Freelance guide

Freelance visa in United Arab Emirates

The UAE has the Gulf's clearest framework for freelancers: a freelance permit (a professional licence to legally do the work, issued by a free zone or MOHRE) plus a residence visa. The two are separate — you typically need both.

General information, not legal advice. Rules and fees change — last reviewed 2026-05. Always confirm the current requirements with the official sources listed at the bottom before applying.

Which permit you need

  • GoFreelance permit (Dubai, TECOM / Dubai Development Authority) — media, tech, education, marketing, design, consulting
  • Free-zone freelance packages: RAKEZ, Ajman Free Zone, UAQ FTZ, twofour54 (Abu Dhabi media zone)
  • MOHRE federal freelance / self-employment permit
  • Abu Dhabi Green Visa — a 5-year self-sponsored residence visa (separate from the work permit)

How much it costs

Indicative figures: the GoFreelance/TECOM permit is around AED 7,500/year (~$2,050); RAKEZ ~AED 12,000; UAQ FTZ ~AED 10,000. Once you add the residence visa, medical test, Emirates ID and insurance, the first-year total is typically AED 12,000–16,000 (~$3,300–4,400). twofour54 waives licence fees for the first two years. These figures bundle service fees and change often — confirm the current fee with the issuer.

Who can apply

Yes — freelance permits and the Green Visa are open to expatriates, with no nationality restriction. You must be 18+. Some activities (IT, consulting, education) may require an attested bachelor's degree, while many creative roles do not.

Where to apply

Dubai DDA / TECOM (GoFreelance), RAKEZ, Ajman Free Zone, UAQ FTZ and twofour54 for the permit; MOHRE for the federal permit; and ICP for the Green Visa residency.

How to apply

  1. Choose a free zone or authority that matches your activity (e.g. GoFreelance for media/tech).
  2. Submit your passport, photo, CV/portfolio and proof of qualifications, and pass a background check.
  3. Pay the permit fee and receive your freelance permit plus establishment card.
  4. Apply for the entry permit, take the medical fitness test, get your Emirates ID and stamp your residence visa.
  5. Optionally apply for the 5-year Green Visa via ICP if you meet the income and qualification thresholds.

Validity & renewal

Freelance permit: 1 year, renewable annually. Free-zone residence visa: 2 years. Green Visa: 5 years, renewable (self-sponsored).

Good to know

  • The permit (right to work) and the residence visa (right to live in the UAE) are separate — you usually need both. Some sources note TECOM may currently issue the permit only, not the visa, so verify before relying on it for residency.
  • The Green Visa requires a MOHRE freelance permit, a bachelor's degree, and annual self-employment income of at least AED 360,000 (~$98,000) for each of the previous two years, or proof of financial solvency.
  • The UAE has 0% personal income tax, but a 9% corporate tax applies on profits above AED 375,000, plus 5% VAT — check whether your structure is affected.

Set up? Find clients on Workwave AI.

Once you can invoice legally, create a free profile and get matched with projects across the Gulf and Europe — 0% commission.

Create my free profileExplore Workwave AI

Freelance work in United Arab Emirates

Sources

FAQ

Freelancing legally in United Arab Emirates.

  • Q01Can foreigners freelance in United Arab Emirates?

    Yes — freelance permits and the Green Visa are open to expatriates, with no nationality restriction. You must be 18+. Some activities (IT, consulting, education) may require an attested bachelor's degree, while many creative roles do not.

  • Q02How much does a freelance permit cost in United Arab Emirates?

    Indicative figures: the GoFreelance/TECOM permit is around AED 7,500/year (~$2,050); RAKEZ ~AED 12,000; UAQ FTZ ~AED 10,000. Once you add the residence visa, medical test, Emirates ID and insurance, the first-year total is typically AED 12,000–16,000 (~$3,300–4,400). twofour54 waives licence fees for the first two years. These figures bundle service fees and change often — confirm the current fee with the issuer. Always confirm the current fee with the official issuer before applying — see the sources at the bottom of this page.

  • Q03How do I get started as a freelancer in United Arab Emirates?

    In short: Choose a free zone or authority that matches your activity (e.g. GoFreelance for media/tech). → Submit your passport, photo, CV/portfolio and proof of qualifications, and pass a background check. → Pay the permit fee and receive your freelance permit plus establishment card. → Apply for the entry permit, take the medical fitness test, get your Emirates ID and stamp your residence visa. → Optionally apply for the 5-year Green Visa via ICP if you meet the income and qualification thresholds.. Once you can invoice legally, you can find clients on Workwave AI — posting a profile is free.