The UAE freelance visa is one of the most searched relocation topics in the country — and one of the most confusingly priced. “Packages” bundle different things, free zones quote differently, and the cheapest headline number is rarely the full bill. This guide breaks down the real first-year cost of freelancing legally in Dubai, line by line.
The short answer
For most freelancers, the first year costs between AED 10,000 and AED 18,000 all-in for a two-year visa package through a free zone. The cheapest routes (Sharjah’s SHAMS, or the federal MOHRE permit if you already hold another visa) come in lower; premium Dubai zones cost more. Year one is always the most expensive because it includes one-off setup fees.
The two routes: free zone vs MOHRE
Before the numbers, understand the fork in the road:
- Free zone package (GoFreelance/TECOM, SHAMS, RAKEZ, IFZA…): the standard route. You get a freelance permit and a residence visa sponsored by the free zone. Best for most freelancers, especially those moving to the UAE specifically to freelance.
- MOHRE freelance permit (federal, mainland): far cheaper — around AED 500 for two years if you already hold a UAE residence visa (for example, on a spouse’s sponsorship) and only need the legal right to invoice clients. It does not give you residency by itself.
This guide prices the full free-zone route, since that is what most people mean by “freelance visa”.
Full cost breakdown: year one
Using Dubai’s GoFreelance programme (TECOM) as the worked example, because it publishes the clearest itemised fees. Other zones follow the same structure.
| Cost item | What it is | Typical cost (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Freelance permit | Your legal right to work in one activity; renewed annually | 5,750–12,500 (GoFreelance: 7,500) |
| Establishment card | Registers you with immigration so the zone can sponsor you | 2,000–2,500 |
| Residence visa (2-year) | Entry permit or status change plus the visa itself | ~3,330 |
| Medical fitness test | Blood test and chest X-ray | 300–700 (express options cost more) |
| Emirates ID | Biometrics and ID card | ~370 |
| Health insurance | Mandatory for every resident | 800–3,000/year |
| Realistic first-year total | ~AED 12,800–18,000 |
A few notes on the table:
- The freelance permit renews every year, even when your residence visa is issued for two years. Budget the permit renewal separately in year two.
- If you are already inside the UAE (for example on a tourist visa), add a status change of roughly AED 1,150 so you can activate residency without leaving the country.
- Degree attestation (around AED 150 per document at MOFA, plus home-country fees) applies only if your activity requires a degree — media and tech roles usually qualify with a CV and portfolio; education roles need attested degrees.
- Some zones require a flexi desk (AED 3,000–8,000 a year). Check before you commit.
Cheapest vs premium: free zone comparison
| Free zone | Position | First-year indication |
|---|---|---|
| SHAMS (Sharjah) | Cheapest headline packages | From ~AED 8,500 |
| IFZA | Budget-friendly, popular with Indians/Pakistanis | From ~AED 8,500–11,000 |
| RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah) | Mid-range, wide activity list | ~AED 10,000–14,000 |
| GoFreelance / TECOM (Dubai) | Mid-range, clearest fee structure | ~AED 12,830 all-in |
| Premium Dubai zones | Top end | AED 15,000–30,000 |
Do not choose on price alone: check which activities each zone allows, whether family sponsorship is straightforward, and what the renewal costs — a cheap year one with an expensive renewal is a trap.
The costs nobody quotes you
- Health insurance is not optional. No insurance, no visa. Basic compliant plans start around AED 800 a year, but check the hospital network — the cheapest plans often cover very little.
- The permit is annual; the visa may be two years. Year two still bills you the permit renewal plus fresh insurance — often nearly as much as year one.
- Late or lumpy client payments are a cash-flow reality. Keep a buffer; your visa costs do not pause when a client pays late.
- PRO / typing-centre fees (AED 500–3,000) if you use an agent instead of applying yourself.
Timeline: how long does it take?
The permit itself is usually approved within 5–10 working days. The visa stage — entry permit, status change, medical, biometrics and Emirates ID — adds another one to two weeks. Realistically, budget two to four weeks from application to Emirates ID in hand.
Can you freelance on a tourist visa while you wait?
No — working on a tourist or visit visa is illegal in the UAE and carries heavy fines. Get the permit before taking a client. The MOHRE permit (around AED 500 for two years) is the fastest legal bridge if you already hold another residence visa.
Get Your Exact Number
Freelance costs are only one part of the move. Run the free MoveWise UAE calculator for your full year-one budget — visa, housing, insurance and the move-in cash you will need on day one.
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FAQs
How much is a freelance visa in Dubai in 2026?
The full first-year cost through a free zone is typically AED 10,000–18,000 for a two-year visa package: roughly AED 7,500 for the permit, AED 2,000 for the establishment card, AED 3,330 for the visa, plus medical, Emirates ID and mandatory health insurance. SHAMS and IFZA packages start lower, around AED 8,500.
What is the cheapest freelance visa in the UAE?
If you already hold a UAE residence visa (e.g. on a spouse’s sponsorship), the MOHRE freelance permit at around AED 500 for two years is by far the cheapest legal route. For a full visa package including residency, SHAMS in Sharjah and IFZA publish the lowest first-year totals.
Do I need health insurance for a freelance visa?
Yes — it is mandatory. Your visa cannot be issued or renewed without a compliant health insurance policy. Basic plans start from around AED 800 a year.
How long does a freelance visa take in Dubai?
Typically two to four weeks end to end: 5–10 working days for the permit, then one to two weeks for the entry permit, medical test, biometrics and Emirates ID.
Can a freelancer sponsor family in Dubai?
Yes, provided you meet the minimum income requirement (commonly around AED 4,000 a month, higher in some zones) and suitable housing. Each family member then needs their own visa, medical and insurance — budget roughly AED 3,000–6,500 per person for the first year.
Is freelance income tax-free in the UAE?
There is no personal income tax. However, the 9% UAE corporate tax applies to annual business profits above AED 375,000, and registration with the Federal Tax Authority is required once turnover crosses the relevant thresholds.