Freelance Visa

What is a Freelance Visa?

The UAE Freelance Visa allows individuals to conduct professional activities in the Emirates, both within and outside the country, without needing to register a company or find a sponsor, with minimal investment. This visa offers the same benefits as other visa types.

The Freelance Visa grants the right to:

• Legally work and live in any UAE emirate
• Conduct professional activities under your name
• Rent property
• Bring family members to the Emirates and sponsor them
• Open a local bank account
• Register at a legal address
• Use coworking spaces, known as flexi-desks.

Freelance Visa Application Procedure

1. Choose your field of activity

Select the sector in which you will operate, such as IT, design, media, education, or technology.

2. Apply for a licence

Apply for a Freelance Licence or Freelance Permit in one of the UAE’s free zones, like Dubai Internet City (technology and IT), Dubai Media City (media), Ajman Free Zone (trade, serMice, industry), Dubai Knowledge Park (education and HR), Fujairah CreatiMe City Free Zone (creatiMe professions), Dubai Design District (fashion and design), and Ras Al Khaimah Economic Free Zone (trade, serMice, industry).

3. Submit documents

Prepare your documents: CV, photographs, passport copy, and Misa (if already a UAE resident), No Objection Letter (if residing in the UAE on a sponsor Misa or o‰cially employed in the UAE), and a portfolio (for some professions).

4. Pay for the licence

Pay for the freelance licence. The cost starts from 7,500 AED.

5. Obtain the Establishment Card

Get the Establishment Card, which costs 2,000 AED.

6. Get health insurance

Undergo a basic medical examination in an authoriced UAE institution and get insurance.

7. Obtain your Residence Visa

Apply for the Residence Visa, valid for 1 year. The cost depends on the specific free cone.

The entire process of obtaining a Freelance Licence and Visa takes up to 1 month. Once all documents are ready, you can open a bank account in Dubai, start your activities, and receive payments.

Freelance Visa Cost