Department of immigration seeks experienced or skilled professionals working in the creative and freelance field who can get the UAE golden visa and stay in the country and work there on a 10-years visa. And it matters not whether you are a content creators, artist, writer, or media master and even technology freelancer, now you have a new exciting opportunity to have UAE as your long-term home.
This venture portrays the interest of the UAE to have a knowledge-based, creative economy; since it will reward the people who give to its culture, innovation, and digital ecosystem.
Who Can Apply?
The 10-year Golden Visa has been opened to:
- Content creators (YouTuber, podcasters, influencers)
- Performing and visual artists
- Authors, poets and literature writers
- Practitioners that work in digital media
- Technical and software developers freelancers
- Enterprise creatives and cultural practitioners
The visa is part of a bigger initiative aimed to retain the best talent in the world and to help the freelancers work on long-term positive security in the UAE.
Eligibility Requirements
As a creator or freelancer you need to fulfil the following criteria to be eligible to obtain the Golden Visa:
For Freelancers:
- Valid freelance permit supplied by UAE Free Zone ( e.g. twofour54, Dubai Media City )
- Recent work portfolio
- AED 360000 annual salary or minimum income per year or equivalent
- Evidence of on-going contracts/projects
For Creators & Artists:
- Awards or fame in your vocation (local or International)
- Recommendations/ letters of endorsement by the concerned UAE authorities including:
- Dubai Culture
- Dept of Culture and tourism Abu Dhabi
- environmental activity of Internet presence and having an online track record
How to Apply
1. Prepare Documents:
- Passport copy
- Recent photograph
- (if any) Emirates ID
- Creative permit or freelance license
- Income and work samples proofs
2. Apply via ICA or GDRFA Portal:
- Visit the ICP Smart Services portal or Dubai’s GDRFA sitehttps://icp.gov.ae/
- Open an account and complete the Golden Visa application form
3. Pay the Fees:
The cost varies between AED 2, 800 and AED 3, 800 under different Emirates and the service centres
4. Wait for Approval:
- In case you are accepted, you will be given a residency of 10 years and you can also sponsor your family members too.
Benefits of the Golden Visa
- Renewable residence by 10 years
- Liberty to work or live in any area within UAE
- Local sponsor not needed
- Capacity to sponsor dependants and relatives.
- Identity cards providing a prior share of government services and resources
- Consistency in order to start or expand your brand or freelance business
Why UAE?
UAE is quickly evolving in a regional center of producers, innovators, and online businessowners. It has no income tax, powerful digital infrastructure, and several policies and programs (freelancer and artist friendly) making it one of the most appealing countries in the world to pursue freelancers and artists.
Dubai is investing heavily into media, content creation and IT-driven industries; its Creative Economy Strategy and cultural fund in Abu Dhabi are among projects that focus on industry development.
