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Remote-Freelance: where to put an end to choosing the type of residence permit

Remote нельзя Freelance: где поставить точку в выборе типа ВНЖ

There are various types of visas for foreign professionals in the UAE, including a freelance visa and a remote work visa. These two types of visas grant the right to legally stay and work in the country, but they are designed for different categories of specialists and have their own characteristics. Let’s look at the main differences between them.

Freelance Visa

A freelance visa is a type of visa designed for professionals who work independently (on a freelance basis) and provide services to clients on a contractual basis, without being tied to a single employer. This type of visa is popular among professionals in fields such as OT, media, marketing, design, etc.

Main Features:

  1. Purpose: The freelance visa is intended for those who want to work in the UAE as an independent specialist and provide services to clients on a freelance basis.
  2. License: To work as a freelancer, you must obtain a freelance license (freelance permit) through one of the free economic zones, such as Dubai Media City, Dubai Knowledge Park, Dubai Design District, or Fujairah Creative City.
  3. Restrictions: A freelance visa allows you to work only in those fields of activity that are specified in your license. For example, if your license is in the media field, you will not be able to legally work in another field without obtaining the appropriate permits.
  4. Visa extension: A freelance visa can be extended for up to 3 years (depending on the conditions).
  5. Opportunities: A freelance visa holder can work with several clients or companies at the same time, both in the UAE and abroad.

Advantages:

  1. It gives you the opportunity to be an independent entrepreneur.
  2. It does not require a sponsor or employer.
  3. Access to resident benefits such as bank accounts, rental housing and medical care.

Remote Work Visa

UAE

The Remote Work visa is a new visa introduced by the UAE as part of a program for professionals working remotely for foreign companies. This type of visa allows foreign citizens to reside in the UAE while continuing to work remotely for their foreign employer, without being under the jurisdiction of the UAE in terms of employment.

Main Features:

  1. Purpose: The remote work visa is intended for professionals who already work for a company outside the UAE and want to reside in the country while maintaining their current job.
  2. Employer: The holder of this visa continues to be an employee of a foreign company. Unlike a freelance visa, a remote work visa does not allow you to search for clients in the UAE or engage in business activities.
  3. Requirements: To obtain this visa, you must provide proof of employment with a foreign employer (for example, a contract), as well as a salary certificate. The minimum income for obtaining a visa is $5,000 per month.
  4. Visa extension: A remote work visa is issued for one year with the possibility of extension if the conditions are met.
  5. Opportunities: The holder of a remote work visa can enjoy all the benefits of a UAE resident, such as access to banking services, rental of real estate and medical services.

Advantages:

  1. Allows you to live in the UAE without having to change jobs.
  2. The opportunity to enjoy the UAE’s infrastructure and access resident privileges without violating obligations to the current employer.
  3. It does not require starting a business or finding freelance clients.

The main differences are

CharacteristicFreelance visaRemote work visa
AppointmentFor independent professionals working on a freelance basis, including for clients in the UAEFor employees of foreign companies working remotely and owners of companies operating outside the UAE
LicensingA freelance license is requiredNot required
Work in the UAEYou can work with local and international clientsYou cannot work for clients in the UAE
Employment opportunitiesIndependent activityWorking for a foreign employer
Minimum incomeThere are no restrictionsMinimum $5,000 per month
Duration of the visaUp to 3 years old                       1 year with the possibility of extension
Family sponsorshipAvailable                   Available
Bank accounts and resident benefitsAvailableAvailable

Both options provide the opportunity to live and enjoy the benefits of residency in the UAE, but they are designed for different forms of employment.

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Vladimir Sviridov
Vladimir Sviridov
General Manager RLC Consulting
With a Postgraduate Masters in Finance from The, Moscow State University, Russia. Vladimir started his professional career as an auditor of the financial sector of EY. After that, he worked for several years in senior positions in corporate banking. In 2018-2021, he managed the finances of a large agricultural holding, and is currently responsible for strategic planning, corporate partnership and financial management in the role of General Manager of RLC Consulting GROUP in the UAE.

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