Dubai and the whole UAE have become a dream place for many of us looking for freedom in our work and a chance to grow. A lot of people start with a UAE Freelance Visa because it gives you that nice flexibility, you can work with multiple clients, choose your projects, and basically build your career the way you like.
But sooner or later, many freelancers start thinking, “Freelancing is good, but maybe it’s time for something more stable.” And that’s exactly what we’re going to talk about here whether you can move from a freelance visa to an employment visa, how the process works step by step, and where Metx360, a Gulf Job Consultancy in Kochi, Kerala, fits into the whole picture. It’s a simple guide, nothing too complicated.
Understanding the UAE Freelance Visa
A freelance visa is perfect for people who want to be independent, consultants, designers, IT folks, writers, media people, and so on. You get to handle your own time, your own clients.
But the thing is, this visa doesn’t allow you to take a full-time job with a single company. That’s the catch.
Why Do People Shift to a Full-Time Work Visa?
There are quite a few reasons why freelancers decide to take up a full-time role:
Stability
A steady monthly income just gives peace of mind.
Career Growth
You get training, promotions, and a clearer path ahead.
Company Benefits
Insurance, paid leave, gratuity, all the things freelancers usually miss.
Family Support
Work visas make it easier to sponsor your family.
And this is where Metx360 helps a lot. Being a strong Job Consultancy for Gulf Countries in Kochi, Kerala, we connect people with reliable companies in the Gulf.
Can You Convert a Freelance Visa Directly Into a Work Visa?
NO. There’s no direct conversion. The UAE rules don’t allow that.
But not to worry, the process is still very much possible. You just have to cancel the freelance visa first and then apply for a work visa through the employer. It’s a normal, legal thing that many people do.
How to Upgrade from Freelance Visa to Work Visa (Step-by-Step)
1. Get a Job Offer
This is the first and most important step. The employer must be registered under MoHRE.
And yes, Metx360 can help you find good opportunities with genuine UAE companies.
2. Cancel Your Freelance Visa
This has to be done through the free zone or the authority that issued it. No shortcuts here.
3. Employer Applies for the Work Permit
Your employer will handle most of the paperwork on the MoHRE portal.
4. Do the Medical Test & Emirates ID Biometrics
Everyone has to do this. It’s a simple but mandatory part of the work visa process.
5. Get Your Residence Visa Stamped
Once GDRFA stamps your visa, you officially become an employee under your new company.
Simple process, but you need to follow it properly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I directly convert my UAE freelance visa to a work visa?
No, that’s not allowed. You must cancel the freelance visa first.
2. How many days do I get after cancelling the freelance visa?
Usually around 30 days to change your status or exit the UAE.
3. Do I have to take a medical test for the work visa?
Yes, definitely. It’s compulsory.
4. Does Metx360 help freelancers find Gulf jobs?
Of course. Metx360 is one of the well-known Gulf Job Consultancy in Kochi, Kerala, and they help people find proper Gulf jobs safely.
5. Do I need attested certificates for the work visa?
Yes, especially for skilled or professional roles. The UAE requires attested documents.
Conclusion
So yes, you can move from a UAE freelance visa to an employment visa, just not directly. You’ll have to follow the proper cancellation and re-application steps. But once you do it the right way, the process is actually quite smooth.
And, having someone guiding you, like Metx360, a trusted Job Consultancy for Gulf Countries in Kochi, Kerala, makes the journey a lot easier. Whether you’re freelancing now or planning a long-term Gulf career, having the right support can make a huge difference.
