UAE Freelance Visa
work independently. stay legally.
grow freely in the UAE.
At Upzone, we make business setup in the UAE effortless and strategic. Whether you're a startup founder, a global investor, or scaling an existing venture, our expert team simplifies every step—so you can focus on growth, not red tape.
From the right license structure to choosing the ideal Free Zone or mainland setup, we align your vision with solutions that fit your goals, budget, and timeline.
About UAE Freelance Visa
Flexibility. Freedom. Legitimacy.
The UAE Freelance Visa empowers independent professionals—designers, writers, developers, consultants, and more—to live and work legally in one of the world’s most business-friendly environments. With a residency linked to a freelance permit rather than an employer, you gain the freedom to take on multiple clients, both locally and internationally.
This visa is especially popular across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and northern emirates, with Free Zones offering sector-specific freelance permits in media, education, tech, and consulting.
At Upzone, we simplify the freelance visa process—guiding you from permit selection to residency approval so you can focus on your passion, not the paperwork.
Because freedom should come with formal recognition.
UAE Freelance Visa
Types of Freelance Visa
2-Year
Freelance Visa
- Sponsored through an approved UAE Free Zone
- 2-year residence visa application / pre-approval
- Issued alongside an active freelance permit in the approved sector
- Current visa cancellation (if applicable)
- Medical fitness test
- Visa stamping in passport
- Emirates ID issuance
- Processing time: 2–3 weeks
Sector-Specific
Freelance Visa
- Issued for specific industries (e.g., Dubai Media City, Dubai Design District, RAKEZ, etc.)
- 2-year residence visa application / pre-approval
- Requires proof of qualifications or portfolio in chosen sector
- Current visa cancellation (if applicable)
- Medical fitness test
- Visa stamping in passport
- Emirates ID issuance
- Processing time: 1–2 weeks
Freelance Permit
+ Visa Package
- Includes freelance work permit and self-sponsored residency visa
- Valid for 2 years with option to renew
- Eligible for multiple sectors (media, IT, education, consultancy, etc.)
- Current visa cancellation (if applicable)
- Medical fitness test
- Visa stamping in passport
- Emirates ID issuance
- Processing time: 1–2 weeks
Pricing and Documents
Clear Steps. Clean Paperwork. Fast Processing.
Costs vary depending on the Free Zone, but generally include the freelance permit fee, visa application, medical, Emirates ID, and admin charges.
Common Required Documents:
- Passport copy (6+ months validity)
- Recent passport-size photo
- Updated CV/resume
- Academic certificate (attested) for certain professions
- Portfolio or work samples (creative/media/tech fields)
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from current sponsor (if applicable)
- UAE phone number and address (for Emirates ID)
- Health insurance coverage
- Emirates ID application
At Upzone, we help you choose the right Free Zone and handle all coordination with licensing and immigration—so your freelance journey starts faster, stronger, and smarter.
Because being independent shouldn’t mean being alone.
Step by Step Guide
Get Your UAE Freelance Visa
in simple 5 steps
Choose
Free
Zone
Submit
documents
application
Permit
approval
visa
Medical
test
biometrics
Visa
Emirates
ID
How can we help?
Freezone license FAQ
Here are a few of the common ones that we get, along with answers to the questions. Contact us if any of your questions are not answered here.
1. Who is eligible for the UAE Freelance Visa?
Freelancers, consultants, and independent professionals across sectors like media, tech, design, education, and wellness can apply with relevant experience or qualifications.
2. Can I apply without a job offer?
Yes. The freelance visa allows you to work for yourself and offer services to multiple clients without being tied to one employer.
3. What is the difference between a freelance permit and freelance visa?
The permit gives you legal permission to operate as a freelancer. The visa gives you residency status. You typically need both.
4. Can I sponsor my family under a freelance visa?
Yes. Once your visa and Emirates ID are active, you can sponsor your spouse, children, and parents if you meet the income threshold.
5. Is the freelance visa renewable?
Absolutely. It’s typically valid for 2 years and can be renewed as long as you meet basic criteria and continue operating under a valid permit.
