Curious how a single permit can unlock work, banking, and residency across the Gulf?
A freelance visa lets independent professionals live and operate legally in the region. It opens practical access to local business tools, bank accounts, and long-term residency options in the United Arab Emirates.
TopVisa will support you through every step. From documents collection to Emirates ID and final visa issuance, their team handles online forms, medical checks, and biometrics.
Common routes include a free zone freelance permit with residence, the five‑year Green option for self-sponsored professionals, and the one‑year Remote Work route. Costs vary by permit, establishment card, medical, and Emirates ID, so budgeting early helps.
Creative professionals, consultants, educators, and developers benefit most from sector-focused zones like Dubai Media City or Dubai Internet City. Note: immigration authorities are reviewing the framework; existing permits stay valid while new applications are paused for now.
Today’s pro‑business policies and tech infrastructure are reshaping how independent professionals scale regionally.
Stable rules, no personal income tax, and sector‑focused free zones give freelancers a practical base to invoice clients, receive international payments, and open local bank accounts when they hold appropriate residence status.
Operating from a recognized zone adds credibility and grants access to offices, networking events, and client proximity across the Middle East and North Africa.
Legal residence enables leasing property, registering for government services, and easier banking. That freedom helps professionals manage multiple clients and projects without employer ties.
| Benefit | Why it matters | Practical result |
|---|---|---|
| Free zones | Sector focus and credibility | Better client access and facilities |
| Legal residence | Banking and leasing access | Smoother business operations |
| Regional hub | Networking and events | Faster partnerships and growth |
Note: Authorities are reviewing the framework, but existing freelance visas remain valid until expiry or renewal. TopVisa supports professionals seeking a Dubai visa or residency online, offering clear guidance and partner connections when applications reopen.
Holding a freelance permit gives independent professionals formal residence and the right to offer approved services under a regulated license.
Residency, legal work, and banking access explained
A freelance visa is a pathway to lawful residence that lets individuals invoice clients and run compliant operations. It covers service-oriented activities, not general trading, and the issuing free zone or authority defines the licensed scope.
Key practical benefits include bank account access, international payment processing, property rental, and the ability to sponsor dependents when eligible. Portfolio professions like media, design, IT, and consultancy fit well under service categories.
TopVisa streamlines end-to-end setup—from document collection to Emirates ID and visa issuance—so individuals can focus on clients and services while logistics and scheduling are handled professionally.
Compare three clear residency routes so you can pick the right working arrangement quickly.
How it works: A free zone freelance permit acts as the license to operate. Once the permit is approved, the zone sponsors your residence visa and issues an establishment card.
This option suits portfolio creatives and consultants who need a local service license and access to zone facilities.
How it works: A five‑year, self‑sponsored route for experienced professionals. Applicants need a MOHRE freelance work permit, a degree, and proof of AED 360,000 annual income or solvency over two years.
How it works: A one‑year option for people employed abroad. Candidates must show a minimum monthly salary of AED 12,854 and hold valid health insurance. This does not create a local business license.
| Route | Typical validity | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| Free zone permits | 2–3 years | Creatives, consultants |
| Green Visa | 5 years | High‑earning self‑employed pros |
| Remote Work Visa | 1 year (renewable) | Employees of foreign firms |
Quick note: TopVisa compares each option for you, checks eligibility, assembles documents, and manages submissions until your Emirates ID and visa are issued when processing resumes. For those seeking a freelance visa dubai, this support helps you choose the right path.
A formal review is underway to update how self‑employment and independent work are regulated across federal channels.
Officials have confirmed that immigration authorities are reviewing the self‑employment framework to strengthen safeguards and align rules with labor market needs. Key legal instruments under review include Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022, Ministerial Decision No. 46 of 2022, and Federal Decree‑Law No. 33 of 2021.
During this period, new applications for freelance visas are paused until revised procedures are published.
Existing holders can continue under current terms until expiry or until renewal guidance is issued. Renewals may proceed only when the issuing authority releases specific circulars.
TopVisa monitors announcements closely. The team prepares documents and alerts applicants so they can submit quickly when the window reopens. Follow published regulations and maintain your records to ensure uninterrupted business operations.
| Topic | Current status | Action for applicants |
|---|---|---|
| New freelance visas | Paused pending revised procedures | Prepare documents; wait for reopening |
| Existing permits | Remain valid under current terms | Track expiry; check renewal circulars |
| Renewals | Subject to issuing authority guidance | Submit when notified; follow new requirements |
Plan for predictable fees so your first year of operation starts without surprises.
