Aligned with Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of UAE’s National Strategy for Cultural and Creative Industries, the license will further boost the country’s freelance work culture and double the creative sector’s contribution to Dubai’s GDP.

Last year in December, the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and the Department of Economy and Tourism unveiled a Creatives Journey initiative with the goal of providing the legislative, investment, and technical environment necessary for the growth of the sector. It will help creative talent establish businesses within minutes.

Here's everything you need to know about the license and its application process:

What is the ‘talent pass’?

A freelance license offered by the Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA) with a special focus on the creative professionals in the country and internationally.

What does the ‘talent pass’ license offer?

With the talent pass, individuals will be eligible for a three-year residence visa and a license.

Executive Chairman at Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority, Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni explained how this license seeks to bring creative individuals from across the globe. “This MoU supports our strategic plans for supporting the national economy by enhancing the role of commercial, investment, and creative sectors in boosting the emirate’s GDP. It is a response to the changing market requirements and the evolving business environment in Dubai, especially in the post-pandemic period. We seek to bring creative individuals from around the world to the free zone, including specialized talent looking for opportunities in this market, ”said Zarooni.

Talent pass holders are not required to rent office spaces in the free zone and can work from anywhere. However, they will be eligible to work in any common meeting room/conference room facilities provided by the DAFZA.

Are there any charges to apply for the ‘talent pass’?

The license costs Dh9,500 ($2,586) and needs to be renewed every year. However, the visa charges can vary depending on the applicant’s visa file.

What are the documents required to apply?

DAFZ asks for a list of documents from interested applicants.

• Resume or a CV
• Letter of Recommendation (might not be required from those who graduated in a specialized field of work).
• Work Portfolio

What are the benefits of the talent pass license?

Talent pass holders will be eligible to be offered a golden visa. “Issuing a golden visa is a defined process between Dubai Culture and GDRFA, depending on the submission of profile and recommendation," explained Abdulaziz Al Hammadi, Senior Vice President – Marketing and Business Growth at DAFZ.

License holders will also have access to the network of DAFZ investors, ranging from international companies to SMEs and entrepreneurs. They will also have access to the free zone’s digital platform which will allow them to contact customers for easier access to work, contracts, and services – providing them the opportunity to expand their customer prospects.