Now signing up for freelance work does not require a huge investment in visa and permit. UAE residents can now get a permit for an annual fee of Dhs 7,500 and a visa for additional Dhs 3,250 valid for three years from Tecom Group. The new permit allows you to take up freelance jobs in education and the media sector to begin with.
Applicants can go to www.gofreelance.ae website and can register themselves in a very simple three step process. The permit also allows candidates an access to the Tecom Business Centre
There are five activities allowed in education sector and nearly 50 , including acting and journalism in the media sector.
The freelance platform was launched at a media conference at Dubai Press Club in the presence of Mona Al Marri, Director-General of the Government of Dubai Media Office and President of Dubai Press Club; Majed Al Suwaidi, Managing Director of Dubai Media City, Dubai Studio City and Dubai Production City; and Mohammad Abdullah, Managing Director of Dubai International Academic City and Dubai Knowledge Park.
However, residents who have full time jobs need to obtain a no objection certificate (NOC) from their employer.
Documents required
- Resume/CV
- Passport /visa copy
- Bank reference letter
- Sponsor's NOC (if applying for a permit without visa)
- Portfolio or sample of work (media sector only)
- Credentials and certificates (education sector only)
How to apply
- Submit your online application
- When your application is approved, you will receive an email notification. You then have to go to one of Tecom business centres to personally sign your documents and pay the fee
- Shortly afterwards you'll receive your freelance permit via email