Ready to do what you love and work on your own terms? GoBusiness makes it easy and affordable to start your freelance journey in the UAE. Our freelance visa package is tailored for media professionals, educators, and independent entrepreneurs. It includes your Freelancer Permit, access to modern business centres, essential support services, and eligibility for a UAE Residence Visa.
With flexible 1- and 2-year packages, our one-stop solution is designed to suit your budget and lifestyle. You’ll also have the chance to connect with like-minded professionals and be part of a growing community of freelancers across the UAE.
Getting started is simple: submit your documents, make the payment, and receive your Freelancer Permit. GoBusiness is here to support you every step of the way.
Power-up your presence with a 100% certified freelance visa in Dubai.
A freelance visa not only allows you to legally work and reside in the UAE but also gives you access to a dynamic and flexible coworking infrastructure. With daily, weekly, and monthly memberships, you can choose from open and private workspaces, event areas, lounges, and meeting rooms along with unique facilities like a fun zone and recording studio for creative professionals. Our membership bundles, including standard access, a dedicated desk, and private office – options you can choose from based on your freelance business needs. Set up your freelance brand in no time with GoBusiness, and enjoy the added benefit of cost-effective coworking spaces designed for independent professionals.
Have questions? We’ve got answers.
A freelance licence is a legal authorisation granted by a free-zone authority—most commonly the Dubai Development Authority (DDA)—that permits you to operate as an independent professional rather than under a company name. It is effectively a freelance permit in Dubai that registers your activity, whether you’re a photographer, developer or consultant. Holding a freelance licence allows you to invoice clients, enter into contracts and work across the United Arab Emirates (UAE) under your own credentials, with no need for a local sponsor.
Any individual aged 18 or above, whether a UAE resident or non-resident, may apply. Salaried employees in the UAE can also secure a freelance licence, provided they obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer. This makes the freelance licence in the UAE scheme accessible to a broad spectrum of talent.
A freelance licence focuses on sole professional activities, allowing you to offer services under your birth name, whereas a company licence enables you to trade under a business name, hire staff and undertake broader business activities. A Dubai freelance permit grants permissions strictly for independent consulting or creative work, while a company licence covers manufacturing, import/export or retail operations.
Yes. Once you secure your freelance licence, you can apply for a residence visa. The process involves obtaining an establishment card, then applying for a freelance employment visa under the DDA. The entry permit is typically issued within five to seven working days; thereafter, you complete medical and Emirates ID procedures. Your freelance work permit visa will be stamped for three years, after which you may renew. This visa is the same as a traditional residence visa but linked to your freelance permit in Dubai status.
GoBusiness’s freelance package, for instance, bundles the Dubai freelance permit application with visa processing and Emirates ID set-up.
The cost of a freelance licence in Dubai, UAE, depends on the type of service, the free zone one chooses, and the kind of support required, such as access to workspaces or eligibility to sponsor dependents.
Several authorities in Dubai offer sector-specific freelance permits. Each has its own application process and pricing model. While one may offer a basic licence, another might include workspace access or additional services. This naturally reflects in the overall cost.
The pricing may differ based on whether one is applying for the first time or renewing an existing licence. Additional charges may arise for services such as document attestations and identity processing.
It’s advisable to review the inclusions in each package before applying. Some authorities offer limited-period benefits or bundled options that can be more aligned with individual needs. Comparing these can help in making an informed decision.
A freelance licence remains one of the most accessible ways to work independently in Dubai, offering flexibility and formal recognition without the obligations that come with setting up a full business entity. While the initial cost varies, what matters more is the clarity of deliverables in the chosen package.
Before proceeding, it’s wise to set aside a budget that covers not just the core licence, but also any incidental expenses that might arise during the process.
Typical turnaround is 2–3 working days for licence approval and 2–3 weeks for residence visa issuance. Processing times may vary slightly based on the volume of applications and public holidays.
Applicants must submit the following to obtain a freelance work permit in Dubai:
These requirements ensure that the Dubai freelance permit is granted to qualified individuals.
A freelance work permit is a federal permit issued by the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE) allowing you to carry out freelance assignments for multiple clients under UAE labour law, without an employment contract.
A freelance licence is a free-zone issued licence, often called a “sole professional licence,” which bundles both your business registration and the right to sponsor your residency visa. While the freelance work permit is strictly your work authorisation under MOHRE, the freelance licence governs your activity scope, business name and local compliance in the chosen free zone.
In most cases, the freelance work permit is suited for individuals who already hold a valid residency visa, whereas the freelance licence is ideal for those who require both legal work status and visa support.
Commonly approved professional activities include:
Specific lists vary by free zone, so always check the authority’s approved activity list before applying.
A freelance licence in Dubai is usually valid for one year from the date of issuance. Once it expires, you need to renew it annually to continue operating legally.
Here’s a step-by-step explanation of the renewal process:
GoBusiness provides an ongoing licence renewal service to simplify the process.
Processing typically takes 5–10 business days once all documents are submitted and fees are paid. Some free zones offer express options that can reduce turnaround to 2–3 days, albeit at a premium.
Yes. Once your freelance permit in Dubai is linked to a residence visa, you’re eligible to sponsor dependents, subject to meeting minimum salary requirements under UAE immigration rules. The process mirrors that of other visa categories, requiring your Emirates ID and proof of relationship.
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