Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, is a real draw for talented people from across the globe, especially freelancers who have ambitious plans for the future. There are a lot of opportunities here for those who want to work on their own and probably explore some new possibilities. The booming business environment, excellent quality of life, and warm weather come as a bonus. However, we highly recommend studying all the details before you make a decision to relocate as there are many unexpected issues that might arise on your way. If you want to know more, please visit a trusted portal to read a full article on freelance visa in the UAE or talk to an expert (using a live chat, for example) to discuss your particular situation and find the best options available.
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Freelance Work in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is a truly futuristic city where you can start as a freelancer to obtain new experiences, a promise of prosperity, and excitement.
First of all, you will need to take care and obtain a freelance visa, a special document that makes it possible for people from other countries to live and be their own boss in the UAE on the condition that they have the required expert skills and a proper work portfolio.
Unlike any other regular work visa, the one you acquire in the UAE makes it possible for you to work with several employers at the same time. This is a good chance for those who have tech or creative jobs or work in the education sphere.
Freelance License or Freelance Visa?
If you are targeting the UAE as a place to live and work, you should know the difference between these two documents.
- A freelance visa is a pink stamp put in your passport by the authorities that allows a 2-year stay in the country.
- A freelance license is a work permit that gives you permission to carry out your activities anywhere in the jurisdiction.
A freelance visa may be unnecessary in your particular case (for instance, you may have one through your company or spouse). A freelance license is a must, though, if you want to legally work on your own.
If you want to obtain a freelance license, all you need is a valid freelance visa and your Emirates ID. As soon as you have obtained the license, you will also get a resident/immigration card. The latter will help you make your freelance work official. In addition, it will serve as proof of your compliance with local laws and regulations.
Starting Your Freelance Career in the UAE
Let’s look at the main steps you will need to take.
Collecting Documents
A freelance visa will be granted to you after you submit the following documents:
- Copies of your Emirates ID and current visa
- An updated portfolio
- School and training certificates, like diplomas and transcripts to them
- A passport valid for no less than 6 months from the date of application
- A 3×4 photo
- Your CV
- Health insurance policy that costs no less than AED 3,000 per year
- A letter from your current employer to prove that he/she has no objections
If you are a UAE resident, a copy of your current visa and Emirates ID, as well as a letter from the employer, are mandatory documents. What is more, each free zone may set its own rules, so the list of documents may differ.
Free Zone Selection
Becoming a freelancer in the UAE requires registration with relevant licensing offices in the local free zones (each of them hosts different types of businesses). Choosing the right zone means that you will need to take into account the benefits it offers, its specialization, its location, and the registration expenses you will need to incur.
Keep in mind that a freelance visa makes it possible for you to live in any emirate, but your freelance license is only valid for the FEZ where you acquired it. You have the right to offer your freelance services in that zone only.
Filing an Application
So you have collected the required package of documents and selected the right free zone. The next step is to actually apply for the freelance visa and license. In Abu Dhabi, you will file your application via Twofour54 Abu Dhabi Free Zone or the Department of Economic Development. The documents are filed online through the official website of the licensing authority. How long does it take to get your license? Well, a typical term is from 3 to 5 days. Sometimes you can accelerate the process by paying an additional fee and get the document in one day only.
How to Start Your Freelance Work in the UAE?
If you have a work visa in Abu Dhabi and you want to switch to freelance work, you are required to cancel your current work visa first and then apply for a new freelance visa. It will be based on your freelance license and mark your transition from traditional employment to self-employment.
Here is the procedure:
- You cancel the work visa you have.
- You file an application for a freelancer license in Abu Dhabi’s free economic zone of your choice.
- You wait for the license approval.
- Finally, you apply for a freelancer visa.
Make sure to renew your medical insurance policy and freelance license before they expire or you may face serious fines.
UAE Freelance Visa: Benefits
Let’s look at the main advantages that come with a UAE freelance visa:
- You can work with any client globally.
- Freelancers pay no income tax.
- Schools, hospitals, and other UAE facilities are simply excellent.
- You are free to choose to participate in as many projects as you can handle, and no restrictions will apply.
- The UAE has an advantageous geographical location which makes it convenient to travel and engage in business activities internationally.
- As soon as you obtain your freelance visa, you will be able to acquire visas for your family and dependents if you have proper documents to confirm your family status and a place to live evidenced by a relevant rental agreement.
Interested in obtaining a UAE freelance visa and license? Please click on the above link to read more details or get in touch with an expert to discuss your personal situation at a free session.
