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What is a freelance visa in Dubai?
There is no single "freelance visa". You get a freelance permit (or a one person license) from a free zone, and that permit sponsors your residence visa. You work under your own name, invoice clients directly, and do not need an employer.
- Freelance permit: you, as an individual, in activities the zone allows (media, tech, design, education, consulting and more).
- Freelance license (one person company): a small company you own, which can open a business bank account more easily and grow into hiring staff later.
Freelance visa cost in Dubai and the UAE
| Route | Permit or license | First year with a 2 year visa |
|---|---|---|
| Northern emirates free zones (Shams, Ajman, RAKEZ, SPC) | From about AED 5,500 | About AED 12,000 to 16,500 |
| Dubai free zones (for example IFZA, Meydan) | About AED 12,500 and up, as a one person license | About AED 16,000 to 25,000 |
| GoFreelance (Dubai Media City, Internet City, Knowledge Park, d3) | AED 7,500 a year | From about AED 12,830 |
The visa part adds the establishment card, entry permit, medical test, Emirates ID and health insurance. Always compare the first year total, not the permit price.
What is the cheapest freelance visa in the UAE?
The lowest starting prices are in the Sharjah and northern emirates free zones: Ajman from about AED 5,555, Shams from about AED 5,750 and RAKEZ from about AED 6,000, before the visa. A Dubai address costs more. If your clients never visit, the cheaper emirate usually makes sense; see the cheapest free zones.
Green Visa for freelancers
The Green Visa is a 5 year self-sponsored residence. For freelancers it needs:
- a freelance permit from MOHRE (the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation)
- a bachelor's degree or specialised diploma
- self-employment income of at least AED 360,000 a year over the previous 2 years, or proof of financial solvency
Most new freelancers start with a free zone permit and move to the Green Visa once they meet the income test.
How to get a freelance visa
- Choose the zone and activity that fit your work and budget.
- Apply for the permit or license with your passport, photo and CV or portfolio.
- Establishment card and entry permit (or change of status if you are already in the UAE).
- Medical test, Emirates ID and visa stamping. Most people finish in 2 to 4 weeks.
Get a freelance visa quote
Tell us what you do and where your clients are. We compare the zones and send you a fixed, itemised first year quote.
Get My Freelance Visa QuoteOnce licensed, you can sponsor your family (see our family visa guide) and should check corporate tax registration if you trade as a company. Entityz has set up businesses for more than 500 entrepreneurs from over 50 nationalities, with a 95% client retention rate.
General information, not legal advice. Prices vary by zone, package and visa, and were gathered in September 2026. We confirm the current fees for your activity before you pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a freelance visa cost in Dubai?
The permit or license starts from about AED 5,500 in the northern emirates free zones. With a 2 year residence visa, Emirates ID and medical, the first year usually costs about AED 12,000 to 16,500. Dubai free zones cost more.
What is the cheapest freelance visa in the UAE?
Sharjah and northern emirates free zones such as Shams, Ajman and RAKEZ offer the lowest starting prices, from about AED 5,500 before the visa.
Can I get a freelance visa without a degree?
Yes. Free zone freelance permits do not require a degree for most activities. The 5 year Green Visa for freelancers does require a bachelor's degree or specialised diploma.
How long does it take to get a freelance visa in Dubai?
Usually 2 to 4 weeks from application to Emirates ID, depending on the zone and whether you are inside the UAE.
Can I sponsor my family on a freelance visa?
Yes, if you meet the income and housing requirements for sponsoring dependants.
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