Core charges typically include the annual permit and an establishment card. Expect a freelance permit to range from AED 7,500 to AED 15,000 and an establishment card around AED 2,000 per year.
Residence-related fees vary by processing location. Inside the country, a residence visa costs about AED 4,960 (normal) to AED 6,340 (express). If processed from outside, expect AED 3,330 (normal) to AED 3,900 (express).
Medical fitness tests run near AED 300. The Emirates ID for a 3‑year validity is roughly AED 370.
Renewal costs usually mirror initial government fees, so include them in annual cash-flow plans.
In‑country applicants often complete a status change without an entry permit. Applicants outside the country typically receive an entry permit first, then complete medicals and ID upon arrival.
TopVisa provides clear quotations, schedules medicals and biometrics, and reconciles payments with the correct authority to reduce errors and delays.
| Item | Typical cost (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Freelance permit (annual) | 7,500–15,000 | Depends on zone and service scope |
| Establishment card | ~2,000 | Annual fee in many zones |
| Residence visa (inside) | 4,960–6,340 | Normal vs. express processing |
| Residence visa (outside) | 3,330–3,900 | Entry permit sequencing applies |
| Medical fitness | ~300 | Required for issuance |
| Emirates ID (3 years) | ~370 | Biometrics and card fee |
TopVisa helps by providing accurate fee breakdowns, scheduling appointments, and making payments to the proper authorities so you avoid delays and reconcile costs quickly.
Compare sector hubs and starting fees to match costs with your business needs and facilities.
| Zone | Starting price (AED) | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai Internet City | 7,500 | Tech teams, startups |
| Dubai Media City | 7,250 | Content and media firms |
| Dubai Knowledge Park | 100,000 | Education & training providers |
| RAKEZ | 11,500 | Cost‑sensitive SMEs |
| Ajman Free Zone | 11,000 | Lean operations |
Dubai Internet City and Dubai Media City map to tech and media clusters. They offer co‑working, studios, and networking.
Dubai Knowledge Park targets training and certification firms. Prices reflect specialized services and licensing scope.
RAKEZ and Ajman Free Zone appeal to those who need lower entry costs. These zones give basic office options and simple licensing.
fujairah creative city starts higher and suits media projects needing production space. JAFZA and Dubai Design District skew premium with deep infrastructure.
DAFZA and other zones offer branded bundles like talent passes and logistics links near the airport.
A stepwise approach cuts confusion and speeds approval when you apply through a free zone. Start by matching your activity to a zone that lists your services and facilities.
Pick a free zone that covers media, design, tech, or consulting. Confirm the zone lists your service category and offers the facilities you need.
Submit the permit application via the zone’s website. After approval, obtain the establishment card (about AED 2,000) so you can start residence processing.
File the residence application and complete a medical fitness test (~AED 300). Enroll biometrics for your Emirates ID (~AED 370).
Most permits run 2–3 years. Track issuance, note renewal dates, and diarize timelines to avoid lapses that disrupt client work.
TopVisa coordinates each submission, books medicals and biometrics, and manages Emirates ID and freelance visa issuance once processing resumes.
Applying on the mainland follows a clear sequence: secure a MOHRE work permit, complete health and insurance requirements, then choose the right residence route.
Start by matching your activity to MOHRE’s eligible freelance categories and gather supporting documents. Typical evidence includes your passport, CV, professional qualifications, and a concise portfolio.
If you already hold a local residence under a sponsor, obtain a written NOC from that sponsor authorizing mainland freelance work. Without an NOC, authorities may block status changes.
Mandatory steps:
After the MOHRE permit is approved, choose a residence route that matches your plans.
Costs and processing times differ from free zones. Mainland routes often need stricter insurance cover and tighter coordination with immigration and labor authorities.
TopVisa coordinates MOHRE self‑employment permits, sponsor NOCs, medicals, and residence filings to reduce processing gaps and help you pick the right residency when applications resume.
Start your dossier with clear, certified documents to avoid delays during submission.
Core identity and professional records: passport copy, recent photo, CV, attested academic certificates (if required), and a portfolio for creative fields. Scans should be legible and saved with clear file names before upload to the website.
