Everyone aspires to have a self-employment permit in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), but only a few are eligible for this privilege. However, the authorities introduced a mandate for a wide variety of professionals that can get this kind of visa.
In an effort to lure brilliant minds to the UAE, the UAE has introduced a host of categories of freelance visas (self-employment).
There are multiple free zones in the UAE that offer freelance visas to residents and foreigners. Regardless of which free zone people apply for a visa to, they can work across the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in their relevant field:
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- Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone
- Dubai Media City
- Dubai Internet City
- Dubai Knowledge Park
- Dubai Design District
- Ajman Free Zone
Dubai Development Authority reports that a freelancer’s permit costs Dh7,500 excluding visa fees.
Below is information on how freelancers can apply for visas in the UAE:
Banking/finance professionals
Professionals in the field of
- Accounting
- Auditing analysing
- Reviewing accounting
- Auditing systems.
Media
It includes:
- Actor
- Aerial shoot photographer
- Animator
- Artist
- Audio/sound engineer
- Brand consultant
- Cameraman
- Choreographer
- Commentator
- Composer
- Content provider
- Copywriter
- Director
- Editor
- Events planner
- Graphic and furniture designers
- Journalists
- Market analyst
- Presenters
- Print media specialists
- Web designers
- Web developers and other professionals.
Educationists
Under this category:
- Education advisors
- E-learning advisors
- Executive coaches
- Researchers and trainers
IT professionals
Freelancers working in the field of:
- Web, mobile
- Software development and architecture
- IT and telecommunication networking
- Data science and analytics
- Customer service
Designers
- Apparel designers
- Concept designers
- Fashion stylists
- Image consultants
- Fashion artists
- Hairstylists
- Interior designers
- Object designers
- Personal shoppers
- Textile designers
- Visual merchandisers
- Wedding planners
