Freelance Permit
Also known as: Freelancer Licence, Self-Employment Permit, Freelance Visa Permit
Quick Answer
A freelance permit is a licence that lets an individual work independently in the UAE under their own name, without setting up a full company. It is issued by several free zones and by MOHRE, and can support a self-sponsored residency visa.
A freelance permit is the lightest legal route for solo professionals — consultants, designers, developers, media and marketing specialists, trainers — who want to invoice clients legally in the UAE without the cost of a full trade licence and office. The permit is issued in the individual's name and ties to a defined freelance activity.
Two main families exist: free-zone freelance permits (offered by zones such as those geared to media, tech, and education) and the MOHRE freelance / self-employment work permit on the mainland. Each comes with its own activity list, fees, and visa rights. Free-zone permits often bundle a flexi-desk and an option to apply for a residency visa.
Typical all-in cost ranges from roughly AED 7,500 to 20,000 per year depending on the issuer and whether a visa is included. A freelance permit can underpin a Green Visa application for qualifying professionals. ZETUP PRO compares freelance options across issuers and handles the permit plus any linked visa.
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