Ensure translations and attestation where authorities demand them. Creative consultants and other professionals should include project samples and client references to show scope of services.
A written NOC is needed if you already hold sponsored residence; format it on company letterhead, include passport details, and state consent for the new license. Valid health insurance is mandatory in many jurisdictions before residence processing.
Tip: Upload high‑quality PDFs under size limits and follow portal naming rules to avoid automated rejections.
Select a licensing zone that matches your main activity to avoid costly relocations later.
Shortlist by sector first. Identify zones that publish the categories you need — media, tech, education, design, or consulting. This avoids mismatched licenses and extra approvals.
Media creators may pick Dubai Media City or Shams for studios and production support. Tech professionals often favour Dubai Internet City or RAKEZ for incubators and labs.
Educators lean to Dubai Knowledge Park; designers to Dubai Design District or Ajman Free Zone. Each free zone lists permitted categories and pricing so you can compare quickly.
Compare support: production studios boost content teams, incubators help developers, and training venues aid educators.
“Shortlisting the right zone early saves time and budget as your company grows.”
Choosing the right workspace shapes how you deliver services and meet clients every day.
Start small or scale fast. Many professionals begin from home to keep costs low. As meetings and production needs grow, shared co‑working and flexi‑desks in a free zone become practical.
Home setups work well for solo tasks and client calls. They keep overhead down and are easy to run.
Co‑working offers meeting rooms, faster internet, and networking. Flexi‑desks give an official address and occasional private space.
TopVisa guides you on packages bundled with your license and helps change facilities mid‑term as needs evolve. Whether you start at home or move into shared zones, they map options that match your freelance work and visa plans.
Stay organized to protect your residency and keep operations running smoothly.
Most free zone permits and related visas run one to three years. The Green option lasts five years.
Start renewal preparations at least 60–90 days before expiry. Allow extra time to avoid fines and service disruption.
VAT registration is mandatory once taxable supplies hit AED 375,000. Quarterly filing is common for registered entities.
Corporate tax at 9% applies when a company’s taxable income exceeds AED 1,000,000 per year. Good bookkeeping matters.
“TopVisa calendars your renewal dates, prepares filings, and aligns accounting partners for VAT and corporate tax where applicable.”
| Item | Key threshold | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Permit/visa validity | 1–3 years (free zone), 5 years (Green) | Renew 60–90 days before expiry |
| VAT registration | AED 375,000 taxable supplies | Register and file quarterly |
| Corporate tax | 9% over AED 1,000,000 income | Maintain books and prepay where needed |
TopVisa coordinates every administrative step so you can focus on building your business.
We offer structured, end‑to‑end services that cut complexity and save time.
Our team compiles and formats your dossier for submission. This includes translations, attestations, and file naming to meet portal rules.
We schedule medical fitness checks and Emirates ID biometrics, and we handle establishment card and visa filings as permitted by the issuing authority.
Trusted relationships matter. TopVisa works with established authorities, banks, insurers, and free zone operators to ensure compliant submissions and faster access to updates.
| Service | What we handle | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility review | Assess profile and recommend path | Choose the best route quickly |
| Document checklist | Collect, attest, translate, format | Reduce rejections and delays |
| End‑to‑end filings | Establishment card, medicals, ID, visa | Smooth submission to the correct authority |
“We guide applicants step by step and maintain direct lines with authorities to keep you informed.”
TopVisa provides clear timelines, secure payments, and follow‑up so professionals and freelancers gain lawful access and the license they need without guesswork.
Plan your next steps now so you’re ready when applications reopen and rules are updated.
Quick recap: the main pathways remain a free zone permit with residence, the five‑year Green Visa, and the one‑year Remote Work Visa — each suits different professionals and scales differently for those who may grow into a company.
While new applications are paused during the current review, existing permits and visas remain valid under current terms until expiry. Budget for core costs: license, establishment card, residence fees, medicals, Emirates ID, insurance, and renewals.
Shortlist zones like Dubai Media City, Fujairah Creative City, and many free zones by category, facilities, and client access. Consider workspace, sponsorship options, and the option to scale from a permit to a company.
Stay compliant: track VAT and corporate tax thresholds, diarize renewals, and follow authority guidance. For a smooth path, contact TopVisa to prepare documents and be application‑ready when procedures resume.
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