Dubai Freelance Visa (TECOM / Free Zone Permit)
United Arab Emirates ARE
Last verified 2024-09-01Official source
Dubai's Freelance Visa, issued through free zones such as TECOM, twofour54, or Dubai Silicon Oasis, grants a 2-year renewable residence visa and a freelance permit allowing independent contractors and creative professionals to legally work for multiple clients in Dubai. It includes an Emirates ID and the ability to open a UAE bank account.
Program Details
- Category
- Entrepreneur
- Processing Time
- 1 months
- Application Fee
- $1,500
- Minimum Income
- N/A
- Minimum Investment
- N/A
- Family Included
- Residence visa holders can sponsor family members (spouse and children) at standard UAE dependent visa fees
- Path to PR
- No
- Path to Citizenship
- No
- Physical Presence
- Must not leave UAE for more than 6 consecutive months to maintain residency
- Dual Citizenship
- Allowed
- Tax Impact
- No personal income tax in UAE. Freelance permit allows legal self-employment and invoicing within the UAE, with no corporate tax on personal freelance income below AED 375,000/year.
- Renewal Cost
- $1,500
No minimum income stated, but applicants must prove sufficient financial means to support themselves. A bank statement showing approximately AED 20,000+ is typically required.
Key Requirements
- ✓Application through an approved UAE free zone (TECOM, twofour54, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Fujairah Creative City, etc.)
- ✓Proof of professional qualifications or portfolio in the chosen activity category
- ✓Valid passport
- ✓Passport-sized photos
- ✓Bank statement or proof of financial solvency
- ✓Medical fitness certificate
- ✓Emirates ID application
- ✓Free zone registration fee (varies: approximately AED 5,000–AED 15,000/year depending on free zone)
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