How to Get a Talent Pass License in Dubai

In Dubai, freelancers can get a “Talent Pass” license and work in this Emirate and other regions of the UAE for at least 3 years. Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZ) launched this project in January 2022. The goal is to attract talented people from all over the world to the country and make them not want to leave.

It is important to mention an important point: a license is not equal to a visa. You will be able to apply for a three-year residence visa only after you are eligible for a Talent Pass license. Therefore, first of all, we will tell you how to get a license and what its advantages are, and then we will deal with the visa nuances.

Talent Pass Benefits

With a Talent Pass from DAFZ, you will be able to:

• Obtain a three-year residence permit.
• Rent office space provided by DAFZ.
• Gain access to a huge community of 2300 international companies (from more than 20 fields), which means that you will have a lot of potential clients.
• The opportunity to apply for a freelancer's residence permit in Dubai is not only for yourself but also for family members. The issuance of visas for relatives is done in parallel with your documents or after you receive your residence permit.

If, after applying for a Talent Pass license, you change your mind and decide to cancel it, you need to consider the following: 

• All fees paid for this license are non-refundable. 
• The cancellation fee will be 665 UAE dirhams (about $180). 
• If you have already obtained a residence permit under this license, you must cancel the process of obtaining a residence visa. Accordingly, the money spent on the visa will not be refunded.
• Once the license is revoked, you will lose all the privileges and opportunities it originally provided—access to DAFZ infrastructure and services, a community of companies and professionals, office rental options, etc.
• License revocation does not involve any penalties. However, it may affect your ability to re-license in the future.

Who is Eligible to Apply for a Talent Pass Visa?

Freelancers who work in the following fields: arts, culture, education, media, marketing, consulting, and technology can get a Talent Pass. The list of eligible professions includes: 

• Actor
• Photographer for aerial photography
• Animator
• Artist
• Audio/sound engineer
• Cameraman
• Choreographer
• Commentator
• Composer
• Content Maker
• Copywriter
• Costume Designer
• Critics: music, film, theater
• Director: film, television, music, theater
• Editor: audio/video
• Editor: Publishing
• Stylist
• Fitness trainer
• Furniture Designer
• Graphic Designer
• Hairdresser
• Illustrator
• Image Consultant
• Interior Designer
• Journalist
• Lighting technician
• Makeup artist
• Market Analyst
• Marketing Specialist
• Music Director
• Musician
• Photographer
• Photojournalist
• Presenter (TV/Radio)
• Print Media Specialist
• Producer
• Public Relations Specialist
• Researcher
• Screenwriter
• Translator
• Videographer
• Web Designer
• Wedding planner 
• Writer

How to Obtain a Talent Pass Visa in Dubai

The requirements for a Dubai Talent Pass and a step-by-step process for obtaining a license are as follows:  

Step 1. Go to the official website of DAFZ.

Step 2. Click on the “Sign up and get started” button.

Step 3. We get to the page with the application form, where we need to enter our data and upload the necessary documents: 

• Copy of passport.
• A copy of your valid visa (if you have one).
• Portfolio/diploma/recommendation letters.
• Case studies proving work experience in the specified field
• Resume.
• List of services and fees.
• For technology-related activities, you must attach a degree or letter of experience from the employer (or completion of relevant training courses). 

Step 4. After completing the form, click “Submit application”.

Step 5. While the application is being processed, we will receive an email notification of the current status.

Step 6. After your candidacy is approved, you need to pay for the license, apply for an office lease if you wish, and complete the visa process (if it is relevant for you). The issuance of the license will take 10 to 15 business days.

The Cost of a DAFZ Talent Pass  

We contacted DAFZ representatives to find out more about what the price for obtaining and renewing a talent license consists of. 

How to Renew Your Talent Pass License

A Talent Pass license must be renewed annually after its expiration date. The process is as follows:

• 30–60 days before your current license expires, you must submit a renewal application to DAFZ. This can be done in person or through a third party.
• The application will need to confirm that there have been no changes to your details and activities as stated on the initial Talent Pass application.
• You will also need to pay the state fee for the license renewal. 
• DAFZ staff will review the renewal application within 10-15 business days. This timeframe may increase if any additional documents or inspections are required.

Once approved, a renewed Talent Pass license is issued for another year. The procedure will need to be repeated every year to maintain the validity of the document.

Conditions for Obtaining a 10-year Cultural Visa

For representatives of creative professions, there is an opportunity to get a 10-year cultural visa in the UAE. This is a great option to establish yourself in the country for a long period of time and devote yourself to your favorite business.

To qualify for such a visa, you need to meet three main criteria:

• Create unique, creative products that have a positive impact on society. For example, works of art, publications, musicals, or literary works.
• Actively engage in creative endeavors for a minimum of 5 years. This may involve participating in exhibitions, galleries, competitions, festivals, and other important events.
• Have recognition and respect from the professional community. Ideally, inspire and motivate young artists through example and mentorship.