Freelance Permits
Freelance Permits in the UAE: Two Routes, Different Rules
"Freelance visa" covers two different things in the UAE, and people often buy the wrong one. One is a federal work permit. The other is a free zone licence. They do not do the same job.
- The right freelance route for how you will work
- Residence options compared
- Activity matched to what you actually do
- VAT registration checked from the start
Dubai PRO, payroll and tax support for UAE companies, handled by one team.
Last reviewed against current MOHRE, ICP and GDRFA guidance.
Quick Answer
There are two main freelance routes. MOHRE's freelance work permit, one of its 13 permit types, lets a UAE resident work for themselves without an employer. A free zone freelance licence, such as Dubai Development Authority's, is a business permit from that zone and can come with residence. Separately, freelancers can apply for green residence; Abu Dhabi's green visa for freelancers, for example, asks for a bachelor's degree and annual self-employment income of at least AED 360,000 over the previous two years.
The MOHRE Freelance Permit
This is a federal work permit for someone already resident in the UAE who wants to work for themselves. It is one of MOHRE's 13 permit types.
It covers the right to work, not residence. The person needs their residence from somewhere else, such as family sponsorship or green residence.
- Issued by MOHRE
- For people already resident in the UAE
- Covers the right to work, not residence
- Activity must match the work done
The Free Zone Freelance Licence
Several free zones issue freelance licences, among them the Dubai Development Authority. These are business permits from the zone, with their own approved activities.
Residence can usually be added through the zone, with an establishment card and visa on top of the licence fee.
- Issued by the free zone authority
- Fixed list of approved activities
- Residence can usually be added
- Renewed every year with the zone
Green Residence
Green residence gives five years without a sponsor. For freelancers the criteria are about qualifications and income. Abu Dhabi's version asks for a bachelor's degree and AED 360,000 a year from self-employment over the previous two years, or proof of financial solvency.
- Five years, no sponsor
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent
- Income test over two years
- Degree attestation usually needed
The Tax Question Nobody Mentions
Freelancers are businesses for VAT. Once taxable supplies pass AED 375,000 in 12 months, VAT registration is mandatory. Below that, and above AED 187,500, it is voluntary.
Corporate tax can apply too. Our freelancer VAT guide sets out when.
- Mandatory VAT registration above AED 375,000
- Voluntary above AED 187,500
- Corporate tax registration may also apply
- Invoices must meet FTA rules once registered
How Exiloz Helps
We start with how you will actually work and who your clients are, then recommend a route. Because we are a tax firm, we set up the VAT and corporate tax side at the same time.
- Route recommended for your situation
- Permit or licence application handled
- Residence options compared
- VAT and corporate tax registration checked
Related Exiloz Services & Guides
Is a freelance permit the same as a freelance visa?
Not quite. MOHRE's freelance permit covers the right to work but not residence. A free zone freelance licence can usually include residence.
Can I get a freelance permit while on my spouse's visa?
Yes. The MOHRE freelance permit is designed for people already resident in the UAE.
Do freelancers need to register for VAT?
Yes, once taxable supplies exceed AED 375,000 in 12 months. Voluntary registration is available above AED 187,500.
What is the green visa for freelancers?
A five-year residence that needs no sponsor. Abu Dhabi's version asks for a bachelor's degree and annual self-employment income of at least AED 360,000 over two years, or proof of solvency.
Can a freelancer hire staff?
Generally not on a freelance permit. If you need employees, a company licence is the usual answer.
Which free zones offer freelance licences?
Several, including the Dubai Development Authority. Each sets its own activities and fees.
The rest of what we do
Licence, visas, bank account, books and the first tax return — handled by the same team, so the structure has to survive its first year.
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Corporate Tax Filing
Returns, elections and the qualifying income analysis behind them.
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Accounting & Bookkeeping
Books kept audit-ready from month one, not reconstructed at year end.
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Audit Preparation
Schedules, reconciliations and the evidence your auditor will ask for.
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Payroll & WPS
Payroll, WPS files and end-of-service calculated correctly.
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Tax Residency Certificate
Day-count position verified and the FTA document pack assembled.
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Customs Registration
Client code and Mirsal registration, before your first shipment, not after.
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ICV Certification
Score modelled and improved before the audit, not explained afterwards.
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UAE Free Zones
All 37 zones compared by emirate, with the founding law and what each is really for.
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Going Freelance?
Tell us what you do and where your clients are. We will recommend a route and set up the tax side with it.
