A freelance permit lets you work legally in the UAE under your own name, no employer needed. Here is what it costs and how it actually works.
The UAE freelance permit is one of the most popular routes for independent professionals — consultants, designers, developers, content creators, marketers — who want to work legally without setting up a full company or being tied to an employer. Permit vs residence visa — the key distinction A freelance permit is the licence that lets you operate. On its own it does not give you UAE residency. To live in the UAE, you pair the permit with a residence visa — and free zones like RAKEZ bundle both. This is the point most people get confused on, so be clear which you need. What it costs A freelance permit with the free zone route starts affordably, and a permit plus one residence visa lands in a similar range to a one-visa company package. The exact figure depends on your activity and whether you need the residence visa. Use our calculator for a precise number. Who it suits Consultants and coaches working with multiple clients. Designers, developers, writers and creators. Marketing and media professionals. Anyone wanting to invoice UAE and international clients legally What you can and cannot do A freelance permit lets you offer services under your own name and invoice clients. It typically covers one professional activity. If you plan to trade goods, hire a team, or run a broader business, a full company licence is the better structure. Not sure if you need a freelance permit or a company? We will tell you honestly. Ask us.