What is a Freelance Visa in the UAE?
A freelance visa in the United Arab Emirates is a document that allows foreign nationals to work legally in the country without being tied to a specific employer. A Freelance Visa is ideal for individuals providing services on a contract basis or engaging in independent professional activities.
This type of visa is becoming increasingly popular due to the growth of the digital economy and the UAE’s support for small and independent businesses. In 2024, a Freelance Visa in the UAE enables holders to run business from the Emirates, rent office space, open bank accounts, and move freely within the country.
What are the benefits of a Freelance Visa in Dubai?
The main advantage of a UAE freelance visa is flexibility. You can work with multiple clients simultaneously without entering into long-term employment contracts. This makes it an ideal option for professionals in IT, marketing, design, copywriting, and creative fields such as journalism, reporting, and photography.
Other benefits include:
- Legal independence: work legally as a freelancer without needing to register a company, which is significantly more expensive than obtaining a freelance license.
- Access to the UAE market: offer your services in one of the world’s most dynamic markets.
- Bank account opening: easily manage financial transactions, issue invoices, and receive payments from corporate clients.
- Simple tax system: no income tax allows you to keep more of your earnings. VAT is just 5%, payable only after reaching an income of AED 375,000. VAT is only 5%, payable after earning over 375,000 dirhams. Corporate tax, typically 9% on revenue exceeding 1 million dirhams, can be reduced to 0% under the Small Business Relief scheme.
- Freedom of movement: reside legally in the UAE and travel in and out of the country without restrictions.
- Professional support: get access to business incubators and coworking spaces where you can network and find clients.
- Long-term stay: obtain a freelance visa for up to 2 years with the option to renew.
A UAE Freelance Visa is the perfect solution for professionals who want to live and work in Dubai and maintain flexibility and control over their time.
Types of Freelance Visas in the UAE
Freelancers who want to work in Dubai can choose from several visa options, each suited to different categories of professionals.
License-based visa
This type of visa is issued based on a freelance license, which can be obtained through Free Economic Zones such as Dubai Media City or Dubai Internet City. The license confirms your professional activity, such as IT, media, teaching, or design. In addition to educational qualifications, you may be asked to provide a portfolio. Once the license is issued, you can apply for the visa.
Remote Work Visa
The Remote Work Visa is ideal for professionals employed by foreign companies who wish to live in Dubai. The requirement for obtaining this visa is proof of income from your current job and a valid employment contract. This visa allows you to work remotely while enjoying Dubai’s dynamic lifestyle.
Green Visa
The Green Visa is a relatively new option designed for self-employed professionals and entrepreneurs. It provides greater independence as it does not require employer sponsorship, unlike the Remote Work Visa. The Green Visa also offers a longer validity period — up to 5 years, making it an attractive choice for those planning a long-term career in Dubai. To obtain this visa, you must receive approval from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, as well as proof of sufficient income to support yourself in the UAE.
Comparison of freelance visa types in the UAE
| PARAMETER | LICENSE-BASED VISA | GREEN VISA | REMOTE WORK VISA |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Validity |
Up to 2 year |
Up to 5 years |
1 year, renewable |
|
Visa processing cost |
From 4,000 AED |
From 4,000 AED |
Around 1,000-2,000 AED |
| License cost |
From AED 7,500 per year |
Not required |
Not required |
| Establishment Card Fee |
Around 1,000–2,000 AED |
Not required |
Not required |
| Government fees |
Around 280 AED |
Around 280 AED |
Around 280 AED |
Note, that:
- A License-Based Visa includes additional costs related to obtaining a freelance license through Free Economic Zones.
- A Green Visa is suitable for those looking to save on additional documentation but requires proof of an annual income of 360,000 AED.
- A Remote Work Visa has the lowest costs and the simplest application process if you already have a permanent job outside the UAE.
Each of these visa types has its own advantages and is suited to specific situations, allowing freelancers to choose the most convenient option for their professional activities. The choice depends on your goals, budget, and the nature of your work.
Who is eligible for a Freelance Visa in the UAE?
Requirements for a Freelance Visa in the UAE
To apply for a Freelance Visa, you must meet several requirements. The key conditions for obtaining this type of visa include:
- Age: must be at least 18 years old.
- Passport: a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining before expiry. You will also need recent color photographs on a white background.
