Freelance permit
Work legally in the UAE under your own name
- Activities
- 2 related
- Residence visa
- 1 included
- Current package
- AED 1,818 / month
- Presence to apply
- Not required
What you get
- A registered freelance status to invoice clients legally
- One residence visa for you as the permit holder
- The option to sponsor dependants — spouse, children, parents — subject to UAE immigration rules
- Freedom to live and work anywhere in the UAE or abroad
- Minimal paperwork, with no physical presence needed to apply
Examples of freelance activities
Freelance permits are issued for talent, creative and selected professional roles, including (but not limited to):
Documents to apply
- Completed application form
- Latest CV or résumé
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Colour passport copy
Before you apply
Common questions
How much does a freelance permit cost?
UAQ FTZ currently advertises the UAQ Freelance Package at AED 1,818 per month, including the permit with two related activities, a residence visa, Emirates ID, medical test and insurance, and co-working access. Family sponsorship and amendments cost extra. Your quotation confirms the term and total.
Does a freelance permit include a visa? Can I sponsor my family?
The freelance permit provides one residence visa for the permit holder. Permit holders can sponsor dependants, subject to UAE immigration rules and salary requirements.
Source: /freelance-permit
Do I need to be in the UAE to set up?
No physical presence is needed at the free zone office to form your company. Some residency steps — the medical test, Emirates ID and visa — may require you to be in the UAE.
Source: /benefits
Talk it through with an adviser
Share what you have planned so far. An adviser will confirm what applies to your business, what it costs and what happens next — no obligation.