# Freelance visa in Dubai and the UAE: real costs, routes and requirements

> A freelance visa is really two things: a freelance permit and a residence visa. In Dubai, GoFreelance charges AED 7,500 a year for the permit, AED 2,000 for the establishment card and AED 5,042 for a two-year visa.

- URL: https://dubaibusinessinsight.com/living-working/freelance-visa-cost-uae/
- Author: [Harper Cross](https://dubaibusinessinsight.com/authors/harper-cross/), Business Analyst & Researcher
- Published: 26 September 2026
- Updated: 26 September 2026
- Facts last checked: 26 September 2026
- Section: Living & Working
- Publisher: Dubai Business Insight (https://dubaibusinessinsight.com/)

## Key takeaways

- A "freelance visa" is two purchases: a freelance permit (to work for yourself) and a residence visa (to live here).
- In Dubai, GoFreelance lists AED 7,500 a year for the permit, AED 2,000 for the establishment card and AED 5,042 for a two-year visa.
- Medical test, Emirates ID and health insurance are extra. The permit renews every year; the visa every two years.
- The 5-year Green Visa for freelancers needs a MOHRE freelance permit, a degree and AED 360,000 a year in self-employed income.
- Already have a visa through a spouse or parent? You may only need the permit.

A freelance visa in Dubai costs about AED 14,500 in the first year through GoFreelance, before medical, Emirates ID and insurance. That covers a freelance permit (AED 7,500 a year), an establishment card (AED 2,000) and a two-year residence visa (AED 5,042). The permit must be renewed every year, so year two costs at least another AED 7,500.

The key thing to know: a "freelance visa" is two separate things. The **permit** lets you work for yourself. The **visa** lets you live in the UAE. Many quotes only show one.

## Permit vs visa: what are you actually buying?

| Part | What it does | How often you pay |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Freelance permit (licence) | Lets you work and invoice clients in your own name | Every year |
| Establishment card | Registers you with immigration so you can sponsor your own visa | Set up once; may need renewing |
| Residence visa | Lets you live in the UAE | Every 1 or 2 years, depending on the package |
| Emirates ID | Your ID card, linked to the visa | With each visa |
| Health insurance | Required for the visa | Every year |

If you already live here on a spouse's or parent's visa, you may only need the **permit**. Check that your sponsor allows it.

## How much does a freelance visa cost in Dubai?

GoFreelance is the freelance package from Dubai Development Authority. It covers zones such as Dubai Internet City and Dubai Media City. These are the prices on its website:

| Item | GoFreelance price |
| --- | --- |
| Freelance permit | AED 7,500 a year |
| Establishment card | AED 2,000 |
| 1-year residence visa | AED 4,600 |
| 2-year residence visa | AED 5,042 |

GoFreelance says visa and establishment card fees can change, so check before you pay.

### First-year budget (2-year visa)

| Item | Amount |
| --- | --- |
| Permit | AED 7,500 |
| Establishment card | AED 2,000 |
| 2-year visa | AED 5,042 |
| Emirates ID (2-year card, ICP fees) | AED 300 |
| **Subtotal** | **AED 14,842** |
| Plus: medical fitness test, health insurance, any change-of-status fee | Varies |

**Year two:** you renew the permit (AED 7,500) and keep your insurance. The visa runs until the end of year two.

GoFreelance covers four activity groups: tech, media, education and design. If your work does not fit, look at other free zones.

## Other emirates and free zones

Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah (RAKEZ), Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain free zones also sell freelance or "freelancer" packages. Prices vary by activity and by whether the visa is included. They also change often.

Before you pay any zone or agent, ask for a written quote that shows:

- the permit price **and** the year-two renewal price,
- the visa price, and whether it is 1, 2 or 3 years,
- the establishment card, medical and Emirates ID costs,
- whether you need an office or desk, and what that costs.

## The Green Visa for freelancers

The Green Visa is a 5-year residence visa. You sponsor yourself, so you are not tied to a free zone visa. For freelancers, the Abu Dhabi Residents Office lists these conditions:

- a **freelance work permit from MOHRE**,
- at least a **bachelor's degree** or a specialised diploma,
- self-employed income of at least **AED 360,000 a year** for the past two years, or proof you can support yourself.

This route suits established freelancers with a strong income record. It still needs the permit underneath.

## Requirements: what you usually need

- A passport valid for at least 6 months
- A passport photo on a white background
- A CV, and a portfolio for creative work
- A degree certificate for some activities, which may need attesting
- A no-objection letter if you are currently sponsored by an employer
- Health insurance
- A UAE phone number

Getting your degree attested often takes the longest. Start that early.

## How long does it take?

Most freelance packages take a few weeks from permit application to Emirates ID. The permit is often quick. The visa, medical test and Emirates ID take longer. Delays usually come from missing documents.

## Freelance visa or a job visa?

A freelance visa means no employer, but also no employer benefits. You pay your own visa, insurance and renewals. You also need to sort your own business bank account, which can take time.

If you want to set up a proper company instead, compare with a small free zone licence. See our [company setup section](https://dubaibusinessinsight.com/company-setup/).

## Keep your status valid

- Renew your permit **before** it expires each year.
- Renew your visa and Emirates ID on time. See our [Emirates ID renewal guide](https://dubaibusinessinsight.com/living-working/emirates-id-renewal/).
- If your permit or visa lapses, overstay fines can apply. See [overstay fine check](https://dubaibusinessinsight.com/living-working/overstay-fine-check-uae/).

## Frequently asked questions

### How much is a 2-year freelance visa in Dubai?

Through GoFreelance, about AED 14,542 in the first year for the permit, establishment card and 2-year visa, plus Emirates ID, medical and insurance. You also pay AED 7,500 to renew the permit in year two.

### What is the cheapest freelance visa in the UAE?

It depends on your activity and what is included. Some northern emirates advertise lower permit prices but charge separately for the visa. Compare the full two-year cost, not the headline price.

### Can I get a freelance permit without a visa?

Yes. If you already have a UAE visa through a family member, you may only need the permit. Check with your sponsor and the zone.

### Can I sponsor my family on a freelance visa?

Often yes, if you meet the income and housing rules for family sponsorship. Ask the zone or ICP/GDRFA for the current rules before you apply.

### What is the freelance Green Visa?

A 5-year self-sponsored residence visa. You need a MOHRE freelance permit, a degree, and self-employed income of at least AED 360,000 a year for the past two years.

## Sources

- [GoFreelance (Dubai Development Authority): packages and fees](https://gofreelance.ae/)
- [Abu Dhabi Residents Office: Green Visa for freelancers](https://adro.gov.ae/Visas/Types-of-Visas/Abu-Dhabi-Green-Visa/Freelancers)
- [ICP: Identity Card Renewal and issue fees](https://icp.gov.ae/en/services-details/?serviceid=64afe3c1035448005bd52e5d)

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Cite as: "Freelance visa in Dubai and the UAE: real costs, routes and requirements", Dubai Business Insight, updated 26 September 2026. https://dubaibusinessinsight.com/living-working/freelance-visa-cost-uae/