The UAE’s most vibrant business hub, Dubai, is well-known for its pro-business policies, investor-friendly tax structures, and excellent infrastructure. Another reason that attracts investors and business owners to this emirate, which is the gateway to global markets, is the outstanding Dubai visa services. The strong, stable, and booming economy demands professionals with high-quality expertise.

Are you a fresher or an experienced professional looking for a desirable career opportunity in Dubai? The first thing that you must secure to fulfil this desire is employment or a Dubai freelance visa. To fulfill the skilled professionals’ demand, the UAE government offers diverse visa options with easy application procedures and requirements. Continue reading and find everything about freelance and employment visas in Dubai.

What is a Freelance Visa in Dubai?

Are you a freelancer with good skills and expertise in your field but worrying about whether you can apply for a freelance visa in Dubai? The answer is yes; freelancers with no direct contract or job agreement with a specific employer within the Emirates can live and work legally here with the freelance visa option. The nation’s government has introduced this visa type with a vision to attract talented freelancers and self-employers worldwide. Whoever wants to work remotely with multiple businesses or employers while enjoying a high-quality lifestyle in Dubai must secure this visa.

What is an Employment Visa in Dubai?

Unlike a Dubai freelance visa, an employment visa demands a legal agreement provided to the application from a company or employer conducting business in the Emirates. Generally, this visa legalizes a non-national’s stay in the country for a specific time, which can be 2-3 years. However, the visa validation period varies depending on the job offered to the applicant by the Dubai or UAE-based employer. Not only is the applicant provided with a job offer from a Dubai-based company or employer, but the applicant also secures visa sponsorship from them.

Employment & Freelance Visa in Dubai: Key Differences

It might be confusing for a job seeker to choose the right visa type, as Dubai visa services provided by the visa authority offer multiple visa options. Primarily, freelance and employment visas are most preferred by job seekers looking for a desirable job in any sector in Dubai.

Here are the key differences between the two visa options that can help you make an informed decision:

1. Eligibility Criteria

The first thing that makes employment and Dubai freelance visa different is the eligibility criteria for the applicants. If you want to secure an employment visa, age is the first eligibility criterion to pass. Anyone below 18 can’t apply for this visa. Another main thing to have is a job offer and a signed job contract from a Dubai-based company, which also acts as a sponsor for the applicant. Other requirements that make an applicant eligible are qualification demands, a valid passport, and proof of a clear medical and background checkup.

Unlike an employment visa, where the entire process from labor approval to residency permit is handled by the company or employer, for a freelance visa in Dubai, the applicant is responsible for handling the entire application procedure. Anyone above 18 with a valid passport, bachelor’s or equivalent degree, proof of medical checkup passing, proof of no criminal record, and a minimum annual income can apply for this visa. If you need a freelance visa within a particular free zone, you have to submit proof of previous work or projects in your field. 

For both visas, the main eligibility requirements that remain the same are the age limit, a medical test passing certificate, a valid passport, and a security or background check passing proof.

2. Sponsorship Requirements

For applicants applying for an employment visa in Dubai, the application procedure is easier, as the UAE-based companies or employers who are providing jobs take the role of their visa sponsors. What is more good for employment visa applicants is that their sponsors acquire the necessary approvals, manage associated costs, and even provide health insurance and residency permit benefits. However, a Dubai freelance visa is a self-sponsored visa, which means an applicant is responsible for applying, obtaining, and maintaining it.  

3. Validity & Renewal Procedure

An employment visa legalizes a non-national’s living and working in the Emirates for 2 to 3 years. However, this duration may vary depending on the company’s location (free zone or mainland) and structure. Just like the visa obtaining, the company or employer takes responsibility for the visa renewal before its expiry to confirm their employee is legally working and staying within the emirate. As a freelancer, you will be provided with at least 1 to 3 years during which you can legally stay and work in Dubai. Freelancers have to be more careful regarding visa expiration, as they have to manage their work and the freelance visa in Dubai process together.

4. Work Flexibility

Unlike employment visas that bind job seekers with a single employer, freelancers can work legally with multiple clients remotely on different projects. Freelance UAE visa services offer more flexibility, as freelancers work depending on their schedule and are less pressured and controlled by their employer. While working with multiple clients, freelancers often gain more skills and knowledge about new things. 

Also, a better work-life balance is offered by a Dubai freelance visa. But if you think about stability and regular salary and benefits, the other option is better. Even though regular employees working for a particular company are provided with fewer project choices and have less control over their work, they are provided with many lucrative benefits, like paid leaves, health insurance, etc.

Dubai Freelance Visa & Employment Visa: Other Considerations

• If you are currently living in the Emirates and wish to secure a Dubai freelance visa, you can do it, but for this, you have to resign from your current job.
• A freelance visa cost in Dubai is more than an employment visa, as the entire application is handled by the applicant and the other visa’s related costs are handled by the employer.
• Though a freelancer visa Dubai price is higher than the employment visa, with the latter option, you cannot work with multiple employers. 

Conclusion

The choice between an employment and freelance visa completely depends on a job seeker’s individual preference. If you are still not sure about your skill set and do not have proof of freelancing on specific projects, it is better to go with an employment visa. Are you still confused about which visa to choose? Connect with Disha Global Tours and secure a hassle-free, smooth, and compliant visa-obtaining process. Make us your trusted visa partner for employment and freelance visas in Dubai at the most competitive price.

Also Read: How Much Does a 2-Year Freelance Visa Cost in Dubai?