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

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.

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.
• If your permit or visa lapses, overstay fines can apply. See overstay fine check.

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.