Freelancing is an emerging industry not only in the UAE but around the world. Many members of the workforce aim to practice their craft at their own pace, their own time, at the comfort of their own homes. Not only do you get to manage your own earnings, but you can also choose the work that you want. This is the kind of freedom freelancing offers.
Curious about how to get your own freelance permit? Check out what Dubai, RAKEZ, and SHAMS have to offer:
Dubai, the Pearl of the Gulf, is one of the current hotspots when it comes to a vibrant freelancing community. Free zones such as Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City, and Dubai Knowledge Park offer sector-specific freelancing permits.
Dubai Media City aims to cater to media-related business activities such as journalism and broadcasting, social media planning and management, digital marketing, graphic design, public relations, among others.
On the other hand, Dubai Internet City is a safe haven for freelancers with Web/IT/Software development, architecture, telecommunication networking, and customer service as their line of work.
Meanwhile, Dubai Knowledge Park houses education-related sectors. Freelancers who are researchers, trainers, and advisors may get their permit here.
Freelance Permit in Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah’s free zone, Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ), offers budget-friendly freelance permits. With the highly-diverse community in RAKEZ, Media, Education, IT, and Analyst professionals are welcome to apply for their permit in the Free Zone.
Freelance Permit in Sharjah
Sharjah Media City, Sharjah’s premier free zone for media-related businesses and startups. It offers services, trading, and industrial licenses, as well as the issuance of freelance permits for media-related activities.
In comparison, business activities and its respective costs between the five free zones are as follows:
| Free Zone | Starting cost | Business activity available |
| Dubai Media City | AED7500 | Media-related |
| Dubai Internet City | AED7500 | IT, Software, Web Development |
| Dubai Knowledge Park | AED7500 | Education-related |
| RAKEZ | AED6100 | Media, Education, IT, Analytics-related |
| SHAMS | AED5750 | Media-related |
To obtain your freelance permit, you must follow these four steps:
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Submit an application.
Along with the answered application form from your chosen free zone, you will have to submit the following documents:
- Passport
- Visa
- Resume/CV and credentials/certifications
- Bank Reference Letter
- NOC from your current sponsor (if required)
- Portfolio (if required)
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Pay the applicable fee.
It usually takes five to seven days before you receive a confirmation email from the authority. Once you’ve received it, visit the nearest business center to pay for your freelance permit and submit your original passport. It will take at least two working days to complete your freelance permit issuance.
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Apply for your establishment card.
Once you’ve received your freelance permit, you may now apply for an establishment card. The authority will give you access to a business service platform that will allow you to avail of government and corporate services. You may use this to apply for an establishment card.
The requirements are:
- Your Freelance Permit
- UAE mobile number
An Establishment or Immigration card is needed to apply for a visa. It is also a requirement if you will be applying for state service providers, such as the internet, water, and electricity utilities.
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Apply for your residency visa.
With your establishment card and freelance permit at hand, you are now ready to apply for a residency visa. After submitting your visa application, within five to seven working days, you will receive an entry permit and follow a series of steps to finish the visa application process. This will include an Emirate ID application and physical examination.
You will need to submit the following requirements:
- Original passport
- Establishment Card
- Passport photo
- Valid medical insurance
- Visa (if applicable)
LET IBG CONSULTING HELP YOU.
Armed with years of experience and a good grasp of the freelancing community, IBG Consulting extends its help in achieving your work freely in the UAE. We are a team of dedicated individuals who are committed to providing young and brave achievers like you to reach your goal in the heart of the UAE, the Middle East’s fastest-growing economy.
We strongly believe that freelancers are the future of many sectors and pose a great impact on Dubai’s already diverse community. What are you waiting for? Contact IBG Consulting and get the best business solution today!
