FREELANCE / FULL TIME AND EMPLOYMENT VISA TYPES

For those who plan to visit the United Arab Emirates, have one question! Which visa pays more? This is a big subject that can be talked about all day long. So, hire me, Gulf, we thought to make an article about this, so our visitors can get a basic idea about this. what were about to cover in this insight: UAE tax payment equations, hidden costs, legal requirements, benefits, salary benchmarks, and which category suits.

Here s why UAE is work for different visa types

People are talking about Dubai’s luxury life, high-paying jobs, but did you ever know that Dubai is a tax-free country, and that’s what makes this country so special compared to other countries. For example, if you’re working in Canada, the US, or the United Kingdom, according to your salary, there’s a tax that you have to pay every month. But in the United Arab Emirates, every single dirham that you earn is 100% yours. But it’s just because a zero tax-free country is not just the story. But recently, the UAE has rapidly become one of famous country that pays well for even freelance visa holders. On the other hand, company employment visa holders get other benefits too, such as free accommodations, medical insurance, and free transportation.

Benchmark of salary

The UAE official job boards base the salary ranges on the information below.

FREELANCE CONTRACT	SALARY RANGE
Videographer/Photographer	4,500AED – 8,000AED PER MONTH
MARKETING MANAGER	7,000AED – 12,000AED PER MONTH
SOFTWARE ENGINEER	7,000AED – 15,000AED PER MONTH
REAL ESTATE BROKER	4,500AED – 20,000AED PER MONTH

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EMPLOYMENT VISA	SALARY RANGE
Videographer/Photographer	3,000AED – 6,000AED PER MONTH
MARKETING MANAGER	4,500AED – 7,500AED PER MONTH
SOFTWARE ENGINEER	5,000AED – 12,000AED PER MONTH
REAL ESTATE BROKER	3,500AED – 15,000AED PER MONTH

Compared to basic ballpark figures of the above two visa types, the freelance visa wins in high-demand fields. A real estate broker with commission can get a higher salary than we mentioned for the freelance type, so the gap is clear between work visa and own visa.

The hidden costs of a freelance visa

Even though a freelance visa brings a higher salary to you, at the beginning, it costs more money to fulfil the visa approval process. A freelancer has to pay those below charges to get approval.

• Bank statement documents(not mandatory but depend on which free lance type applying for).
• Medical test and insurance. (Cost will be min 350AED).
• Emirates ID fee.(Cost is min 370+AED).
• State of change – if you’re already inside the UAE but on a visit visa, mandatory to change the status.(By bus to Oman, visa change costs around 1,000 AED – 1,500 AED / A2A visa change will cost 1,500 AED to 1,800 AED by airplane).
• Document attestation a=or translation if required( cost will be 200 AED+).

Be aware that many scammers in Dubai are promoting a freelance visa for low prices, but it has a lot of hidden costs that you have to pay. Make sure your visa service is provided by a UAE government-approved x agency.

Full-time employment benefits

• Every year annual vacation for 30 days with full payment and free tickets.
• Upto 60 days sick leave protection.
• 90 days of maternity leave.
• Free Employment visa at no cost for personal.
• Guaranteed income even during probation.
• Housing and transportation are provided.
• End of service with gratuity.
• Health insurance provided by the company.

Get the Freelance Visa Permit

A freelance visa (Own visa)has become easier to get in the United Arab Emirates now than before. We will mention the three major 3 types for freelance vista categories, which will help you to understand.

Freelance Freezone Permit

This visa permit is a legally valid document that allows you to work individually of to a company. This visa type is suitable for those who provide services like Videographers, photographers, consultants, and content creators. You can select a free zone, e.g., Rakez, Shams. Shams is low cost option comparing to the Rakez permit type. This visa is valid for 1 – 3 years.

Visa Process Require Documents :

• Original Passport and copy.
• Passport-size photo.
• Resume.
• Portfolio if available.
• Medical test.
• Boi metric test.

This visa type cost will be around 7,000 AED to 12,000 Aed depend on the permit, Emirates ID, and visa stamping.

Federal authority Freelance Permit (Green Visa)

This type of visa matches those who work remotely, web/UI developers, consultants, small business owners, etc. This visa type is not easy to get because it has more requirements and more benefits.validation time is 5 years

Visa Process Require Documents :

• Min 6 months’ valid original passport.
• white background recent photo.
• work permit documents.
• Proof of income.
• Fitness report.

Depending on your needs, the visa price will start from 8,000 AED.

Virtual Work Visa

Foreigners, digital nomads, out of the UAE business owners, for those who work outside the UAE and are not intending to work in a UAE company. The renewal facility is valid for a one-year self-sponsored freelance permit.

Visa Process Document Requirement :

• Proof of remote business ownership documents.
• 6 moths valid passport.
• Income proof documents.(Min 3500$)
• Bank Statements.
• Medical tests.

This visa can cost from 7,000 AED TO 10,000 AED.

Why Choose and Which Path (Verdict)

Freelance If	Full time If
Strong network of clients surrounds	Freshly starting a career
financially deciplined	UAE beginners
Location flexibility	Income stability
Building a brand than working under a company	Long term residency