Sub-service · Residence visas · Freelance
Freelance Visa in the UAE
A freelance visa is the self-employed route: a permit that lets you work with clients in your own name without an employer sponsor. Two issuers exist — MOHRE (mainland, for skilled freelancers in approved fields) and free zones (packages that bundle the permit with a residence visa and optional flexi-desk). In the snapshot 58 freelance packages are tracked across 2 zones.
- Issuers
- MOHRE + zones two different tracks
- Packages tracked
- 58 2 zones in the snapshot
- Entry packages
- from AED 4,999* market benchmark
- Sponsor
- Self no employer needed
Process
How the investor visa process goes
-
Pick the issuer
day 0MOHRE for mainland clients on a budget; a free zone when you need a residence visa, office access and a trade name.
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Apply with your profile
1–5 daysDegree or specialised experience, portfolio and an undertaking to work in the approved field only.
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Receive permit / file residence
1–2 weeksMOHRE issues the freelance permit; free zones bundle the residence visa and Emirates ID into the package.
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Invoice and grow
ongoingWork with clients in your name — and upgrade to a Green or Golden Visa as income grows.
Typical package sequence in the snapshot: License registration → Establishment card → Investor visa → Corporate bank account (1,833 of 2,047 packages follow this order).
Zones
Where packages include the investor visa
| Route | Who qualifies | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| MOHRE freelance permit | Skilled freelancers: degree or specialised diploma, portfolio, no employer sponsorship needed | 1–2 years |
| Free zone freelance package | Permit + residence visa + flexi-desk in one package (e.g. Creative City from AED 4,999*) | 1–2 years |
| Freelance under Green Visa | Self-sponsored 5-year residency for freelancers with AED 360,000+ annual income | 5 years |
Programme rules as of 2026 — confirm current thresholds with ICP or the free zone before applying.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a freelance permit and a freelance visa?
The permit is the work authorisation; the visa is the residency. Free zone packages bundle both, MOHRE permits pair with a separate residence application (or a Green Visa for eligible freelancers).
How much does a freelance visa cost?
Entry free zone packages start from AED 4,999* per year in the snapshot; MOHRE permit fees are set by the ministry. Confirm current rates before applying.
What can I do with it?
Only the activities listed on your permit — each issuer has an approved fields list (media, tech, design, education and more).
Can I sponsor my family?
Freelance permit holders can apply for family sponsorship when the income and housing requirements are met; the Green Visa is the dedicated self-sponsored route.
Planning an investor visa for your company?
We match the license package to your visa plan — quota, family sponsorship and bank account in one scope.