Freelance visa and licence in Dubai
There is no single "freelance visa". To work for yourself in the UAE you need a permit or licence that allows self-employment, plus a residence visa sponsored through it. The cheapest route is often a one-person free zone licence rather than a freelance permit.
| Licence | Emirate | Licence only | With 1+ visa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ajman NuVentures Centre (ANCFZ) | Ajman | AED 4,888 | AED 10,800 |
| SHAMS — Media licence | Sharjah | AED 5,760 | AED 13,175 |
| RAKEZ | Ras Al Khaimah | AED 6,000 | AED 12,000 |
| SHAMS — Standard licence | Sharjah | AED 6,885 | AED 14,300 |
Biznexa package prices in AED, including standard government fees. The final cost depends on your activity and the zone's current offers — we confirm one fixed number in writing before you pay.
Your options
- One-person free zone licence — a full company licence in your own name. It sponsors your residence visa, lets you invoice any client and open a business bank account. Usually the most flexible choice.
- Free zone freelance permit — some free zones issue permits for individual professionals in media, creative, tech and education. Activities are narrower and some banks treat permits more cautiously than licences.
- GoFreelance (Dubai) — a Dubai permit for selected media, tech, design and education professions.
- Green Visa for freelancers — a self-sponsored residence visa with education and income requirements. We check whether you qualify.
Permit or licence — how to choose
- Need to hire staff later or work with larger clients? Choose a licence.
- Working in media or content creation? A media licence such as SHAMS Media is usually the cheapest fit.
- Need a residence visa quickly? Pick a package that includes one — see the "with visa" prices above.
- Want the lowest yearly cost and no visa? A licence-only package is enough if you already hold a UAE residence visa.
What the visa involves
Every residence visa needs an entry permit or status change, a medical test, Emirates ID biometrics and health insurance. Biznexa handles each step for you.
Tax in a free zone
UAE corporate tax is 9% on taxable profit above AED 375,000. A free zone company that meets the "qualifying" conditions — real presence in the zone and mostly qualifying income — can pay 0% on qualifying income, but other income is taxed at 9%. VAT is 5% and registration is required once taxable supplies pass AED 375,000. Our tax and accounting team keeps you compliant.