The Freelance Visa in UAE: Everything You Need to Know

 

Unless you're planning to self-sponsor your visa, freelance work is only possible. If the company that hires you gets sponsorship for you. This means that they need to go through Emiratization (i.e. hiring locals). Which usually comes with its own set of requirements and procedures. These vary from one company to another, depending on their size and requirements. But here are a couple of basic guidelines.

Remember that the company is not your sponsor. They're only going to provide you with a letter saying that they have hired you as a freelancer. You will need this letter when applying for your visa at the immigration authorities in the UAE (more on that below).So make sure you get it as soon as possible. The employer needs to complete this process before applying for a freelance visa in UAE.

Legal Requirements

The most important document for a freelance visa in UAE is the recommendation letter from the company. This is not the same as a contract. So if you have already been hired by a company. They are still currently in the process of getting you sponsored, don't worry about this.

Additionally, you should also get a letter from your home government stating that they approve of you working there under these conditions. This is required by the UAE before any decision can be made about your application.

Finally, your application needs to be submitted by a professional firm (i.e., an agency). That specializes in getting work visas for freelancers. These companies have the contacts and experience necessary to push through your paperwork. As quickly as possible - a big plus if you're looking to start work fast.

Applying for a Freelance Work Visa in UAE

After getting all of these documents sorted out. It's time to submit your application for a freelance visa in UAE with the UAE immigration authorities. This is where problems can arise because things tend to move slowly . It's easy to get lost along the way.

Here are a few things you should keep in mind: Most of these visa applications take around six months to process. This is normal and applies even if you have already bee approved by your home government. They still have to do their own verification. After you have been cleared elsewhere.So don't get too impatient. Make sure that you submit all of the required documents with your application. These include not only the documents mentioned above. But also copies of any degrees or other qualifications that are stated on your work contract.

Special Cases

The above instructions assume that there are no problems with your application. But here are a few caveats: You have an outstanding arrest warrant in your home country. As stated above, this can cause problems with getting your visa approved by the UAE authorities. If you do have such a warrant and try to apply anyway, you will probably be deported once they find out about it (if not before). The only way to get around this is to present your home government with proof that the warrant has been canceled.

You are currently on probation or parole from a criminal conviction. This also counts as having an active conviction and causes similar problems as with an outstanding arrest warrant (see above). If you actually have a sentence of six months or more still hanging over your head, this could make it difficult for you to even enter the country, let alone live and work there. Again, the only solution here is to get documentation from your home government that states you are clear of all convictions and any kind of probation.

You have a communicable disease such as tuberculosis or HIV/AIDS. This isn't considered too big a problem if you plan on sticking to the UAE for just a few months (i.e., during your contract). If this isn't so, though, it could cause problems with immigration authorities and prevent you from staying longer - even after finishing work and leaving the country. All of these issues can be worked around with the right evidence to get a freelance visa in UAE.

Closure!

A freelance visa in UAE is an excellent opportunity for those looking to start their own business or work on a contract basis. The benefits of the freelance visa are many and include freedom of movement, tax breaks, and the ability to live and work in the UAE. To qualify for a freelance visa in the UAE, you must meet certain legal requirements and pass a medical exam. Applying for a freelance work visa can be tricky, so it’s important to understand all of the special cases that may apply to you. If you’re interested in starting your own business or working on a contract basis in the UAE, contact us today for more information about the freelance visa process.