Dubai is a city that is constantly on the move. With its imposing skyscrapers and ever-changing skyline, it is no wonder that this UAE metropolis has become one of the most popular places in the world to live and work.

But it is also a great place to work as a freelancer. Being a freelancer in Dubai offers unmatched flexibility and access to a vibrant international market.

Besides the tax-free environment, many opportunities for networking and professional development are added to the long list of reasons why many of the UK's freelancers choose to move abroad.

What is a Remote Freelancer?

A remote freelancer is a person who works independently and does not travel to the company's premises for the time they work.

This way of working has become increasingly popular in the last years, as technological advances make it easier to work from anywhere in the world. The Covid era has also encouraged remote working, initially from one's own home and then, as borders have reopened, from abroad.

There are many reasons why someone might choose to become self-employed abroad rather than from France. For some, it’s a way to escape the traditional routine and have more control over their work-life balance. For others, it’s an opportunity to improve their living environment and work in an exciting new location. And for many, being freelancer in dubai it's simply a more profitable way to run their business as expats.

So, what are the particular advantages of being an English freelancer from Dubai?

The lack of taxation is one of the main reasons why Dubai has become such a popular destination for remote freelancers. There is no personal income tax or freelance business tax in the UAE, which means you can keep a much larger portion of your earnings than you would in France. This makes it an ideal location for freelancers looking to maximize their earnings and save money on taxes.

In addition to the tax advantages, Dubai also offers a number of other benefits to freelancersThe city is home to a large number of international companies, which means there are plenty of opportunities for networking and professional development across a variety of industries.

This is especially true through the MAJ Business Club, which brings together big names in e-commerce, infopreneurs, and many UAE-based entrepreneurs who have set up their company with MAJ.

Finally, with its modern infrastructure and world-class facilities, Dubai is an excellent place to live and work.

Obtaining a Freelance License in Dubai and Residence Visa

To be able to benefit from a Residence Visa and expatriate to Dubai, you will need to create a new company registered in the UAE and get your freelance license. The freelance license is a work permit issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Empowerment. It is a fairly quick process that can be done online and with which your structure will be registered within 3 to 5 days.

For this, you can trust MAJ who will support you from A to Z in your company formation in Dubai thanks to its team of French-speaking experts on site and its network of partner banks. Our team guides you through all the necessary administrative steps, from formulating your business plan to obtaining your work license and beyond. Once you have obtained your license to work as a freelancer in Dubai, you will immediately obtain your UAE residence visa as well as opening your bank account. Our team is also responsible for providing you with all the legal and accounting advice you will need to develop your freelance business in Dubai..

Keep your existing clients from the UAE

Regardless of your remote industry, it is possible to maintain your freelance business and your current clients even after you leave for Dubai. By obtaining a multi-currency bank account, you will be able to invoice and collect your income from companies and individuals around the world, while accepting payments in their own currencies (euros, dollars, etc.).

You can also use major payment platforms like Stripe if needed and link these tools to your local account to collect card payments.

The cost of living in Dubai

The cost of living in Dubai is a complex subject. The majority of French-speaking expatriates will say that the cost of living is expensive there, mainly due to our European standards. Indeed, and this is the same regardless of the expatriation destination in the world, our desire to consume products that we were used to before our expatriation creates the inconvenience of paying their import costs.

This issue of cost of living is also a subject related to the needs and expenses of each individual and it is important to consider this subject from a step back.

Dubai is a cosmopolitan megalopolis with a population of 3 million, 90% of whom are foreigners. The vast majority of these expatriates represent a social class that works in low-paid jobs. The majority of the nationalities represented are Indian, Pakistani and Filipino and are motivated by the much better salary conditions than in their country of origin (on average $700 per month).

This salary allows these people to live in Dubai and find accommodation there, sometimes up to 40 minutes from their workplace. It is then appropriate to understand that a very low-cost life exists, but that due to our lifestyle, our different requirements and expectations, we often consider expatriation with a quality of life immediately superior to the one we had previously.

Dubai is a city that fits the smallest of budgets, but also the greatest of wealth in this world. It is up to you to take advantage of this opportunity and make the most of it.

Accommodation in Dubai

For accommodation, there is a very large supply of flats available for rent throughout the year. Market prices are constantly evolving and vary according to time and trends.

The amount requested for a rental also varies according to numerous criteria including location and proximity to amenities, as well as the “standing” of a building and its ancillary services (swimming pool, security service, etc.).

You will find ads on several sites, the two best known of which are:

https://dubai.dubizzle.com/ (equivalent of Gumtree in the Emirates) & https://www.propertyfinder.ae/ (equivalent of Rightmove).

The rent will have to be paid by cheques, the number of which will depend on the owner's wishes and potential negotiations.

As an example, a landlord may ask for a payment of AED 60K per year with a payment in 1 cheque, and AED 80K for 12 cheques (monthly payment).

Finally, please note that you will not be able to sign a lease until you have fully completed your residency procedure and received your resident visa card and freelance license (Emirates ID).