Do you want to start your own business, or work from home? Find out how to get a freelance permit in the UAE?

Well, there are quite a few but the most basic being that with a trade licence, as you succeed and grow, you will have the ability to hire people, whereas on a freelance permit, you are the sole practitioner of your craft. So, freelance permit is the way to go if you want to keep costs low and stay small. And then there is the option to work part-time, which is a whole different story. Additionally, a freelance permit can always be upgraded to a trade licence later.

To work as a freelancer in the UAE you need a residence visa and a freelance work permit.

Now you could already be having a residence visa if sponsored by your parent or spouse. In case you are not, you can apply for it from a free zone authority.

The free zones that currently offer a freelance permit include Dubai Media City, Dubai Studio City, Dubai Production City, Dubai Knowledge Park, Dubai Design District, Abu Dhabi’s twofour54 and Fujairah Creative City, Ras Al Khaimah Free Zone authority or RAKEZ, and Ajman Freezone .

There is a caveat to this freelance permit option, it is only available for people working in the fields of media, education or IT.

How to get a freelance permit in Abu Dhabi?

Abu Dhabi recently announced the launch of a freelancer permit, valid for two years, at a cost of Dh530. Read more here.

You can get a freelance permit from twofour54 freezone in Abu Dhabi in five simple steps.

Start with logging on to their website: https://www.twofour54.com/en/business-setup/how-to-set-up-a-business/freelance

Fill in the online application. You will need the following to complete the form:

The freezone authority will review your application, references and documentation.

Once done, they will contact you within three working days with feedback. Upon approval of your application, they will then initiate a meeting to complete the licensing and residency process. Sign and return your documents and make the necessary payments.

The Media Zone Authority has waived all licences fees for the first two years in the media zone, meaning you only need to pay for the visa registration process application and health insurance.

You will be issued with a sole proprietor’s business licence (all fees are waived for the first two years) and an employment visa valid for two years (for non-GCC nationals), which will be converted into a residence visa.

They also help applicants with finding housing, medical cover, applying for Emirates ID, etc.

How to get a freelance permit in Dubai?

Currently, registration is open under three sectors for freelance visas in the Emirate: Media (Dubai Media City), Tech (Dubai Internet City) and Education (Dubai Knowledge Park).

For Tech and Education, you can choose one activity and for Media you can choose up to three activities, such as Photographer, Animator, Graphic Designer. For the full details and application, you can log on to: https://gofreelance.ae/

Click on the Freelance option.

During the application process, you will be required to upload the following documents:

Additional documents may be required.

Apply and submit your online application. When your application is approved, you will receive an email notification. You can then go to one of the business centres in Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City or Dubai Knowledge Park to personally sign documents and pay the fee.

Shortly afterwards you’ll receive your freelance permit via email.

The fee for the freelance package is Dh7,500.

If a visa is required, they will help you through the process.

A person who oversees the business and financial decisions for a motion picture including obtaining resources, creating scripts, and overseeing production

How to get a freelance permit in Ras Al Khaimah?

Here the freelancer visa is available from the Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone or RAKEZ authority.

Their freelancer permit starts from Dh6,100 and includes access to modern business centres, a range of support services, and a UAE Residence Visa.

Who can apply?

Actor, Editor, Animator, Announcer, Art Critic, Artist, Audio Technician, Chief Editor, Choreographer, Composer, Correspondent, Cinema and TV Director, Theatre Director, Events Coordinator, Events Manager, Film Developer, Film Producer, Programme Organiser, Instrumentalist, Journalist, Light Technician, Literary Writer, Literature Critic, Make-up Technician, Market Research Analyst, Marketing Coordinator, Motion Picture Photographer, Music Critic, Musician, News Editor, News Producer, Orchestrator, Social Media Influencer, etc.

For the full list, log on to: https://rakez.com

Step 1 – Submit your documents

Step 2 – Make the payment

Step 3 – Receive your freelancer permit

How to get a freelance permit in Fujairah?

The freezone authority in this emirate is called the Creative City Fujairah. You essentially need to log on to this link to get the details: https://www.creativecity.ae/about/packages

There are essentially two options available:

Services include:

Processing time:

Freelancer company:

This package is ideal for start-ups with 4 visas, providing all the advantages of a regular company set-up.

Services include:

Processing time:

How to get a freelance permit in Ajman?

Ajman Free Zone (AFZA) offers Freelance Licence package in UAE. This package comes at a fee of Dh6000 plus visa, Emirates ID and health insurance cost.

You can apply from a number of categories and includes a visa valid for three years, along with Business Hub facilities.

For the Freelance Licence, you must have a valid passport, visa copy, no objection certificate from the sponsor (only if you are a resident in UAE) and a passport colour photograph. A range of job categories are available, which can be found once you start filling in your application.

Steps to apply: