| Registry | DMCC (JLT) register located in the Emirate of Dubai. |
| Timeframe for registration | Maximum 2 weeks to obtain the permit. |
| Minimum capital | No capital deposit required. |
| Accounting | It is required to maintain accounting records. |
| Proof of expenses and income | It is required to keep supporting documents for income and expenses. |
| VAT | Applicable if clients are located in the Emirates. |
| Corporate Income Tax (CIT) | Applicable if the annual turnover exceeds AED 1 million. |
| Audit | Not required. |
| Residence visa | Once the license is obtained, the residence visa can be applied for immediately. |
| Bank account | Once the residence visa is obtained, you can open an account in any bank in the Emirates. |
Which activities are allowed with a Freelance permit?
Here is the list of possible activities (maximum 3 per permit) with a Freelance permit in Dubai:
- Sale of goods
- Ready Made Garments (E- Seller)
Imitation Jewellery (E- Seller)
Gifts (E- Seller)
Perfumes (E- Seller)
Sports Wear (E- Seller)
Footwear (E- Seller)
Sunglasses, Handbags, and personal accessories (E- Seller)
Stationery (E- Seller)
- Sales of services
- Jewellery Designer
Fashion Designer
Author
Game Developer
Voiceover Artists
Copywriters
Musician
Music Producer
Dancer
Promoter
Influencer / Content Creator
Model
Interior Designer
Visual Artist
Makeup Artist / Beautician
Software Developer
Graphic Designer
Web Developer
Event Planner
Photographer
Translator/ Interpreter
Blockchain Developer
Web3 and AI Researcher
Web3 Consultant
Digital Marketer
Fees for the Freelance permit and residence visa
Here are the different packages available for the Freelance permit in Dubai:
Please note:
– The permit can be obtained remotely (no need to be physically present). However, your presence is required to obtain your residence visa (see processing times on page 9) and to open a bank account. The bank account will be opened after obtaining your Emirates ID.
– If a residence visa is requested while you are present in the Emirates on a tourist visa, there is an additional fee of AED 1600 to change your status to a residence visa.
– Local health insurance is mandatory for all residence visas (starting from AED 800 per year, please contact us).
– The residence visa is automatically canceled if the holder spends more than 6 consecutive months outside the Emirates.
– Exchange Driving License: For AED 1055, it is possible to exchange a foreign driving license for a UAE driving license (see the list of eligible countries on page 16). This amount must be paid directly on-site (we assist you free of charge with this exchange). Note: for some countries (France, Belgium, etc.), your original license will be returned to you along with the new UAE license.
