How does a freelancer legally do business in the UAE?

I’m looking for legal implications. Do I need to start up a company? Is there a freelancer visa of some sort?

Comments

h

February 22, 2010 at 6:59 am

Freelance visas do not exist. Officially freelance work isn’t allowed, because you need a sponsor.

Foreigners in the UAE are sponsored by a company or an individual and do their freelance work more or less beside.

Take care.
Mahesh B

February 22, 2010 at 7:40 am

The cheapest and easiest way to do this is to get a trade licence from one of the Free Trade Zones in UAE. They give you a residence visa, a small office, and communication facilities and shared secretarial services and a trade name.the above will give you a proper legal status to do freelance works. Of course for certain services, you need to have the trade licence of the enirate you work in.; but when you have money comming in, you can make a branch office in the particular emirate by having a local sponsor, paying his fees, and the trade licence fees of the emirate.
If you need further details, you may mail : maheshbutani@hotmail.com
Dhabi

February 22, 2010 at 8:11 am

try this http://abudhabiliving.net/services/285
I Told You SO

February 22, 2010 at 8:26 am

The first answer by’ h’ is not true.
You can have your own ‘freelance’ biz in Dubai Media City. That’s where I was a few years ago, until I out grew it and moved to another free zone. For artists anyway, it’s a good place to start. Although it’s gotten pretty damn expensive, just like everything else here.
best of luck.