Freelance visa in the UAE for Russians

Freelance visa in the UAE for Russians - Makebiz

In recent years, the United Arab Emirates has become a popular destination for freelancers from all over the world, including Russians. Government programs for obtaining a resident visa offer many advantages for those who want to work remotely in this sunny and dynamic region. Let’s take a closer look at the types of visas for specialists in different industries and how to get them in Dubai. 

There are several programs in Dubai that can be considered depending on your circumstances. 

1. Green Visa for Work is a long-term visa that grants the right to reside in any emirate for up to five years, allowing you not to worry about regular visa extensions. To obtain it, you need to prove income for the last 24 months in the amount of at least $ 98 thousand per year, as well as provide documents on higher education (at least bachelor’s degree) and a self-employment permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).

For qualified employees, the salary requirements are at least $4 thousand per month, and an employment contract and a MoHRE certificate of professional level are also required.

2. A freelance visa involves obtaining a license to operate in the country along with obtaining a resident visa for one or two years. The process includes the following steps:

  • Search for a suitable free zone (FZ), the list of which contains the activities you need for a license. For example, if you specialize in IT, then in order to provide this type of service to clients in Dubai, you need to add this type of activity to the license. It allows you to conduct legal activities in the country. Remember that each economic zone has its own conditions and requirements, so it is important to choose the one that meets your professional goals.
  • To apply, you will need a small list of documents: a completed application, a resume, a photo, and a copy of your passport. Some frisons have special requirements for certain types of activities. For example, the media sector is now more strictly regulated. To obtain such a license, an additional specialist’s degree in this field is most often required. If it is issued in the Russian Federation, then for use in the UAE it must undergo the procedure of consular legalization (translation and certification by the relevant authorities).
  • After submitting the documents, the administration of the free zone will issue a preliminary approval. At this stage, you will need to pay the application processing fee. Next, you need to enter the country to undergo medical treatment. biometrics examinations and procedures.

After obtaining a license, a freelancer gets the right to work throughout the country, and obtaining a resident visa on this basis allows them to stay in the country for at least one year with the possibility of extension. It is important to remember that there is a requirement to report to the tax service if the annual income exceeds dirhams 187,500.

3. The digital Nomad visa is suitable for professionals who work remotely outside the Emirates. There are two suitable programs: 

  • Virtual Work Residence Visa, the main requirements of which are: an employment contract with a foreign company (i.e. it cannot be based in the UAE), which provides for the possibility of remote work with a salary of at least $3,500 per month. To apply, you will need a standard set of documents, including a passport, photos, as well as proof of employment and regular payments.
  • Dubai’s Virtual Working Program (DVWP). She offers higher income requirements, which are important to confirm: at least $5,000 per month. This program also covers business owners (for example, sole proprietors in Russia), which makes it particularly attractive to entrepreneurs.

The key advantage of residency in the country is the opportunity to move with your close relatives. After receiving a visa, you can act as a sponsor for your spouse, children, and parents, while meeting the income and residence requirements. As a result, all of them will be able to obtain a residence permit and legally stay in the UAE as long as the sponsor’s visa is valid. 

It is important to understand that at the end of the validity period, you have the right to extend your visa, provided that the relevant program is valid and the requirements for the selected type of visa are still met. 

A freelance visa to the UAE is a great opportunity for Russians who want to work remotely and enjoy life in one of the most attractive countries in the world. Despite the existence of certain requirements and difficulties in the process of obtaining residency, the advantages that the country provides make this opportunity very attractive. It allows you to expand your environment, scale up in your business and live in the comfortable conditions of an actively developing region. Makebiz specialists will introduce you to the basic requirements and guide you through all the processes without difficulties and delays.

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