Freelancing in Dubai requires a licence and a visa — they are separate processes handled by different authorities. The licence comes from a free zone (DMCC is the most common for freelancers), and the visa comes through the standard residency process. This article covers the exact licence fees, the documents you need, and the Green Visa option available to freelancers.
If you are setting up as a freelancer in Dubai or renewing an existing licence, this is the full picture.
Eligibility — who qualifies
Freelance licence
You qualify for a freelance licence if you register as a freelancer through a UAE free zone authority. The most common route is through DMCC's FreelanceUAE programme, which is open to individuals working independently in professional, creative, or technical fields.
Green Visa for freelancers
Freelancers are explicitly eligible for the UAE Green Visa, which is described as a flexible residency visa for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and skilled employees. The Green Visa provides more flexibility than a standard residence visa, including the ability to sponsor first-degree relatives.
Required documents
The document requirements for a freelance licence through a free zone are lighter than for a standard company setup. You will need:
- Application for registration — Required to initiate the freelancer setup process. Typically available through the free zone's online portal.
- CV (Curriculum Vitae) — Proves your professional background and skills for the freelance application.
- Bank reference letter — Original document demonstrating your financial standing.
- Registry Identification Code Form (RIC) — Official identification form for free zone registration. Must be original and notarised.
These are the documents for the licence itself. The residency visa process requires additional documents (passport, medical fitness, health insurance) which are handled separately after the licence is issued.
Fees and costs
DMCC freelance licence fees
FreelanceUAE Licence — Package 1: AED 4,020 (government fee) | 1 year
FreelanceUAE Renewal — Package 1: AED 4,020 (government fee) | 1 year
FreelanceUAE Renewal — Package 2: AED 9,136 (government fee) | 1 year
FreelanceUAE Renewal — Package 3: AED 14,136 (government fee) | 1 year
Knowledge and Innovation Dirham: AED 20 (government fee) | Per charge
Package 1 is the entry-level package at AED 4,020. Packages 2 and 3 include additional services and higher activity limits.
Visa-related fees
The exact fee for the residency visa stamping, Emirates ID, medical fitness test, and health insurance associated with a freelance visa varies by case — our team will give you the precise figure for your situation.
The licence fee above covers only the commercial licence. The visa costs are separate and processed after the licence is active.
Process and timeline
Step 1: Obtain your freelance licence
1. Choose your free zone — DMCC is the most common for freelancers, but other free zones offer freelance programmes as well 2. Submit your application — Complete the registration form, CV, bank reference letter, and RIC form 3. Licence approval — The free zone reviews your application and issues your freelance licence 4. Licence activation — Pay the licence fee and activate your commercial permit
Step 2: Apply for your residence visa
5. Entry permit — Apply for an entry permit if you are outside the UAE 6. Medical fitness test — Complete the medical examination at an approved centre 7. Emirates ID application — Apply for your Emirates ID 8. Visa stamping — The residence visa is stamped in your passport
The total processing time from application to active licence and visa is not published in the DMCC or free zone sources. Licence issuance is typically faster than the visa process.
Common questions
How much does a freelance licence cost in Dubai through DMCC?
The FreelanceUAE Licence Package 1 costs AED 4,020 for one year. All DMCC charges are also subject to an AED 20 Knowledge and Innovation Dirham fee. Renewal packages range from AED 4,020 to AED 14,136 depending on the package tier.
What documents do I need for a freelance visa in Dubai free zones?
For the licence itself, you need an application for registration, a CV, a bank reference letter, and a Registry Identification Code Form (original and notarised). The visa process requires additional documents including passport, photo, medical fitness, and health insurance.
Can freelancers apply for the UAE Green Visa?
Yes. The Green Visa is specifically available to freelancers, entrepreneurs, and skilled employees. It provides flexible residency terms.
How much are the renewal fees for a freelance licence?
In DMCC, renewal packages are priced at AED 4,020 for Package 1, AED 9,136 for Package 2, and AED 14,136 for Package 3, each valid for one year.
Can Amer centres help with freelance visas?
Yes. Amer centres provide expert advice and guidance on the specific requirements for different visa categories, including freelance and Golden Visa holders. Our Ras Al Khor centre handles the full process.
"Information verified against Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) and Free Zone Authorities as of December 2024. Requirements and fees subject to change — confirm current figures directly with Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) and Free Zone Authorities before proceeding."