- Professional qualification: you must belong to one of the categories recognized as freelance work. Proof of qualification may include educational certificates, and in some cases, a resume and portfolio.
- Experience and minimum income: for the Green Visa and Remote Work Visa, you need to demonstrate a stable income (usually at least AED 15,000 per month) by submitting a bank statement. Therefore, obtaining a visa without prior experience can be challenging.
- Contracts or work agreements: remote workers need to submit a copy of their employment contract.
- Medical insurance and test: a medical examination and UAE-compliant health insurance are mandatory.
- No criminal record: you must provide a police clearance certificate issued by your home country or the country where you have resided for the past 5 years. The document should be certified and legalized at the UAE consulate.
Each case may have specific nuances when obtaining a visa, so it’s important to clarify the list of requirements in your chosen Economic Zone during a consultation with experts.
Professions covered by the visa
A Freelance Visa in Dubai allows you to engage in a wide range of professional activities without setting up a company. The main condition is that your work must involve providing services that are in demand in the UAE economy.
The most popular categories of professions include:
- IT and technology: software development, web design, cybersecurity, data analytics, database administration.
- Media and creativity: journalism and copywriting, video production and editing, graphic design, photography, music production, and sound engineering.
- Marketing and advertising: SMM management, advertising strategy development, SEO optimization, content strategy development, Email marketing.
- Consulting and education: business consulting, financial advisory, coaching and mentoring, online education, tutoring, and curriculum development.
- Design and architecture: interior design, landscape design, illustration, and 3D animation.
- Health and wellness: nutrition, fitness training, mental health counseling.
Best regions for freelancers in the UAE
DMC
Dubai Media City — ideal for professionals in media, marketing, journalism, and telecommunications.
Dubai Internet City
Suitable for IT experts, developers, and other technical specialists.
Dubai Design District
A great location for designers, architects, artists, fashion designers, and others in the design and fashion industry.
DPC
Dubai Production City — for professionals in film production, television production, media production, and post-production.
Dubai Knowledge Park
Home to numerous educational institutions, training centers, and research organizations — perfect for education and development professionals.
Ajman Free Zone
A versatile trade and industrial area, offering an affordable solution for freelancers with lower incomes.
Sharjah Media City
An ideal zone for media, advertising, entertainment, and creative industry professionals.
Fujairah Creative City
It’s suitable for creative specialists in media, advertising, film, and music.
How much does a Freelance Visa cost in the UAE?
The cost of a freelance visa in the UAE depends on the chosen Free Zone, visa type, and additional services.
| EXPENSE ITEM |
AMOUNT |
|---|---|
|
Freelance license (if required): |
from AED 7,500 per year |
|
Visa processing: |
from 4,000 AED |
| Medical examination and insurance: |
from 800 AED |
| Establishment Card (if required): |
from 1,000 AED |
| Government fees: |
around 280 AED |
| Freelance Visa renewal (2 years): |
same as the initial total cost |
How to apply for a Freelance Visa?
Before obtaining a Freelance Visa in Dubai, you need to choose a Free Zone that aligns with your professional activity and then apply for a freelance license through the relevant governing authority. This can be done online via the official portal of the selected Zone.
Once you get the license, the next step is submitting a visa application. This requires submitting documents such as a passport copy, photographs, a police clearance certificate, medical insurance, and medical examination results. It is also important to pay all necessary government fees.
The final step — obtaining your Emirates ID. Once issued, you can legally live and work in the UAE as a freelancer.
Freelance Visa processing service
Living in the UAE can be expensive. That’s why it’s crucial for freelancers moving to the country to start working and receiving payments in their bank accounts as quickly as possible. However, many foreign applicants face delays and even rejections when trying to handle the visa process on their own. Understanding these challenges, our company offers a range of services:
- assistance in choosing the right Free Zone;
- preparing application documents;
- translation and legalization of paperwork;
- obtaining the necessary licenses;
- assistance with opening a bank account;
- accounting support (freelancers must maintain financial records for tax purposes).
To save time, money, and maintain peace of mind, we recommend scheduling an online consultation with us before making the move to the Emirates. We will provide comprehensive information about potential expenses and any industry-specific requirements so you can realistically assess your chances and successfully enter the UAE freelance market. This way, you can minimize risks and maximize your professional opportunities in this promising region.
