Freelancing in the UAE: permits, licences and the Green Visa

Plenty of writers, translators and designers in the UAE already freelance on the side, or want to make the jump. The first question isn't about clients or rates: it's which permit or licence lets you work for yourself legally. There are several routes, they differ by emirate and by the kind of work you do, and they change, so treat this as a map rather than legal advice and check the official pages before you pay for anything.

The federal freelance work permit

The UAE's Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) issues a freelance work permit for people who want to work independently, without being sponsored by an employer and without an employment contract. The government portal says it covers foreign nationals on self-sponsored residence visas too. Under it, you earn by providing a service, completing a task or working for a set period for individuals or companies, without becoming their employee.

Free-zone freelance packages in Dubai

Dubai's free zones offer freelance packages that bundle a permit with a business address. GoFreelance, for example, covers media, design, education and tech activities across Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City, Dubai Design District and Dubai Knowledge Park. Its activity list includes writers, translators and publishing and audio-video editors. It advertises the package from AED 7,500 a year (its own FAQ quotes AED 7,520), and says the fee doesn't include a visa, which is a separate step and cost.

• Check your exact activity is on the free zone's list before you apply: the permit only covers the work it names.
• Ask what the visa, Emirates ID and medical test will cost on top of the package, and how long renewal takes.
• Read what the package lets you do: some free-zone permits limit which clients you can work with directly.

Abu Dhabi: the Freelancer Licence and the Green Visa

Abu Dhabi's government services portal, TAMM, offers a Freelancer Licence for approved freelance, consultancy and expertise-based activities. Check the current fees and activity list on TAMM itself before you apply.

For longer-term residence, Abu Dhabi's Green Visa has a freelancer route lasting five years. According to the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, you need a MoHRE freelance work permit, at least a bachelor's degree or specialised diploma, and either an annual income from self-employment of at least AED 360,000 over the previous two years or proof of financial solvency for the length of your residency.

Before you pay for anything

• Only pay through the official portal or the free zone's own website. Agents who promise a permit for cash on WhatsApp are a common scam.
• Keep copies of your permit, licence and visa, and put your licence or permit number on your invoices if your client asks for it.
• If you're already employed, check what your contract says about outside work before taking freelance clients.
• Rules and fees change. Re-check the official page on the day you apply, not the figure you read months ago, including here.