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Residency

UAE Freelance Permit and Visa

MOHRE issues a freelance permit to people who work for themselves without a single employer. With the permit and enough income, a freelancer can sponsor himself on the five-year Green Visa.

Updated October 2026 · Figures checked 21 October 2026

Yearly freelance income over the last two years for the Green Visa
AED 360,0002
Yearly freelance income over the last two years for the Green Visa
Green Visa for freelancers
5 years2
Green Visa for freelancers

UAE Freelance Permit and Visa

Two ways to freelance

  • MOHRE freelance permit: a work permit that lets you work for several clients without being employed by any of them.
  • No employer needed: the permit is open to foreign nationals on self-sponsored residence visas, and requires neither an employer sponsor nor an employment contract.

Source: UAE Government Portal: Work permits1

Green Visa for freelancers

  • A freelance permit from MOHRE.
  • A bachelor's degree.
  • Self-employment income of at least AED 360,000 a year over the previous two years.

Source: ICP: UAE Green Residency2

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work as a freelancer in the UAE?

Yes. MOHRE issues a freelance work permit to people who work for themselves without an employer sponsor or an employment contract.

Can a freelancer get a Green Visa?

Yes, with a MOHRE freelance permit, a bachelor degree and self-employment income of at least AED 360,000 a year over the previous two years.

Sources

  1. UAE Government Portal: Work permits
  2. ICP: UAE Green Residency

Figures checked 21 October 2026. Prepared by Invest-Emirates.ae for general information. It is not investment, tax or legal advice; please confirm details with a qualified adviser before acting.

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