How to Get Freelance Permit in UAE? (updated 2022)

If you want to start your own business or would like to work from home UAE government has provided a great opportunity by granting the freelance permit. However, in order to work as a freelancer, you must need a UAE residence visa and a freelance work permit. In case if you don’t have a UAE residence visa you can apply it from free zone authorities in UAE which includes Dubai Media City, Dubai Studio City, Dubai Production City, Dubai Knowledge Park, Dubai Design District, Abu Dhabi’s twofour54, and Fujairah Creative City, Ras Al Khaimah Free Zone Authority or RAKEZ, and Ajman Freezone.

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Freelance Permit in Abu Dhabi:

You can avail of the freelance permit from the twofour54 free zone in Abu Dhabi valid for two years at a cost of AED 530.

Step 1: Log in to https://www.twofour54.com/en/

Step 2: You may Select how to start a business or set up as a freelancer

Step 3: Fill in the online application by submitting

• passport copy,
• passport size photo,
• updated CV,
• 2 professional references (with contact details),
• work offer or a letter of intent from a twofour54 business partner.

If you do not have a work offer or letter of intent You may submit:

• Introduction – personal/professional background, work experience
• Work – work you have done within the Media Zone Authority – Abu Dhabi or work you plan to carry out and the contacts as references
• Liabilities – financial overview of expected income

Your application, references, and documentation will be reviewed by the free zone authority and will contract you within 3 working days with feedback.

Once you receive the approval, the free zone authority will initiate the process for licensing and residency procedure. You will then need to sign the documents and make the necessary payments.

You’ll be issued a sole proprietor’s business license and an employment visa valid for two years (for non-GCC nationals), which is convertible into a residence visa.

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Freelance permit in Dubai

Currently, registration is open under three sectors for freelance visas in the Emirate: Media (Dubai Media City), Tech (Dubai Internet City), and Education (Dubai Knowledge Park).

Step 1: https://gofreelance.ae/

You will find Media activities, Education activities, Tech activities, Design activities:

Step 2: Click on Apply.

During the application process, you may be asked to upload the following documents:

1. Application Form
2. Resume/CV
3. Passport/Visa Copy
4. Bank Reference Letter
5. No Objection Certificate from UAE Sponsor is required to complete the freelance process
6. Portfolio or Sample of Work (media sector only)
7. Credentials and Certificates (education sector only) or any other documents as required by authorities.

Step 3: Submit the application for approval.

Once your application is approved, you will get an email notification to visit any business centers in Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City, or Dubai Knowledge Park to personally sign documents and pay the fee. The approximate cost would be AED 7,500/-

You will receive your freelance permit in your email.

In case if you do not have a visa, authorities will guide you to get the process done.

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Freelance permit in Ras Al Khaimah:

Actor, Editor, Animator, Announcer, Art Critic, Artist, Audio Technician, Chief Editor, Choreographer, Composer, Correspondent, Cinema and TV Director, Theatre Director, Events Coordinator, Events Manager, Film Developer, Film Producer, Programme Organiser, Instrumentalist, Journalist, Light Technician, Literary Writer, Literature Critic, Make-up Technician, Market Research Analyst, Marketing Coordinator, Motion Picture Photographer, Music Critic, Musician, News Editor, News Producer, Orchestrator, Social Media Influencer, etc can avail the freelancer visa from the Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone or RAKEZ authority.

Step 1: Log in to https://rakez.com

Step 2: Submit your documents:

• Passport copy
• Valid UAE Residence Visa copy (if applying for a permit without visa)
• Sponsor’s No Objection Certificate (if applying for a permit without visa)
• Portfolio/sample of works or qualification certificate

Step 3: Make the payment by cash or cheque or bank transfer or pay by online by following the customised link in your invoice.

Freelancer permit from Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone or RAKEZ authority starts from Dh6,100 and includes access to modern business centers, a range of support services, and a UAE Residence Visa.

Step 4: Receive your freelancer permit.

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Freelance permit in Fujairah

Step 1: Log in to https://www.creativecity.ae/about/packages

They provide different packages which include:

• Commercial C* (NEW) no visa eligibililty
• Commercial FZE no visa eligibility
• Commercial FZ LLC no visa eligibility
• Elite Packages (NEW) all inclusive
• Commercial Plus One with 2 visa eligibility
• Freelancer Company with 4 visa eligibility
• Baby Business 6 visa eligibility
• Genius Package 15 visa eligibility

Step 2: Choose your option from various packages available and get started

Step 3: Fill the contact details as requested in contact form and submit

You will be contacted by the Freezone authority representative.

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Freelance permit in Ajman

Ajman Free Zone (AFZA) offers a Freelance Licence package in UAE with a variety of job categories.They provide visas that will be valid for three years along with Business Hub facilities.

The applicant must have a valid passport, visa copy, no objection certificate from the sponsor (if you are already a resident holder in UAE), and a color passport size photograph.

This package comes at a fee of Dh6000 plus visa, Emirates ID, and health insurance cost.

Step 1: Log in to https://www.afz.ae/start-your-business/business-license-types#freelancer-package

Step 2: Choose your option form the various packages available

Step 3: Fill the application and submit

The processing time would be one working day if approved.

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