Freelance permit + residence visa
Freelance permit, freelance license and residence visa support for independent professionals living in Dubai and across the UAE.
Freelance visa cost UAE · Freelance visa cost Dubai
Freelance Visa Cost UAE & Dubai
Searching for the freelance visa cost in the UAE gives many different numbers, because the total depends on the authority, the permit type and your own situation. This guide explains each component so you can compare offers properly. Contact us for current pricing for your case.
- Cost breakdown guide
- Office in Deira, Dubai
- Contact us for current pricing
Why freelance visa prices vary so much
When you compare quotes for a freelance visa cost Dubai or anywhere in the UAE, you are often comparing different things. One quote may include the residence visa, medical test and Emirates ID; another may cover only the permit. Some include a flexi-desk, others assume you already have one. Some are for applicants already inside the UAE; others for those coming from abroad.
Government fees also change. That is why we do not publish fixed prices. Instead we give you a written breakdown based on current fees for your exact case, so that you can see what you are paying for. Fees are set by the relevant authority and change from time to time, so we do not publish prices online. Contact us for current pricing and a written breakdown for your case.
The components of a freelance visa cost
1. Freelance permit or licence fee
This is the core fee charged by the free zone or licensing authority for your permit. It can vary by activity group and by the validity period you choose.
2. Facility or desk requirement
Some authorities require a flexi-desk, shared desk or registered address linked to your permit. Whether this applies, and what it costs, depends on the authority and package.
3. Establishment card / immigration file
Before a visa can be issued, the sponsoring entity usually needs an immigration file. Fees for this are set by the authorities.
4. Entry permit or change of status
If you are outside the UAE you will need an entry permit; if you are inside on another visa you may need an in-country change of status. These carry different fees.
5. Medical fitness test and Emirates ID
Every residence visa requires a medical test and Emirates ID biometrics. Fees depend on the service level chosen.
6. Service fee
Our professional fee for consultation, document preparation, submissions and follow-up. We state it clearly and separately.
Costs people forget to budget for
- Attestation of educational certificates, where the activity requires it
- Translation of documents that are not in English or Arabic
- Overstay or late-renewal fines if timelines are missed
- Visa cancellation costs from a previous employer or sponsor
- Renewal costs for both the permit and the residence visa
- Family visa costs if you plan to sponsor dependants later
We list these in advance so there are no surprises. If something does not apply to you, we say so.
Need help with your file? Contact us for current pricing and a document checklist for your case.
How to reduce your total freelance visa cost
- Choose the authority whose activity list matches your work, so you do not pay for add-ons you do not need.
- Prepare documents correctly the first time; rejected applications cost time and sometimes money.
- Plan any cancellation of your current visa so you avoid overstay fines.
- Ask whether an in-country change of status or an entry permit is more suitable in your case.
- Renew on time: late renewals can attract fines.
Comparing a freelance visa in the UAE with a small RAKEZ company setup can also be worthwhile if you expect to hire staff later.
What a good freelance visa quote should show
- The exact authority and permit type quoted
- Validity period of the permit and of the residence visa
- Whether a desk or facility is included and for how long
- Every government fee listed separately from the service fee
- Whether medical and Emirates ID are standard or express
- Expected renewal components for the following year
If a quote does not show these, ask. Clear quotes protect you from unexpected charges later in the process.
Freelance visa cost for applicants inside vs outside the UAE
If you are already in the UAE on another residence visa, your previous visa normally needs to be cancelled before the new one is issued, and you may be able to change status without leaving the country. If you are on a visit visa, an in-country change of status may also be possible, depending on current rules. If you are abroad, an entry permit is issued first and you enter the UAE to complete the medical test and Emirates ID.
Each route has different fees and different timing. We look at your current status and choose the route that is both compliant and sensible for your budget, and we explain any grace periods so you do not accrue fines while switching.
Freelance visa cost in Ras Al Khaimah vs Dubai
Freelance options in Ras Al Khaimah, especially through RAKEZ, are often considered by professionals who want a broad activity list. Dubai options can suit specific media, technology and education activities. The cost difference depends on the specific permit, facility and visa route, and on current fees, so a like-for-like comparison is only possible once your activity is defined.
Tell us your activity, nationality and current visa status on WhatsApp or call 054 441 8296, and we will prepare a current breakdown. You can also visit our office in Deira; see the contact page for directions.
FAQ
Freelance Visa Cost UAE & Dubai – FAQs
The lowest-cost option depends on your activity and situation, and fees change frequently. We avoid advertising a “cheapest” price; contact us and we will compare suitable options at current fees.
It depends on the quote. Our breakdowns list the permit, visa, medical and Emirates ID components separately so you can see what is included.
Usually fees are paid in stages as each step is reached, such as permit, entry permit or change of status, medical and Emirates ID. We explain the payment stages for your case.
Permits and residence visas have validity periods and must be renewed. Renewal costs are separate from the first-year setup costs.
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Location
Visit our office in Deira
Our office is at Younis Building, near Naif Park in Deira, Dubai – easy to reach from Naif, Al Rigga, Al Ras and Bur Dubai. Call or WhatsApp before visiting so we can have the right person ready for your file.
AW Documents Clearing Services FZ-LLC
Younis Building, near Naif Park, Deira, Dubai
- Phone / WhatsApp+971 54 441 8296
- PricingContact us for current pricing
Ready to start your business setup or visa?
Talk to our Deira team about business setup in Dubai and the UAE, RAKEZ, freelance visas and document clearing. Contact us for current pricing.