Are you eager to kickstart your freelancing career? Look no further than Expo City Dubai (ECD) for a quick and efficient way to obtain a freelancer permit in just three working days. The freelancer permit, processed by the Expo City Dubai Authority (ECDA), offers a diverse selection of business activities for you to explore.
Interested in learning more about this opportunity? Here’s everything you need to know about the process.
What is being offered?
According to the Emirates Company for Document Clearing (ECD), freelancers have the option to obtain the following permits:
– A one-year permit and new employment visa for Dh9,000 annually.
– A two-year permit for only Dh16,000.
– There are over 90 professional activities to choose from, including social media marketing, fashion design, choreography, and makeup artistry.
How does one get started?
Attention all professionals interested in obtaining a freelance permit: To begin the application process, please express your interest by contacting the Client Relations Centre at Expo City Dubai (ECD) via email at CRC@expocitydubai.ae or by visiting the Client Relations Centre in person on level two of the Women’s Pavilion in the Sustainability District. Below are the steps outlined by ECD that you must follow:
Step 1:
When you reach out to the Expo City Dubai Authority (ECDA), you will be provided with the necessary credentials to access the ECDA Portal. These credentials will allow you to submit your freelance permit application form. Simply download the form, complete it, and submit it along with the required documents listed below.
– How do one get the form?
Please visit the following link on the ECD website: https://www.expocitydubai.com/en/business-at-expo-city-dubai/#business-setup. Once on the page, scroll down to locate the ‘Individuals’ category. Click on the ‘Freelancer Permit Application Form’ to download the form. Fill out the form completely and submit it through the portal.
– Payment
According to the Emirates College for Design and Architecture (ECDA), applications will only be processed once both the application submission and payment have been completed. Prospective applicants are required to pay a total of Dh7,000, which covers the application fee of Dh500 that is non-refundable.
Step 2:
The ECDA will carefully review your application to ensure that all requirements are met. In some cases, you may be requested to submit additional documentation, such as a more comprehensive work portfolio, to strengthen your application.
Upon approval, you will be granted:
– The ECD freelance permit
– An ECD identification card
Furthermore, you will receive an invoice for the payment of the company card (establishment card) and the UAE residence visa (if applicable).
Step 3:
An ECD company card will be issued to the individual, containing a unique serial number, the individual’s name, an expiry date, and a quota of one visa for the freelancer.
The company card is a voluntary document for freelancers, only necessary if they desire to acquire a UAE residence visa. UAE citizens or self-sponsored individuals do not need a residence visa.
Duration
The process can be completed in just three working days. However, if you need a UAE residence visa, it may take up to five working days.
In addition to the Expo City permit, which offers a variety of business activities to choose from, there are numerous other options available for freelancers in the UAE. These permits are issued by the economic departments of each emirate, as well as free zone authorities. It is recommended by business setup experts that professionals consider the industry they wish to work in when selecting a jurisdiction that is most suitable for them.
