UAE Freelance Permit & 5-Year Green Visa Guide
Freelancers, consultants, self-employed professionals and skilled employees who want independent residence
Short answer
The UAE Green Visa is a 5-year self-sponsored residence for skilled employees, freelancers, self-employed people and investors or partners. Freelancers can also work through a free-zone or MOHRE freelance permit.
Two things often get mixed up here: the freelance permit, which is your licence to work independently, and the Green Visa, which is a 5-year self-sponsored residence. You can hold a freelance permit and a standard residence visa through it, or qualify for the Green Visa as a skilled employee, freelancer or self-employed person, or as an investor or partner. The Green Visa removes the dependency on a single employer sponsor.
What is the UAE Green Visa and who qualifies?
- Skilled employees with a qualifying role, qualification and salary.
- Freelancers and self-employed people with a valid permit and proof of income.
- Investors and partners in a UAE business.
The exact income, degree and experience requirements are set by the authority and can change, so we check the current criteria against your documents before you apply. The Green Visa is issued for 5 years and is self-sponsored, which means it does not depend on a single employer or company sponsor.
How do you get a freelance permit in the UAE?
There are two common routes. A free-zone freelance licence is issued by a free-zone authority that offers freelance activity lists, often with a residence visa linked to the licence. A MOHRE freelance permit is issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation for certain professions. Costs, activity lists and visa quotas differ by authority, and we compare them for your profession.
Freelance permit, employment visa or Green Visa?
| Freelance permit route | Employment visa | Green Visa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sponsor | Free zone or permit authority | Employer | Self-sponsored |
| Validity | Linked to the permit | Linked to the contract | 5 years |
| Clients | Several clients allowed | One employer | Employer or own work |
| Best for | Starting independent work | Moving to a salaried job | Long-term independence |
Can my family be included?
Yes. Resident holders can usually sponsor their spouse and children once they meet the income rule, commonly AED 4,000 per month, or AED 3,000 with accommodation. Parents are reviewed separately. The tenancy contract and salary or income proof are the key supporting documents.
How long does it take and what does it cost?
Timing and cost depend on the authority, your profession, the activity list and the documents you have. Government fees, the medical test, Emirates ID and typing-centre charges apply and change from time to time. We give you a written estimate for each route before you commit to either.
How does DXB.IST help with the freelance permit and Green Visa?
We start with a free consultation to see whether the freelance permit, the Green Visa or an employment visa fits your plan. We prepare the document checklist, attestations and translations, and book appointments through government-approved typing and PRO centres. Licensed lawyers and accountants in our network help with contracts, invoices and bank accounts, and our travel desk arranges airport transfers, hotels and relocation basics. We are not a government body and cannot guarantee approval.
Who qualifies
- A skilled role, freelance profession or business interest in the UAE.
- Proof of qualification and experience for the activity.
- Proof of income or contracts, as the authority requires.
- A passport valid for at least six months.
- A passing medical test and a clean background.
Documents you'll need
- Passport copy and recent photo
- Degree and experience certificates, attested and translated
- Portfolio, client contracts or proof of income
- Free-zone or MOHRE permit and licence copy
- Bank statements for the period the authority requests
- Health insurance
- Tenancy contract and family documents, if family follows
How it works, step by step
- 1
Route selection
We choose between the freelance permit, Green Visa or employment route.
- 2
Permit or licence
Obtain the free-zone licence or MOHRE freelance permit.
- 3
File and appointments
We prepare the file and book authority appointments.
- 4
Medical test and biometrics
Complete the medical test and give biometrics.
- 5
Visa and Emirates ID
Residence visa and Emirates ID are issued.
City by city
Frequently asked questions
It is valid for 5 years and is self-sponsored.
