Freelance visa cost in Dubai & the UAE — scenarios from AED 10,800
Compare published permit-only and one-visa scenarios across 9 verified free zones. Choose a route online, then receive final authority requirements and itemisation in writing before payment.
How much does a freelance visa cost in the UAE?
In 2026, the lowest published freelance permit and one-visa scenario is AED 10,800 at Ajman NuVentures Centre; the permit-only scenario is AED 4,888. Fujairah Creative City and SRTIP each list published one-visa scenarios at AED 12,500. For a Dubai address, published scenarios start at AED 17,615 with IFZA and AED 24,450 with Meydan. These are comparison scenarios, not a universal individual-fee schedule: the activity, eligibility, availability and final authority itemisation are confirmed in writing before payment.
The cheapest freelance visa routes, ranked
The lowest published one-visa scenario is Ajman NuVentures Centre at AED 10,800 (permit + one residence visa). For a dedicated freelance/creative permit, Fujairah Creative City is AED 12,500. A freelancer rarely needs an office, so the cheapest flexi-desk route often wins — Dubai zones cost more mainly for the address, not the visa. Permit-only (zero-visa) scenarios start at AED 4,888.
| Free zone | Emirate | Permit + 1 visa | Permit only | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ajman NuVentures CentreCheapest | Ajman | AED 10,800 | AED 4,888 | Lowest-cost freelance visa |
| Fujairah Creative CityBest freelance permit | Fujairah | AED 12,500 | AED 4,900 | Media & creative freelancers |
| SRTIP | Sharjah | AED 12,500 | AED 5,500 | Tech & consulting freelancers |
| SPC Free Zone | Sharjah | AED 13,165 | AED 5,750 | Broad solo activities |
| RAKEZ | Ras Al Khaimah | AED 14,000 | AED 6,000 | Solo trading |
| IFZA | Dubai (DSO) | AED 17,615 | AED 12,900 | Cheapest Dubai address |
| Meydan | Dubai | AED 24,450 | AED 12,500 | Prime Dubai address |
Each price is a published scenario for the displayed permit and visa count, not a universal personal-fee schedule. Extra activities, dependant visas, eligibility and authority requirements can change the final itemisation, which is confirmed in writing before payment.
What you actually pay for
A one-visa scenario brings together the permit that lets you trade and the residence-visa route that lets you live here. The authority confirms the final itemisation for your activity and circumstances before payment.
The freelance permit
Issued in your own name by the free zone — your legal right to invoice clients. This is what makes the residence visa possible. Permit-only starts at AED 4,888.
The residence-visa block
Entry permit, change of status, medical test, Emirates ID and visa stamping — the full government process for one renewable residence visa, bundled in.
Flexi-desk address
A registered shared-desk address that satisfies the free zone — no private office needed, which is why solo founders keep costs low.
Written itemisation first
Before payment, you receive the reviewed authority requirements, final line items and any optional add-ons such as extra activities or dependant visas.
Dubai vs the rest of the UAE
The residence visa itself is federal — the same document whether your permit is in Dubai, Ajman or Sharjah. So a "Dubai freelance visa" is not a different or better visa; you are paying for a Dubai-registered address. That is why the cheapest UAE freelance visa (Ajman, AED 10,800) is roughly AED 7,000–14,000 less than the Dubai routes (IFZA AED 17,615, Meydan AED 24,450) for the same legal outcome.
If your clients never check where your licence is registered — common for remote consultants, developers, writers and designers — an Ajman, Fujairah or Sharjah permit gives you the identical visa for far less. If a Dubai address matters for your brand or local clients, IFZA is the lowest Dubai entry point.
See your exact freelance visa price in 60 seconds
Pick your zone and visa count to compare published scenarios across all 9 zones. Start online with no sign-up or callback; final authority itemisation follows review.
Open the free calculator →Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest freelance visa in the UAE?
The lowest published one-visa scenario is Ajman NuVentures Centre at AED 10,800. If you do not need a visa yet, the published permit-only scenario starts at AED 4,888; final authority itemisation is confirmed after review.
How much is a freelance visa in Dubai specifically?
The lowest Dubai route is IFZA at AED 17,615 (permit + 1 visa), then Meydan at AED 24,450. The residence visa is identical to the cheaper emirates — in Dubai you are paying for the address.
What does the freelance visa price include?
The displayed scenario shows a permit or licence with the stated visa count. The authority requirements, included line items and optional additions are reviewed and confirmed in writing before payment.
Do I need a company to get a freelance visa?
No — a freelance permit in your own name is enough, and it is what makes the residence visa possible. Some freelancers later upgrade to a single-shareholder FZ-LLC for broader activities.
How long is the residence visa valid?
Free-zone residence visas are typically two years and renewable; the permit renews annually. The prices here cover the first residence visa issued alongside the permit.
Get your freelance scenario itemised in writing
Build an estimate online. After review, your secure portal shows the confirmed total, its validity date, authority requirements and invoice before payment.