UAE freelance permit
and residence visa
Work for yourself in the UAE with a permit in your own name, a two-year residence visa and an Emirates ID, without an office, a sponsor or a local partner. We pick the free zone, file the application and run the visa process end to end.
Consultants and advisers
Management, finance, HR, marketing and IT consultants working for several clients.
Creative and media professionals
Designers, writers, photographers, video producers, content creators and PR specialists.
Tech and digital
Developers, data specialists, UX designers and digital marketers, often with clients outside the UAE.
Education and training
Tutors, trainers, coaches and e-learning specialists licensed to teach privately.
One application, everything you need to live and work here
Freelance permit
A licence in your own name for the activity you choose, issued by a free zone authority. No office is required.
Residence visa
A two-year residence visa tied to the permit, with entry permit, medical test and biometrics handled for you.
Emirates ID
Issued with the visa; needed for a bank account, a tenancy contract and most government services.
Bank account introduction
A personal or business account with a bank that accepts freelance income, once the permit is issued.
Family sponsorship
With the right minimum income you can sponsor a spouse and children on your own visa.
Renewals and amendments
Permit renewal, activity changes and visa renewal tracked and filed before they fall due.
Free zones that issue freelance permits
Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City and Dubai Knowledge Park (GoFreelance), Dubai Design District and IFZA.
Best for: Media, creative, tech, education
twofour54 media zone and ADGM for professional services.
Best for: Media, consulting, finance
Sharjah Media City (Shams) and Sharjah Publishing City (SPC).
Best for: Media, publishing, consulting, e-commerce
RAKEZ and Ajman Free Zone freelance packages.
Best for: Lowest-cost professional permits
1. Eligibility and activity
We confirm the activity you can be licensed for, the documents your profession needs (degree, portfolio or experience letter) and which zones issue it.
2. Choose the zone and package
Permit only, or permit with visa; the zone is chosen for cost, activity and how banks treat it. You see the full government and service fees before anything is paid.
3. Application and permit
We file the application with your passport copy, photo, CV and proof of qualification. The permit is usually issued within one to two weeks.
4. Visa, medical and Emirates ID
Entry permit, status change, medical fitness test, biometrics and the residence visa stamp, then the Emirates ID card.
5. Bank account and running
Account opening with a bank that accepts freelance income, and a reminder calendar for permit, visa and ID renewals.
Everything you need to know about the freelance permit
Tell us what you do; we tell you which permit fits
A consultant confirms eligibility, the zone and the full cost in writing before you pay anything.