The United Arab Emirates as an ever-evolving landscape of the UAE, the concept of self-sufficiency has become increasingly significant, offering individuals like you an opportunity to establish yourself independently in the region.
A self-sponsored visa in the UAE is a pivotal tool you can use in your endeavor, providing you with access to a wealth of opportunities. This post will explore the intricacies of how you can secure yourself a self-sponsored visa through the acquisition of trade licenses and investor visas, helping you carve out your path in the thriving economic hub of the UAE.
What is Self-Sponsored Visa UAE?
Before embarking on the journey to secure a self-sponsored visa in the UAE, it is crucial to understand what it entails. Essentially, a self-sponsored visa is a resident visa that allows you to live in the UAE without the need for sponsorship from a family member or employer. This visa grants you the freedom to be your sponsor, typically through owning a business or making a substantial investment in the country.
Types of Self-Sponsored Visa
Dubai offers numerous types of freelance visas tailored to various professions and sectors. Some of the common types include:
a. Freelance Visa for Media
This visa is for professionals in the media sector and requires a portfolio of work.
b. Freelance Visa for Education
Designed for researchers, e-learning advisors, tutors, and other education specialists.
c. Freelance Visa for Design
Suitable for designers across various fields, including graphic design, costume design, interior design, and jewelry design.
Benefits of Self-Sponsored Visa
With a self-sponsored visa, you can join a thriving community of freelancers, which boasts thousands of members. This type of visa is very affordable and does not require you to rent an office space. Additionally, the residency visa is cost-effective and is typically valid for 2 years, with the possibility of extending to 3 years in certain cases. Moreover, holding this visa grants you access to dedicated support services designed to help you advance your career.
Who can Apply for Self-Sponsorship Visa UAE
Both UAE residents and non-residents can apply for this visa from any location within the country. If you are a UAE resident on a parent’s or spouse’s visa, you will only need a freelancer permit.
Professionals with full-time jobs can also start freelancing by obtaining this special permit.
However, if you are not a UAE resident, you will need to obtain a freelancer visa or a self-sponsored visa in the UAE.
Additionally, applying for a residency permit is necessary to live and work as a freelancer in the UAE. With Connect Resources, you can easily obtain all these essential documents and start your freelancing journey.
Eligibility for Self-Sponsored Visa
To reiterate, this visa allows individuals to reside and work as a freelancer or independent contractor legally. It also acts as a residency permit and allows visa holders to sponsor family members. The eligibility criteria are that you must have;
• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Have a valid passport.
• Provide educational qualifications like a university degree or diploma.
• Two years of freelancing experience in your sector.
• Earn a minimum income of AED 360,000 per annum.
• Clear a medical fitness test.
• Provide no criminal record.
Required Documents
• Your application form
• Passport copy.
• Educational certificates.
• Updated CV.
• Passport photos.
• Previous visa copies (if a UAE resident).
• Emirates ID copy (for UAE residents).
• Portfolio of work required for designers.
• Proof of income.
How Much Does it Cost to Get a UAE Visa?
The cost of a freelance visa in Dubai varies depending on the type and the applicant’s residency status. For instance, the freelance permit alone costs around AED 7,500 for both issuance and renewal. Additionally, the Establishment Card for the freelance visa costs AED 2,000. There are also other costs related to the residence visa and sponsorship permit. Below is a breakdown of the total freelance visa cost, including insurance, permits, the establishment card, and all other charges:
One-year Visa: AED 4,381
Two-year Visa: AED 4,750
Costs Breakdown:
Freelance visas are generally affordable, with an approximate total cost of AED 20,000 to secure your freelance visa status. The detailed costs for a freelance visa in Dubai are as follows:
• Freelance work permit fees: AED 7,500
• Establishment card charges: AED 6,000
• Medical charges: AED 320
• Entry permit: AED 1,150
• Residency visa: AED 5,460
Conclusion
To come to the UAE, It is ascertained that you might not need to have a sponsor or an employer for that. But it is without doubt that applying for a freelance visa has some complex application process that requires some level of expertise to help achieve a seamless visa application and approval.
We at eLegal Consultants offer the service of helping our clients and potential clients like you apply for and get visas in the UAE. There are also other visas in the UAE we offer our services for like the freelance visa, golden visa, and skilled worker visa among others.
You can also contact us for a free consultation on other services we offer such as real estate, family cases, debt recovery, medical negligence, contract review and drafting, legal notice filing, company formation, and management.
We at eLegal Consultants are ready to journey with you to actualize your dreams. Contact us today.
