How Easy is it to get a Freelancer Visa in Abu Dhabi?
Updated 17 August 2024
Abu Dhabi offers many great reasons for freelancing, but how easy is it to get a freelancing visa? The good news is that its super quick and easy. So, let’s dive in and find out about the eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Are you eligible for an Abu Dhabi freelancer visa?
To apply for an Abu Dhabi freelancer visa you must be 18 years or over and either be a UAE citizen or an expatriate resident in the UAE with a valid Emirates ID card.
Who is the Abu Dhabi freelancer visa suitable for?
The Abu Dhabi freelance visa is ideal for professional individuals wanting to provide freelancing services in Abu Dhabi using their specialist skill set. It should be noted at this point that you will need to demonstrate your competence by having either a bachelors degree in your specialist field or a certificate of experience.
✔️ Freelancers and skilled professionals
✔️ Entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, mompreneurs
✔️ Creatives and artisans
✔️ Unemployed specialists wanting a cost effective way to continue living in the UAE
✔️ Skilled professionals wanting to be in control of their own visa – this can also have the added benefit of making you more attractive to prospective employers.
What is the process for getting an Abu Dhabi freelancer visa?
The process is simple. There are just three steps:
1) Setup an Abu Dhabi freelance license
2) Register the Abu Dhabi freelance license in the Immigration E-Channel system
3) Apply for your Abu Dhabi freelancer visa
What are the requirements for an Abu Dhabi freelancer visa?
The Abu Dhabi freelancer license must be applied for first, for which the following documents and information are required:
✔️ Full name
✔️ Date of birth
✔️ Nationality
✔️ Residential address (inc. verification, e.g. utility bill)
✔️ Mobile number
✔️ Email address
✔️ Source of funds
✔️ Purpose of the transaction
✔️ Occupation, employer & tax number
✔️ UAE Pass App account
✔️ Passport copy (minimum 6 months validity)
✔️ Existing visa copy
✔️ Emirates ID copy
✔️ Proof of expertise in the activity being applied for:
Attested university degree certificate* or
Attested certificate of experience/accredited accomplishments
✔️ No Objection Certificate (NOC) in Arabic addressed to the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development.
Upon successful issuance of your Abu Dhabi freelancer license and registration with Immigration, you can apply for your freelancer visa, for which the following documents and information are required:
✔️ High resolution passport size, studio photo, white background, without eye glasses (soft copy)
✔️ Health insurance (to be applied for during the process)
✔️ Marital status
✔️ Mother’s name
✔️ Religion
✔️ Residential address in home country
✔️ Telephone number in home country
Do you need to be inside the country or can you apply from overseas?
You will need to physically be inside the country for registering your Abu Dhabi freelancer license in Immigration and subsequently applying for your visa.
How long does it take to get an Abu Dhabi freelancer visa?
Setting up the Abu Dhabi freelancer license takes approximately two to three working days, although it is often completed sooner. Thereafter, registering the new economic license (trade license) in Immigration takes approximately three to five working days and subsequently applying for your visa takes approximately three to five working days, excluding arranging of health insurance. Be aware that you will be required to arrange health insurance during the visa application process and this will add additional time to the processing of your freelancer visa.
Complete Guide to the Abu Dhabi Freelancer License
Gateway Group has compiled all the essential information about the freelancer license into a user-friendly format for your easy reference and understanding.
How to apply for an Abu Dhabi Freelancer Visa
Gateway Group has launched a collection of exclusive freelancer license and visa packages to simplify the business setup process to help you get started.
Firstly, decide what type of package you need: Freelancer License or Freelancer License & Visa Package. Next, choose the package which closely aligns with your specialist skill set. There is a wide variety of activities available, including: photography, space consultancy, real estate development, IT, marketing, accounting, HR, interior design and many more. Read all of the information and be sure you fully understand it - don't worry, our dedicated Abu Dhabi Business Setup Team are on hand to answer any questions you might have. Also, be sure to check you meet all of the criteria.
Once you have chosen your perfect freelancer package, you can immediately purchase it online. There is no need to delay scheduling appointments or waiting for quotations. You can literally get started straight away!
Upon successful completion of your online purchase, you will be invited to upload all of the required information and documents to our user-friendly, cloud-based portal. It is really easy to use and you will be guided, step-by-step. Once all your documents are uploaded, our Abu Dhabi Business Setup Team will initiate the application process for your freelancer license and visa, ensuring you stay informed with regular updates. Upon your license issuance, we'll email you with a copy of your new economic license and congratulate you on deciding to become your own boss in Abu Dhabi.
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* The document needs to be attested in the country of issuance and the UAE. If you require assistance to get your document attested, please less us know and our team will be happy to assist you. If the document needs attesting in the country of issuance, please advise which country it was issued in, so that we can arrange a quotation for you. If the document has already been attested in the country of issuance and just needs attesting in the UAE, we can arrange this for you and send you a payment link. Once payment has been arranged, we will need you to courier the original document to us to be able to carry out this service on your behalf.
First published on 28th July 2023.
Written by Jenny Hunt
Founder, Gateway Group, Abu Dhabi & Dubai, United Arab Emirates
FORBES' Top 100 Most Influential Women in the Middle East