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Dubai Freelance Visa

Get Your Dubai Freelance Visa with Setupzo — Fast, Easy and Hassle-Free

Dubai has become one of the most attractive destinations for freelancers and independent professionals. Whether you're a designer, developer, writer, media expert, or consultant, a Dubai freelance visa gives you the legal right to live, work, and grow your career in the UAE.

At Setupzo, we specialize in making the freelance visa process fast, simple, and stress-free. With years of experience in company formation and business setup in Dubai, we provide end-to-end support to help you obtain your UAE freelance visa seamlessly.

Apply online for Dubai Freelance Visa

Why Choose Setupzo?

We provide comprehensive support for your freelance visa application, making the process smooth and efficient.

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Expert Guidance

Our team knows the UAE regulations inside out and ensures you select the right free zone and visa type.

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End-to-End Support

From documentation and freelance permits to visa stamping and Emirates ID, we manage every step.

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Fast Processing

Avoid delays with our streamlined application process.

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Transparent Pricing

Clear, upfront costs with no hidden charges.

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Trusted Partner

Years of proven experience helping freelancers and entrepreneurs establish in Dubai.

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Tailored Solutions

Customized packages to match your profession, goals, and budget.

With Setupzo, your freelance career in Dubai becomes legal, secure, and fully supported — letting you focus on growth and freedom.

What is a Dubai Freelance Visa?

A Dubai freelance visa is a residency permit that allows independent professionals to live and legally work in Dubai without the need for a traditional employer.

It is issued alongside a freelance permit, which acts as your business license, enabling you to take on multiple clients, access UAE banking, and enjoy benefits such as family sponsorship.

This visa is ideal for freelancers, consultants, creatives, and digital professionals who want flexibility and independence while living in one of the world's most dynamic business hubs.

Apply for Dubai Freelance Visa
A graphic explaining the Dubai freelance visa and the freelance permit relationship

Why Choose Dubai for a Freelance Visa?

Freelancing has expanded rapidly in Dubai over the last few years, and for good reason. The Dubai government encourages independent professionals by offering flexible licensing and visa solutions.

100% Ownership

You work for yourself, with no local sponsor required.

Multiple Clients

Legally take on projects from different companies and individuals.

Access to Services

Open a UAE bank account, apply for utilities, and get health insurance.

Family Sponsorship

Sponsor your spouse, children, and dependents once you qualify.

Flexibility

Work from home, co-working spaces, or anywhere in Dubai.

Tax Benefits

Enjoy Dubai's 0% personal income tax policy.

For freelancers looking to build a sustainable career while living in a world-class city, the freelance visa in Dubai is the ideal solution.

Freelance Permit vs. Freelance Visa

Many people confuse the freelance permit with the freelance visa. Here's a simple breakdown to help you understand the difference.

Freelance Permit

This license is issued by a free zone (such as Dubai Media City or Dubai Internet City) and legally allows you to operate as a freelancer in Dubai.

Freelance Visa

This residency visa allows you to live in Dubai and work under your freelance permit. Both are required. Freelance permits usually last one year, while visas can last 2–5 years depending on the package chosen.

Types of Freelance Visas in Dubai

Different free zones and government authorities offer tailored freelance packages.

General Freelance Work Permit & Visa

Flexible, covering a wide range of industries.

Media Freelancer Visa

For creatives like writers, actors, designers, filmmakers, and journalists.

Tech & Education Freelance Visas

For developers, trainers, consultants, and tutors.

Investor or Entrepreneur Visa

Combine freelancing with business ownership.

Green Freelance Visa (5 Years)

For experienced professionals earning AED 360,000+ annually.

Choosing the right type depends on your profession and future goals. At Setupzo, we guide you through the best option for your needs.

Dubai Freelance Visa Requirements

To qualify for this visa, applicants must meet certain requirements set by the UAE authorities.

Personal Requirements

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Hold a valid passport with at least 6 months' validity
  • Have a clean criminal record
  • Pass a medical fitness test

Documentation Requirements

  • Proof of professional skills through educational certificate, diploma, or portfolio
  • Health insurance coverage
  • No Objection Certificate (NOC) if switching from an existing employer visa

Meeting these requirements ensures a smooth application process and helps you legally work as a freelancer in Dubai.

How to Apply for a Dubai Freelance Visa

The process might sound complicated, but with Setupzo, it becomes stress-free. Here's how it works:

1

Choose Your Freelance Activity

Decide on the sector (media, tech, education, consultancy, etc.).

2

Apply for a Freelance Permit

Submit your documents to the relevant free zone authority (such as Dubai Media City or GoFreelance).

3

Obtain the Establishment Card

This serves as your company registration within the free zone.

4

Medical Fitness Test & Health Insurance

Complete mandatory medical exams and obtain health insurance coverage.

5

Apply for the Residency Visa

Submit your visa application through immigration and wait for approval.

