Freelance Permit in Dubai and the UAE: 2026 Costs Compared

If you’re a designer, developer, marketer, writer, consultant or coach, a freelance permit can be the simplest legal way to work for clients in the UAE, often with a residence visa included. But costs and conditions vary a lot between emirates.

Below I compare the main options in 2026 and explain when a freelance permit makes sense and when you’re better off with a company licence.

Figures are indicative, based on published 2026 rates. Authorities update fees regularly, so confirm before applying.

Table of contents

1. Freelance permit vs freelance licence vs company
2. 2026 cost comparison
3. Who should get a freelance permit?
4. When a company licence is better
5. If you’re already employed
6. How to apply (typical process)
7. Tips from experience
8. Frequently asked questions
9. How much does a freelance visa cost in Dubai?
10. What’s the cheapest freelance permit in the UAE?
11. Can I work for UAE companies on a remote work visa?
12. Need help choosing?

Freelance permit vs freelance licence vs company

• Freelance permit/licence: lets you work as an individual in specific activities. Cheaper and simpler, but less flexible.
• Company licence (free zone or mainland): a legal entity that can trade, hire staff, sign larger contracts and scale.
• Remote work visa: a different product, for people working for employers or clients outside the UAE. It doesn’t cover working for UAE clients.

2026 cost comparison

Option	Permit fee (AED)	With visa (approx. AED)	Notes
Dubai GoFreelance (TECOM)	about 7,520	about 14,500 (with establishment card and 2-year visa)	Dubai address, focused on media, tech, education and creative work
Abu Dhabi ADRA Freelancer Licence	from about 3,000 (no visa)	about 11,000 to 12,000 (packages with a visa)	Extra activities cost more
Sharjah SHAMS	from about 5,750 (licence only)	about 12,800 to 15,500	Popular with media and content creators

Budget for extras that aren’t always in the headline price:

• Medical test and Emirates ID: around AED 850 to 1,200
• Health insurance (mandatory): around AED 800 to 1,500 a year
• Status change if you’re already inside the UAE: around AED 1,150

Who should get a freelance permit?

• You work alone and sell your skills (design, writing, development, consulting, coaching, photography)
• You want a UAE residence visa without setting up a full company
• You don’t plan to hire staff soon
• Your clients are comfortable contracting with an individual

When a company licence is better

• You’ll sell physical products or run an online store
• You want to hire people or sponsor visas for others
• Large clients require you to contract as a company
• You plan to grow into an agency or brand

Compare company options in my guide to the cheapest free zones in the UAE.

If you’re already employed

A freelance permit alongside a full-time job usually needs a no-objection letter from your employer, and you must respect any non-compete or exclusivity terms in your contract. Read can you run a side business on a UAE employment visa before applying.

How to apply (typical process)

1. Choose your authority and check your activity is on their approved list.
2. Prepare your passport, photo, CV or portfolio, and any qualifications they request.
3. Submit your application online and pay the permit fee.
4. Once approved, apply for your establishment card and residence visa if included.
5. Complete your medical test and Emirates ID biometrics.
6. Get health insurance and open a bank account.

Tips from experience

• Pick activities you’ll actually use. Invoicing for work outside your approved activities can cause problems with banks and clients.
• Register for corporate tax if required. Individuals running a business with turnover over AED 1 million in a year must register. See my corporate tax guide.
• Build a simple portfolio website. UAE clients check you online before they hire you.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a freelance visa cost in Dubai?

Dubai’s GoFreelance permit is about AED 7,520, and around AED 14,500 including the establishment card and a two-year residence visa, before medical, Emirates ID and insurance.

What’s the cheapest freelance permit in the UAE?

Abu Dhabi’s standard freelancer licence starts around AED 3,000 without a visa. With a visa, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah packages are often cheaper than Dubai.

Can I work for UAE companies on a remote work visa?

No. The remote work visa is for people working for employers or clients outside the UAE.

Need help choosing?

I help freelancers and solo founders pick the right structure and set up their online presence. Book a free consultation.

Related: UAE Golden Visa for Entrepreneurs and Investors 2026: Requirements, Costs and Process

Related: Hiring Your First Employee in the UAE (2026): Visa Costs, Contracts, WPS and Gratuity