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AI-assisted content notice: This article was written with AI assistance and reviewed by the Tovi team. UAE rules and fees change — always verify with official sources before acting. Last reviewed: March 2026.
🪪 Expat lifeBusiness✓ Verified Mar 2026

How to Get a Freelance Permit in UAE: Step by Step

UAE freelance permits cost AED 7,500-22,000 per year depending on emirate and free zone. Here is the 2026 process and which to pick.

·7 min read·By the Tovi UAE Team

Quick answer

Residents and expats can obtain a freelance permit in the UAE through mainland authorities or free zones. Mainland permits via the Department of Economic Development (DED) cost AED 15,000-22,000 yearly. Free zone options such as Meydan Free Zone, SPC Free Zone, and IFZA start at AED 7,500-12,000 per annum. The process takes 5-15 working days and requires a passport, visa, Emirates ID, and business plan. Choose mainland for local government contracts and free zones for lower costs and faster processing.

2026 cost breakdown by location

Costs vary by authority and activity. Below are the current fees for 2026:

  • Meydan Free Zone: AED 7,500 base package for single activity, includes licence, visa, and medical fitness.
  • SPC Free Zone: AED 8,500 for 1-year licence covering 3 activities.
  • IFZA: AED 12,000 including two visas.
  • Dubai DED mainland: AED 15,000-22,000 depending on activity code.
  • Abu Dhabi DED: AED 18,000-21,000 for non-restricted activities.

Additional fees include medical fitness (AED 500), Emirates ID renewal (AED 370), and typing fees (AED 150).

Which location should you choose?

Free zones suit most freelancers because they offer lower costs and 100% ownership. Mainland DED permits allow you to work anywhere in the UAE and bid on government tenders. Free zone licences restrict you to the free zone premises but permit marketing anywhere. Choose mainland if you need to invoice clients across all emirates without restrictions. Choose free zones if you work remotely or with international clients.

Step-by-step application process

Step 1: Confirm your activity is allowed

Check the list of permitted freelance activities on the DED website or free zone portal. Allowed categories include IT consulting, digital marketing, graphic design, financial consulting, and translation. Restricted activities such as food handling, legal practice, and medical services require additional approvals.

Step 2: Prepare documents

Required documents include:

  • Valid passport copy
  • Current UAE visa copy

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