6

Emirates ID & Visa Stamping

Once approved, your Emirates ID is issued, and your visa is stamped in your passport. Timeline: On average, the full process takes 15–25 working days.

Dubai Freelance Visa Costs

The cost of a freelance visa in Dubai depends on the free zone and the package you choose. Here's a general breakdown:

Basic Package

AED 7,500 / year
  • Standard freelance permit
  • 1-year visa
  • Establishment card
  • Basic support
Choose Package

Premium Package

AED 12,000 / year
  • Enhanced freelance permit
  • 2-year visa
  • Establishment card
  • Health insurance included
  • Multiple free zone coverage
  • Priority processing
Choose Package

Green Visa Package

AED 18,000 / 5 years
  • Long-term 5-year visa
  • Premium freelance permit
  • Establishment card
  • For professionals earning AED 360,000+ annually
  • Premium support
Choose Package

Detailed Cost Breakdown

Item Approximate Cost (AED)
Freelance Permit (1 Year) 7,500 – 20,000
Establishment Card 2,000
Medical Test & Emirates ID 300 – 370
Visa & Residency Processing 3,000 – 5,000
Total Investment 8,900 – 25,000

These costs may vary depending on whether you opt for a 2-year or 3-year visa. At Setupzo, we offer cost-effective packages with transparent pricing.

Dubai Freelance Visa Processing Time

This visa processing time is relatively quick compared to other visa types.

Freelance Permit

Approved within 7 to 15 working days.

Residency Visa

Including medical tests, Emirates ID, and stamping, usually 15 to 25 working days.

Total Duration

Most applicants can complete the full process in 15 to 25 working days.

Timeline may vary depending on the free zone authority and the accuracy of submitted documents.

Benefits of Choosing Setupzo

Here are some benefits of working with Setupzo for your freelance visa in Dubai, UAE:

Fast Processing

We know the system inside out, saving you weeks of delay.

End-to-End Support

From paperwork to Emirates ID, we handle everything.

Expert Guidance

We recommend the right free zone and visa type for your profession.

Transparent Pricing

No hidden fees, only clear and upfront costs.

Trusted Partner

Years of experience in company formation and visa services in Dubai.

With Setupzo, getting your freelance visa in Dubai is smooth, reliable, and stress-free.

Start Your Freelance Journey with Setupzo

Dubai is a city of opportunities, and the freelance visa is your gateway to independence, flexibility, and growth. Whether you're an entrepreneur or a skilled professional looking for freedom, Setupzo will guide you every step of the way.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Yes. You can begin the process online. You only need to travel to Dubai later for your medical fitness test and Emirates ID.

You'll typically need:
  • Passport copy (valid for at least 6 months)
  • Recent passport-size photo
  • CV or portfolio of work
  • Educational or professional certificate (attested)
  • Health insurance
  • No Objection Certificate (if switching from an employer visa)

Yes, once your visa is active and you meet the income/housing criteria, you can sponsor your spouse, children, and dependents.

No. The freelance visa is strictly for individual professionals. You can, however, upgrade later to a company license if you plan to hire staff.

Yes. You are free to work remotely from home or from a co-working space provided by the free zone.

A UAE freelance visa is a residency permit that allows independent professionals to legally live and work in the UAE as self-employed individuals. It is linked to a freelance permit (license) issued by a free zone authority, enabling you to offer services, take on multiple clients, access UAE banking and utilities, and even sponsor your family — all without needing a traditional employer or local sponsor.

A freelance visa Dubai can cost anywhere from approximately AED 14,000 to AED 26,000 for a one-year visa, depending on:

  • Visa duration
  • The specific free zone chosen
  • Your nationality
  • Additional services such as medical insurance

Key costs include the Freelance Permit (~AED 7,500 annually) and the Establishment Card (~AED 2,000 annually), plus the residency visa, medical tests, and Emirates ID.

A two-year freelance visa in Dubai can cost anywhere from AED 7,500 to over AED 26,000, depending on the specific free zone, included services, and residency permit validity. Costs include the freelance permit (~AED 7,500), establishment card (~AED 2,000), residency visa (~AED 3,330–6,340), medical test (~AED 380), and Emirates ID (~AED 370).

The cheapest freelance visas in the UAE start around AED 6,000–8,000 and are offered by free zones like Ajman Free Zone and RAKEZ. Costs vary depending on the package and included services like visa sponsorship, establishment card, and medical tests.

A 1-year freelance visa (permit and residency) generally costs between AED 7,500 and AED 20,000, depending on free zone, bundled services, medical tests, and Emirates ID.

Freelance visas and licenses serve distinct purposes. The visa enables you to live and work internationally. A freelance license is generally a local authorization allowing you to conduct business or offer services within your home country or designated region.

Dubai is an attractive destination for freelancers due to its economy, infrastructure, and tax-free earnings. Freelancers can work with global clients while enjoying a cosmopolitan lifestyle, but they need a valid freelance visa to work legally.