Through one of three routes: a freelance permit from a free zone, a freelance work permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, or your own company. Residence is a separate question, and the self-employment Green Visa lets a freelancer live in the UAE without an employer or sponsor.
NXTSTAR works out which route matches your work and your residence position, then sets it up.
Last reviewed: by the NXTSTAR team.
Rules are set by the authority and can change. Confirm the current position before you apply.
Route 1: a free zone freelance permit
Several free zones license individuals directly, in the fields each zone covers:
- Dubai Media City and Dubai Internet City, through the GoFreelance permit, for media, creative and technology roles. The permit is issued in your own name.
- Dubai Knowledge Park, for trainers and education professionals.
- Sharjah Media City (Shams), Ajman Free Zone and Masdar City Free Zone, which each offer a freelance package or permit.
Dubai Media City says a freelance permit holder can apply for a one-year or two-year visa.
Route 2: the freelance work permit
The labour ministry issues a freelance work permit to individuals who work independently, with no employer sponsor and no employment contract, earning income by providing a service or completing a task for individuals or companies. It is available to foreign nationals who hold a self-sponsored residence visa.
Route 3: your own company
A free zone company with a professional or service licence does the same job as a permit, with more room to grow: you can add partners, hire staff and invoice as a company. It is the usual step once freelance income becomes steady.
Residence: the self-employment Green Visa
GDRFA Dubai grants a Green residence permit for self-employment with no guarantor, employer or employment contract. Its conditions are:
- A bachelor's degree or specialised diploma, or the equivalent.
- Annual income from self-employment of at least AED 360,000 over the two preceding years, or proof of financial solvency for your stay.
An entry visa for self-employment allows 60 days in the country to complete the residence process.
Choosing between them
- Media, design or tech work with one or two clients: a free zone freelance permit.
- Already resident on a family, Golden or Green visa: the labour ministry's freelance work permit.
- Several clients, subcontractors or plans to hire: a company.
- Posting sponsored content: any of the above, plus the Advertiser Permit.
What NXTSTAR does, and what we do not
We set up the permit or company, handle the visa and tell you what your licence does and does not let you invoice for.
We do not find clients, and each authority decides its own permit.
Common questions
Can I freelance in the UAE without a company?
Yes. Free zone freelance permits and the labour ministry's freelance work permit are both for individuals.
Can I freelance while employed?
It depends on your employer and visa. Ask us before you apply, because the answer changes which permit is open to you.
What income do I need for the self-employment Green Visa?
GDRFA Dubai asks for annual self-employment income of at least AED 360,000 over the two preceding years, or proof of financial solvency.
How much does it cost?
We do not publish prices. Ask us for a written quote that separates authority fees from our service fee.
Sources
The rules on this page come from the authority's own published material, checked on 7 October 2026.
Going freelance in the UAE?
Tell us what you want to do and we will tell you which route fits, what it involves and what we would need from you.