A Freelancer Visa in the UAE grants individuals the right to legally offer professional services and reside in the country, without being tied to a single employer or fixed location. It provides full access to the benefits of UAE residency, including opening local bank accounts, transferring money internationally, and receiving global payments with ease. Starting with an affordable setup, freelancers can steadily grow and expand their businesses. Additionally, the visa offers the opportunity to relocate with family members, ensuring a secure and stable environment for living, working, and studying in one of the fastest-growing regions of the GCC.
Here’s a complete guide to the most affordable freelance visa options available in the UAE.
Residence visas for freelancers in the UAE are issued by both free zones and mainland authorities. However, free zones provide the most affordable and streamlined option for securing a freelance permit and obtaining a freelancer visa.
There are multiple options for obtaining a freelance work permit and visa in Dubai. You can apply through DMCC, Dubai South Free Zone, or one of the free zones operated by the TECOM Group.
The TECOM Group manages several prominent free zones, including Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, Dubai Knowledge Park, Dubai Design District, Dubai Industrial Park, and others.
One popular initiative, GoFreelance — supported by the Dubai Development Authority — offers a wide range of freelance activities across four key sectors: design, education, media, and technology. With such diverse categories, GoFreelance serves as an excellent platform for obtaining both your freelance work permit and residence visa in Dubai.
Register on the official website gofreelance.ae.
Submit the required documents.
Pay the relevant fees for the freelance permit and residence visa.
Obtain your freelance license.
Apply for your residence visa and Emirates ID.
Complete a medical examination and biometric procedures.
Receive your freelancer visa and Emirates ID.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Freelance license 2-year residence visa Medical test Emirates ID | 14,200 AED |
| 1-year health insurance | from 1,100 AED |
| Total | 15,300 AED |
Prices are for reference only and do not constitute an official offer. Agency fees are not included.
To secure a freelancer visa in the UAE and launch your business as an independent entrepreneur, you must meet specific requirements and follow a structured application process.
Before applying for a visa, you must first obtain a freelance permit (also known as a freelancer license), which acts as your official work authorization. It’s important to note that freelancers are allowed to offer only professional services and are not permitted to engage in trading activities. Additionally, applicants must be at least 18 years old to be eligible for a freelance permit.
Depending on your field of expertise, you may need to submit certificates or other proof of qualifications.
You can register your freelance license remotely. However, if you need a residence visa, you must travel to Dubai for 2–3 days to complete the mandatory medical examination and submit your biometric data.
Applicants must provide a clear criminal record certificate, as background checks may be required during the visa process.
The process of obtaining a visa and license for freelance work in the UAE involves several key steps. Wondering how to apply for a freelance visa in Dubai? Here’s a general overview:
Choose the appropriate free zone authority based on your professional activity. Each free zone has its own set of costs and requirements for obtaining a freelance permit.
Submit your application for a freelance license along with the required documents. Once approved, the permit enables you to work legally as a freelancer in the UAE. Typically, the process takes 5-10 days to complete.
After your freelance permit is approved by the selected free zone authority, you can proceed with applying for a residence visa. This visa grants you the right to live in the UAE and also allows you to sponsor your family members.
Then arrive in Dubai to finalize the visa application procedure, undergo medical checks, and complete other formalities.
In Dubai free zones medical insurance is also required.
Once approved, you will receive your visa, which is valid for 2 years.
For most freelancers, there are no strict professional background requirements. You simply need to gather the necessary documents and submit your permit application.
Generally, the required documents include:
Valid passport copy
Visa and Emirates ID copy (if you are a UAE resident)
No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your current sponsor (if applicable)
Recent photograph
CV
Portfolio of work (if applicable)
Securing a freelance visa in Dubai grants you a residence visa, allowing you to live in the country. Additionally, you’ll need a work permit or freelance license to legally work in the UAE.
UAE Resident Status
The main benefit of a freelance visa in the UAE is gaining official resident status. With a residency permit, you can:
Live and work legally in the United Arab Emirates
Rent or purchase property
Conduct business in the UAE
Open bank accounts
Sponsor your family members
Enroll your children in schools
Pursue your own education
Buy a car and obtain a driver’s license
As a resident, you’ll be able to enjoy many of the advantages the UAE offers.
Legal Conduct of Business Activities
A freelancer visa in Dubai allows you to legally carry out professional activities, including:
Registering a legal business address
Opening Emirati and international bank accounts
Issuing invoices and receiving payments from legal entities
Complying with UAE tax regulations while minimizing your tax burden
Lowered Tax Burden
The UAE is known for its tax-friendly policies. There’s no personal income tax, property tax, or tax on dividends or capital gains for individuals. However, freelancers may be required to pay taxes on their business income under UAE corporate tax laws.
Flexible Living
A freelance visa offers flexibility, allowing you to:
Work without being tied to a fixed schedule or specific location
Build relationships with multiple employers to increase your income
Lower Business Setup Costs
Obtaining a freelancer license is more affordable than registering a full company in the UAE. Freelancers don’t need to rent office space or hire employees, and they can use cost-effective alternatives like home offices, flexi-desks, or co-working spaces. This also offers opportunities to reduce tax obligations.
