Here at Wihdaily, we speak to hundreds of entrepreneurs every single month, and one of the most frequently asked questions we get is: What is the freelance visa? How can we get it? And is it worth getting a freelance visa?
In this chapter, I'll be going over the UAE's freelance visa and helping you determine if it's the right fit for you.
The reason people think the freelance visa is best suited for them is:
- They believe their small business isn’t a “real” business.
- They think it is cheaper.
Let’s address these points.
First, it doesn’t matter how much money your company is making. It could literally be making $0. As long as you have a business, you’re good to go. There is no minimum income requirement.
As for the freelance visa being cheaper, here’s some breaking news: the freelance visa doesn’t actually exist. What people call a freelance visa is actually a business license, repurposed and branded as a freelance visa.
If you want to verify this yourself, head over to https://u.ae/ the government website. Try searching for “freelance visa.” You’ll notice that all you find is information about starting a business in a free zone — because that’s what it really is. The so-called freelance visa is just a business license in disguise.
You might think, “But I found freelance visa options on Google — are you lying?” No, you’re not. Some people may be misleading, but officially, a freelance visa does not exist. It’s simply a business license with certain limitations.
Here are some crucial points about this freelance license:
- Depending on the agency you choose, the price is about 50–60% of a full business license.
- If your earnings exceed AED 375,000 per year, you must register for VAT, just like a regular company.
- Bookkeeping is still required, and regulations may change in the future.
- You cannot hire or sponsor employees under this license — a major limitation compared to a full business license.
- The license must be renewed annually.
- After factoring in hidden fees (e.g., license fees, visa fees), the cost may be comparable to a full business license, which offers more flexibility.
Many people who initially got this freelance license later regretted it and opted for a proper business license. Some may not regret it, but most eventually realized that an official license provides far more benefits for long-term business activity in Dubai.
If you are considering moving to Dubai and planning a long-term stay, I highly suggest getting it right the first time: obtain an official license with all the necessary permissions for your business.
If you are also thinking about a new life in UAE, click the Apply For Residency button and let us help you.
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