Does living as a freelancer seem like an ideal lifestyle for you? The next step is to obtain freelancing permission and a freelance visa for Dubai! You can lawfully do business in the UAE and offer clients professional services with a Freelance Visa in Dubai.
Most independent contractors operate in software development, websites, social media, architecture, health and fitness, and graphic design. In the UAE, 38% of freelance workers are women and 62% are men, with most freelancers being between twenty-one and thirty years of age.
If you are a non-national willing to work as a freelancer, you will also need your UAE Residency Visa. You can work in diverse arenas, such as consulting, film production, education, events management, new media, and entertainment.
With step-by-step advice on navigating the application procedures, legal requirements, and information on which Free Zone you might wish to set up your Freelance Visa, this thorough guide seeks to ease the process.

How to Become a Freelancer in Dubai
Select Your Field
Decide on the area you want to work as a freelancer, such as design, media, education, or technology.
Pick a Free Zone
Choose a Free Zone that allows freelancer licenses. Check out the list provided under “UAE Free Zones”.
Documentation
Collect the necessary documentation, including:
- Copies of your passport
- Resume
- Bank reference letter
- Academic transcripts validated by the UAE Consulate or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Credentials
- Work portfolio (if applicable)
- Two professional references (with contact details)
- Sponsor’s No Objection Certificate (NOC) if you are already a UAE resident
Submit Your Application
Apply for a freelance permit from the relevant Free Zone authority. Most Free Zones provide online application platforms.
Apply for a Freelance Visa
Use your Freelance Permit to apply for a Freelance Visa. You will need:
- Freelance Permit
- Health insurance
- Passport
- UAE phone number
- Passport-sized photos
Establishment Card
You might have to apply for an establishment card based on the selected Free Zone. This card is essential for handling visa-related paperwork, especially if you need extra operational permissions or plan to sponsor dependents’ visas. The annual cost is around AED 2000, including a medical check-up.
Issue of Visa
Your Freelance Visa will be issued once the application is approved and all visa fees are paid.
Visa Renewal
The freelance visa requires renewal after a certain period. The cost and validity depend on the Free Zone authority.
Costs of Freelance Visas and UAE Free Zones
Many UAE Free Zones offer Freelancer licenses, but not all do. The Free Zones listed below, each focusing on a particular industry, provide Freelance Permits and Visas. Consider the pricing structure, including license fees, visa costs, and any required deposits. Evaluate the overall atmosphere and networking opportunities the Free Zone offers to ensure it aligns with your career goals and growth possibilities.
How to Obtain a Visa for Freelance Work in Dubai
Mainland Freelance Visa Application
Outside the Free Zones, Dubai has a different procedure for obtaining a freelance visa.
Select Your Business Purpose
Decide the industry or subject you want to work in, such as technology, education, or media.
Acquire a Permit for Freelance
In contrast to Free Zones, where the permit is granted by Free Zone authorities, on the Mainland you must get a freelance permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization. This involves completing specific requirements and submitting the required paperwork.
Apply for a No Objection Certificate (NOC)
If you are already a resident of the UAE under a different type of visa, such as an employment visa, you must get a NOC from your current sponsor.
Comply with All Legal Requirements
Ensure you have all the required documentation, including a current passport and necessary credentials for freelance work.
Medical Fitness Test and Insurance
Obtain legitimate health insurance and undergo a medical fitness test as part of the requirements for obtaining a UAE resident visa.
Apply for a Resident Visa
With your resident visa and the required paperwork in hand, along with your freelance permit, you can lawfully live and work in Dubai. Specifically apply for a Green Visa, providing documents like a Bachelor’s degree or other specialist qualifications and proof of financial stability or income, with at least AED 360,000 in yearly self-employment revenue for the past two years.
Stamping of the Visa
Get your residency visa approval stamped on your passport.
Open a Bank Account
Open a bank account for your freelance venture.
How Unicorn Global Solutions Can Help
It’s no wonder many professionals prefer obtaining a Freelance license in the UAE. Unicorn Global Solutions provides comprehensive support to help you obtain your freelance visa in Dubai. As one of the UAE’s top experts in Dubai company formation, Unicorn Global Solutions offers value-added business support services and diverse Freelancer package options to individuals willing to work as independent contractors. Contact us for a seamless and efficient process in obtaining your freelance visa in Dubai. Text us on WhatsApp or call us today.