High Standards of Living in the UAE
The UAE boasts a high standard of living, including:
A strong and transparent banking system adhering to international standards
Smooth international transactions with no currency controls
The UAE as a major hub for global trade and finance, with direct access to international markets
A government friendly to foreign business, focused on economic diversification
Rapidly growing tourism, with world-class infrastructure and leisure facilities
High safety standards, consistently ranking among the top 5 safest countries globally
Freelancers in content creation, advertising, digital marketing, and production can apply through free zones like Dubai Media City, Abu Dhabi’s Twofour54, and Fujairah’s Creative City. These zones provide specialized media resources and valuable networking opportunities for professionals in these fields.
Educators, trainers, and academic consultants can obtain freelance permits through Dubai Knowledge Park and Abu Dhabi’s Twofour54. These zones are designed for professionals offering workshops, online courses, and academic content.
Dubai Internet City, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and RAKEZ are top choices for tech professionals specializing in software development, data analysis, and IT consulting. These free zones provide the ideal environment for tech-driven businesses and freelancers.
For creative designers in fashion, graphics, and interior design, Dubai Design District (D3) and Ajman Free Zone offer specialized support for setting up design studios or consultancies.
Business advisors, legal consultants, and professional service providers often opt for free zones like DMCC and UAQ Free Trade Zone, which are tailored for consultancy-based businesses and offer comprehensive support services.
Video producers, photographers, and creative studios can find ideal permits in Dubai Media City and Sharjah Media City (SHAMS), both offering specialized facilities for high-end content production.
Musicians and audio professionals can register in free zones like Dubai Studio City, which provides resources for music production, audio engineering, and sound design.
Freelance writers, editors, and publishers can find support in Abu Dhabi’s Twofour54 and Sharjah Publishing City. These zones offer services for publishing, copyright management, and distribution.
Visual artists, illustrators, and craftspersons can opt for Fujairah’s Creative City or Dubai Design District, which offer access to studios, galleries, and event spaces specifically designed for the creative arts.
Each free zone’s specialized focus enables freelancers to access targeted resources, networks, and support systems, boosting opportunities within their chosen industry. Additionally, some free zones offer activities that span multiple categories, providing even broader opportunities for freelancers.
Although many freelancers work from home, some free zones provide shared office spaces. These co-working spaces offer a professional environment and networking opportunities for those with a freelance visa in Dubai. You can also take advantage of virtual offices, which come with an official business address and additional services, including meeting rooms.
| Facility | Description |
|---|---|
| Home office | Ideal for those who prefer working independently without added costs. |
| Flexi-desk | Flexible shared desk space available in many free zones, providing an affordable option with access to office amenities. |
| Coworking spaces | These offer a professional setting with networking opportunities, ideal for freelancers who value a collaborative environment. |
| Virtual offices | Provides a prestigious business address, meeting rooms, and basic office support without a physical desk |
The UAE offers various business registration authorities for freelance visa applications in Dubai and other emirates, broadly categorized into:
UAE Free Zones
UAE Mainland
Regardless of where your permit and visa are issued, you retain the right to work across the UAE. The distinction between different licensing authorities, such as Dubai Media City, RAKEZ, and AFZA, primarily lies in the range of business activities available to freelancers and the associated costs.
Dubai’s free zones are among the most popular jurisdictions for freelancers. You can also apply for a freelance license in other free zones and emirates, including Abu Dhabi’s Department of Economic Development, Twofour54, the UAQ Free Trade Zone, Ajman Free Zone, SHAMS Free Zone, RAKEZ, and Fujairah’s Creative City.
The key advantages of free zones for obtaining a residence visa include a streamlined license registration process, quicker approval times, affordable costs, and minimal office space requirements, often limited to a flexi-desk.
Obtaining a freelance visa on the UAE mainland can be more challenging due to stricter approvals and higher costs compared to free zones. However, freelance permits issued on the mainland offer greater flexibility. They allow individuals to work independently without being tied to a specific free zone. Unlike free zone licenses, which restrict business activities to the issuing zone, mainland freelance licenses allow professionals to operate anywhere in the UAE and work with a broader client base. Additionally, mainland freelancers can apply for contracts with government entities, which is typically not allowed under free zone regulations.
| LICENSE TYPE | VISAS INCLUDED | TOTAL COST |
|---|---|---|
| DMCC License – Freelance package | 1 visa | 15,300 AED |
| UAQ License – Freelance package | 1 visa | 22,865 AED |
| RAKEZ – Freelance package | 1 visa | 17,905 AED |
| TECOM License – Freelance package | 1 visa | 18,000 AED |
| Ajman License – Freelance package | 1 visa | 22,922 AED |
For over 10 years, Emirabiz has been assisting businesses in establishing themselves in the UAE. We offer comprehensive support in company setup, license acquisition, residency visas, and bank account opening. Our team of seasoned experts, including business consultants, legal advisors, accountants, tax specialists, and real estate professionals, is well-versed in the latest UAE regulations and standards.
We’re here to guide you in launching your freelance business in Dubai, tailoring our services to your experience, goals, and potential. Our expertise ensures you secure the most affordable freelance visa. With Visakingsdubai, you can confidently build your future in one of the world’s most dynamic business hubs.
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