Freelance Visa in the UAE
For IT specialists, marketers, designers, consultants, and other experts who offer their services remotely.
from AED 12 500
What is a Freelance Visa?
A freelance visa is a type of residence permit (usually valid for 1–2 years) combined with a license or authorization to independently carry out professional activities in a chosen field such as digital media, design, IT development, education, consulting, and more. The main advantage is self-sponsorship: it offers control over your migration status and income without the need to be tied to a specific employer.
Three Ways to Obtain a Freelance Visa
Option 1. Freelance Permit from a Free Economic Zone (freelance license from DMCC, permit from Ajman, RAKEZ, UAQ FTZ, and others)
How It Works
An individual permit is issued, with the free zone itself acting as the visa sponsor.
Who It’s For
Professionals in marketing, IT, education, and consulting services.
Features and Limitations
- No requirement to register in the WPS system.
- Ability to issue invoices either in your own name or under the regulatory authority of the free economic zone.
- A maximum of one residence visa per permit holder.
Option 2. Company in a Free Economic Zone with a Sole Owner (FZE / FZ LLC)
How It Works
A company is registered with a sole owner (an individual) and then acts as the visa sponsor for the owner.
Who It’s For
Those planning to operate through a company and hire employees.
Features and Limitations
- More expensive than a freelance permit but offers expanded visa quota options.
- The director’s salary must be processed through the WPS system (with reporting requirements).
- Economic Substance Report (ESR) and corporate tax reporting are required if there is business turnover.
Option 3. Mainland Sponsorship (via a Freelance Agency)
How It Works
A licensed HR or outsourcing company registers the individual as a consultant under its trade license. An annual service fee is charged for this arrangement.
Who It’s For
Those who don’t want to open their own company but need a mainland visa and the ability to work on contracts within the UAE.
Features and Limitations
- Monthly salary must be processed through the WPS system (minimum threshold often set at AED 2 000).
- Invoicing cannot be done independently; all payments are handled through the agency.
Key Requirements:
- Professional profile and portfolio – Proof of the applicant’s qualifications and expertise (CV, diplomas, work samples).
- Contract / Letter of Intent – A preliminary agreement from a client or a project brief may be required to obtain the permit.
- Passport and photo – Passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
- Medical screening and Emirates ID biometrics – Standard procedures conducted in the UAE.
- For Option 2: Share capital (often nominal, e.g., AED 1) and a Flexi-desk rental in a free zone.
Visa Application Process
(Example: Option 1 – Freelance Permit from a Free Economic Zone)
1 Online application → Preliminary approval.
2 Payment of license fee and issuance of the freelance permit.
3 Establishment Card registration (sponsor code).
4 Entry permit (for applicants already in the UAE or arriving from abroad).
5 Medical screening + Emirates ID biometrics.
6 E-residence visa issued for 2–3 years.
The entire process can be completed remotely, with travel to the UAE required only for the medical screening and biometrics — or by changing your visa status from within the country.
How Can Smart Advisors Group Help?
Analysis and selection of the optimal setup based on your budget, industry, and future plans.
Full support throughout the visa process — from application to receiving your Emirates ID.
Assistance with opening bank accounts and WPS registration.
Tax support, including corporate tax, VAT, and ESR compliance.
Legal consulting on contract law and intellectual property matters.
Smart Advisors Group experts can provide a checklist of required documents and a personalized action plan for obtaining a freelance visa upon request.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Freelance permit / agency: Yes, if your annual turnover exceeds AED 1 000 000, a 9% corporate tax will be applied to you as an individual.
- Free zone company: Subject to 9% corporate tax if the company’s turnover exceeds AED 375 000 and it does not qualify as a Qualifying Free Zone Person eligible for tax benefits.
- Freelance permit / free zone company: You must issue an invoice, receive payment to your personal or business account, and file VAT if applicable.
- Agency: receives the payment, deducts a service fee, and transfers the remaining amount to your personal account.
Yes, once you receive your own residence visa and Emirates ID, you can sponsor your spouse and children for residency visas for the same duration.
- Free zones typically require a basic health insurance policy.
- Mainland allows you to choose a plan that meets the health insurance requirements of the respective emirate.
We’re Here to Answer Your Questions
Ready to discuss the best way to obtain your visa? Contact us, and we will prepare a personalized solution tailored to your goals, budget, and relocation plans.
Book free consultation
