The Complete Guide to Dubai Freelance Visa: Costs, Benefits, and How to Apply (2025 Update)
Dubai has quickly become one of the best places for freelancers from all over the world to live and work. The city boasts no income tax, a thriving business community, and an unsurpassed quality of life. The Dubai Freelance Visa lets freelancers live and work in the UAE legally without needing a local sponsor.
This complete guide has all the information you need concerning the Dubai Freelance Visa, such as:
- What is the Dubai Freelance Visa?
- Who can apply?
- A full analysis of costs, including options for mainland and free zones?
- A guide that shows you how to apply step by step?
- The main pros and cons of freelancing in Dubai?
- A comparison between the freelance visa and the business setup visa?
- How to renew your visa ?
- What makes Dubai the ideal place for freelancers?
- How companies like Gulliver Travel can help with freelance visas for the mainland?
1: What is the Dubai Freelance Visa?
The Dubai Freelance Visa is a work permit that lets international professionals live and work on their own in Dubai and other emirates of the UAE for up to two years. They can renew it after every 2 year. The Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZ) started this in 2022. Made mostly for people who work in the media, technology, marketing, education, or creative fields Unlike regular work visas, this one doesn’t need a local sponsor. Allows family members to sponsor (spouse, kids, domestic help)
Who Can Apply?
People who work as freelancers in the following sectors can apply:
- IT, software development, and data science are all parts of technology.
- Making media and content, such journalism, photography, and video creation.
- Design and architecture (graphic design, fashion, and interior design).
- Consulting and marketing (business, finance, and digital marketing).
- Advisors for e-learning and corporate trainers in education and training.
- Other Professionals have a valid graduate degree.
Cost of the Dubai Freelance Visa (2025)
- The price of the Dubai Freelance Visa changes depending on whether you apply from a free zone or the mainland. Here is a full comparison:
| Expense | Included | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Freelance Work Permit | Yes | Varies by free zone/Mainland |
| Residence Visa (2 Year) | Yes | Includes processing |
| Medical Test | Yes | Mandatory for visa approval |
| Emirates ID | Yes | Required for residency |
| Health Insurance | Yes | Mandatory in Dubai |
| Total Estimated Cost | 8,499 – 9,499 AED | (~$3,500 – $6,500 USD) |
Mainland Freelance Visa (via Gulliver Travel and other companies)
Some companies, like Gulliver Travel, offer mainland freelancing visas with extra perks:
- No limits on clients (may cooperate with enterprises in the UAE mainland)
- Less expensive to set up than some free zones
- Flexible payment plan (Tabby, Tamara)
Cheapest Free Zones for Freelancers
- Fujairah Creative City is the cheapest free zone for freelancers (around 6,000 AED).
- Dubai Media City (around 7,500 AED)
- Dubai Design District (D3) (around 8,000 AED)
- RAKZ (around 6500 AED)
- DED License (around 1200 AED).
3. How to Get a Freelance Visa for Dubai (Step by Step)
Step 1: Decide if you want a free zone or mainland visa.
- Free Zone Visa: Only for customers in the free zone.
- The Mainland Visa (via Gulliver Travel) lets you work for any UAE company.
Step 2: Get the documents you need ready
Make sure you accounting for the following documents:
- ✔ A copy of your passport that is good for at least six months
- ✔ Photos the size of a passport (with a white backdrop)
- ✔ Certificates of degree or diploma (notarized if needed)
- ✔ Resume or portfolio (for creative people)
- ✔ Results of the medical fitness test (done in the UAE)
Step 3: Get the Freelance Permit
- For free zones, send in your application through their website.
- Agencies like Gulliver Travel take care of the paperwork for you when you need a mainland visa.
Step 4: Wait for the visa to be approved.
- It can take anything from 10 to 30 days to process.
Step 5: Get into the UAE and start working for yourself
After you have the green light, you can:
- ✔ Open a bank account in the UAE
- ✔ Sponsor family members (if you meet the requirements)
- ✔ Work lawfully with clients from both the UAE and other countries
Advantages of Being a Freelancer in Dubai
- No personal income tax in Dubai, thus your income is tax-free.
- Family Sponsorship: You can sponsor your spouse, kids, and domestic help.
- No Need for a Local Sponsor: You are in charge of all of your money.
- Getting to UAE Banking and Financial Services: Set up accounts with banks in the UAE.
- Travelling to GCC countries without a visa: Take advantage of free travel.
- Pathway to Golden Visa: the chance to live in the UAE for a long time.
Freelance Visa vs. Business Setup in Dubai
| Factor | Freelance Visa | Business Setup |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 8,500 – 9,500 AED | 30,000+ AED |
| Sponsorship | Not required | May require local partner |
| Office Space | Not mandatory | Required (physical/virtual) |
| Visa Flexibility | 2-years | Longer-term options |
| Best For | Solo freelancers | Entrepreneurs with employees |
6. How to Renew Your Freelance Visa
You can use the freelancing visa for two years and renew it every two year. To renew, you need to fill out a renewal application, take a medical test, pay the renewal fees (which are usually between 8,500 and 9,500 AED), and then get your new visa.
7. Problems with Freelancing in Dubai:
Not being able to get UAE government contracts easily Certain Professions Require Extra Approvals Intense Competition from Global Freelancers.
8. Why Dubai is best for Freelancer
- Dubai is a global business hub with a lot of opportunities.
- No Income Tax: You don’t have to pay taxes on your income.
- World-Class Infrastructure & Coworking Spaces: Enjoy great amenities.
- Easy to get around: You can go to a lot of countries without a visa.
- There is a lot of demand for freelancers, especially in IT, journalism, and finance.
9. Need help with your application?
Get expert assistance for:
🔹 Freelance Visa Application
🔹 Bank Account Setup
🔹 Tax & Legal Compliance
📞 Contact us today for a free consultation!
- +971 58 987 0028 or
- info@gullivertravelsae.com
