freelancer, you need to get a freelance visa that will help you achieve your aims and purposes. Keep reading this article to know everything about freelance visa Dubai.

What Is Freelance Visa Dubai?

In Dubai, freelancing is facilitated by favourable rules and regulations. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are recognized as top destinations for freelancers to reside and work. Additionally, the UAE government has implemented freelance visas for non-citizens and freelance permits for residents. The aim is to draw freelancers to the city from different parts of the world. 

Freelance Visa Dubai Benefits

Freelancing offers several benefits, which conventional forms of employment usually don’t. Here are some of the benefits of getting a freelance visa Dubai.

• With a freelance visa, you can work for various companies and industries. As an employee, you need not remain tied to one company alone.

• Freelancers, in general, enjoy a better work-life balance.

• You can earn a lot more by working on multiple projects specific to your strengths.

• The freelance visa Dubai gives you access to the economic opportunities in the free zone area you apply for.

• It is a lot more economical from an employer’s point of view.

What is a Free Zone in Dubai?

The UAE has over 40 free zones where it offers tax benefits and incentives to investors and entrepreneurs. With a freelance visa Dubai, you will be eligible to work in one of the free zones. The following is a list of free zones in Dubai.

• Dubai Media City

• Dubai Internet City

• Dubai Knowledge Park

• Dubai Design District

• Dubai Airport Freezone

While the visas offered by the first four come under the GoFreelance initiative, the Dubai Airport Freezone offers a separate visa called the talent pass.

What is a Dubai Freelance Permit?

As a citizen of India, you have to first apply for a freelance work permit before you are eligible for a freelance visa Dubai. As per the Dubai Development Authority, the permit identifies you as a lone practitioner and allows you to conduct business using your given name rather than a brand name. It is issued by the following four free zones. 

• Dubai Media City

• Dubai Internet City

• Dubai Knowledge Park

• Dubai Design District

What is a Talent Pass?

The talent pass is also like a freelance visa but with it, you can work only within the Dubai Airport Freezone. With it, you can work as a freelancer in various fields such as arts, culture, education, media, marketing, consultancy, and technology. You can access jobs in more than 2500 companies across over 20 sectors. After getting a talent pass, you will also need a residency visa to work in the Dubai Airport Freezone.

The Dubai Airport Freezone is one of the free zones in Dubai which offers incentives to businessmen and professionals.

What is a Dubai Establishment Card?

For your freelance visa Dubai, you will have to submit a Dubai establishment card along with the freelance permit. It is a card which contains the details of the company you work for along with the card number and expiry date. The General Directorate of Residency & Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) issues it. In the free zones, it usually has a one-year validity.

Validity Of Freelance Visa Dubai

The freelance visa Dubai can have a maximum validity of two years. It must be renewed on an annual basis.

On the other hand, the Dubai talent pass issued by the Dubai Airport Free Zone has a validity of three years. But it must be renewed annually.

Freelance Visa Dubai Requirements

Before you apply for a  freelance visa Dubai, you need to be prepared with all the relevant documents. Below is a list of documents that you must keep handy while applying for a freelance visa.

• Passport valid for a minimum of six months

• Resume

• A recent photograph

• Dubai freelance permit and establishment card

• Financial statements

• Reports of medical tests

• Medical insurance

• In some cases, you will have to submit a portfolio of your work experience