Facts from the official u.ae portal ('Jobs', self-employment and freelance). A freelance permit is issued to an individual to provide services without being an employee; freelancers and the self-employed are eligible categories for the Green visa (long-term residency without a sponsor). Permit and visa costs depend on the free zone and activity and change — verify on u.ae and on the chosen free zone's site. We don't invent numbers.
Official authorities
Direct links to the relevant government departments.
General procedure
- 1
Choose the issuing authority
A freelance permit is arranged through free zones (e.g. creative/media/IT hubs) or relevant authorities. Your choice sets the allowed activities and package price. Compare terms on the free zones' websites.
- 2
Confirm your activity and qualifications
State your specialisation from the list of allowed activities (design, IT, consulting, media, etc.). A portfolio or proof of qualification is often required.
Documents:PassportPhotoCV / portfolioDiplomas (if required) - 3
Obtain the freelance permit
Once approved, the free zone issues the freelance permit. It lets you legally invoice and work for yourself within the declared activity.
- 4
Get the residence visa
Attach a residence visa to the permit: apply via the free zone/GDRFA, take the medical test and get the Emirates ID. Freelancers may also qualify for the Green visa as self-employed.
Documents:Medical test (18+)Emirates ID applicationHealth insurance - 5
Bank, tax and bookkeeping
With the permit you open a business or personal account. Watch the VAT and corporate-tax registration thresholds — check current rules on the FTA portal (tax.gov.ae). We don't quote thresholds from memory.
Fees and timelines may change — verify with the official source.
Who provides this service in Dubai
Real companies from Google Maps — live ratings and reviews.
Connect Freelance | Contractor Residence Visa
4.9(129)City Tower 2 - 803 Sheikh Zayed Rd - Trade Center First - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Freelance Visa in Dubai
4.6(9)452H+7FR Capitol Tower - 1319 - Al Thanyah First - Barsha Heights - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
FreelancerVisa.com
4.9(702)Marina Plaza - 1006 10th Floor - Marsa Dubai - Dubai Marina - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Family & Freelance Visa Service
5.0(34)Umer bin khatab street - Al Baraha - Deira - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Easy Freelance Visa
4.9(154)Village Mall Office 7 First Floor - جميرا - جميرا ١ - دبي - United Arab Emirates
Freelance visa and family visa pro services
5.0(2)Marina - الخليج التجاري - دبي - United Arab Emirates
Working for yourself? We help with housing and setup
We're in the Dubai property market: we'll find an apartment on a freelancer budget, help with Ejari (needed for the visa and bank), DEWA and move-in while you sort the permit. Leave a request.
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