Business Freelancing

Freelance Visa Dubai (Dubai Green Visa): The Complete Guide for UK Applicants

Saim Jalees

21.01.26

Read time 13 minutes

Thinking about swapping grey UK skies for Dubai's year-round sun while keeping your freelance career?

The Dubai Green Visa for freelancers and self-employed professionals can give you up to five years of self-sponsored residency without needing a local employer.

To help you apply, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide covering everything from eligibility requirements and application steps to tax obligations and family sponsorship.

We’ve also highlighted how Wise Business can help you manage your international income by allowing you to receive payments in multiple currencies and convert your earnings at the mid-market exchange rate, with no hidden fees.

*Disclaimer: The UK Wise Business pricing structure is changing with effect from 26/11/2025 date. Receiving money, direct debits and getting paid features are not available with the Essential Plan which you can open for free. Pay a one-time set up fee of £50 to unlock Advanced features including account details to receive payments in 22+ currencies or 8+ currencies for non-swift payments. You’ll also get access to our invoice generating tool, payment links, QuickPay QR codes and the ability to set up direct debits all within one account. Please check our website for the latest pricing information.

Key facts about the Dubai freelance visa (Dubai Green Visa)

Category	Summary of Key Takeaways
🛂 Independence & Tenure	Provides a 5-year, self-sponsored residency, removing the need for a local employer or traditional corporate sponsorship.
📜 Legal Requirements	Applicants must first secure an official freelance or self-employment permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
🎓 Qualification & Earnings	Requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and a proven annual income of AED 360,000 for the last two years, or evidence of financial stability.
👨‍👩‍👧 Family Benefits	Offers enhanced sponsorship rights, allowing holders to bring spouses and children (up to age 25) to live with them in the UAE.
⏳ Buffer Period	Includes an extended grace period of up to six months to renew or change status after the visa expires or is cancelled.
💰 Financial Reporting	Multi-currency accounts such as the Wise Business account can be used to consolidate global earnings and provide the necessary proof of solvency.

Dubai freelance permit vs freelance visa

Before you think about the Green Visa, it helps to understand the difference between a freelance permit and a freelance (Green) visa, as they work together, but are not the same thing.

What is a Dubai freelance permit?

A freelance permit (sometimes called a freelance licence) is your authorisation to work independently in a specific field¹. It is the primary requirement for anyone looking to become freelance self employed dubai based.

It can be issued:

On the mainland, via MOHRE and Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), or
Through a free zone, such as TECOM's GoFreelance scheme in Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City, Dubai Design District and Dubai Knowledge Park

The permit typically:

Defines your approved activities (e.g. marketing consultant, developer, designer, trainer)
Allows you to invoice multiple clients as an independent professional
Is usually valid for one year and must be renewed

What is the Dubai Green Visa for freelancers?

The Green Visa is a residence visa, not a work licence. For freelancers/self-employed people, it is a 5-year, self-sponsored residence permit that lets you live in the UAE and is explicitly open to those who hold a freelance/self-employment permit and meet the educational and financial criteria¹.

In practice, your freelance permit proves you are allowed to carry out freelance activities and gives you the right to reside in the UAE and sponsor eligible family members.

From a financial operations perspective, whichever structure you choose, you will still need a reliable way to bill international clients and receive payments.

A Wise Business account can help you issue invoices in GBP, EUR, USD and more, and get paid like a local in several major currencies, which is useful when your client base spans the UK, Europe and beyond.

The Wise account is not a bank account but offers some similar features and your money is safeguarded.

How to apply for the Dubai freelance visa (Green Visa)

The Green Visa for freelancers/self-employed professionals has a multi-step process. Exact steps may vary slightly depending on whether you apply via a mainland route or through specific platforms, but a typical path is:

1. Check your eligibility

Confirm you¹:

Are a freelancer or self-employed professional in an approved field
Hold or can obtain a freelance/self-employment permit from MOHRE
Meet the education requirement (usually a bachelor's degree or specialised diploma)
Can show annual self-employed income of at least AED 360,000 for the last two years, or demonstrate financial solvency.

2. Obtain your freelance/self-employment permit

You will need to:

Apply online via MOHRE or via a Dubai free zone for freelancers
Submit required documents such as passport, photo, CV, portfolio, qualifications and any no-objection certificates if already in the UAE

3. Collect financial and supporting documents

You should be prepared to submit²:

Bank statements showing your freelance income and turnover
Contracts or invoices with clients
Proof of financial solvency if you do not meet the full AED 360,000 income threshold
Medical insurance, police clearance and other standard UAE visa documents

💡 Tip: Having a Wise Business account can help simplify this step. With the Advanced Plan*, you can receive payments from global clients into a single multi-currency account and export transaction histories to show your earnings in GBP, AED and other currencies over the relevant period.

4. Apply for the Green Visa entry permit

First you will need to submit your application through the relevant UAE immigration portal (such as the ICP or the Dubai GDRFA system) for a Green Residence (self-employment) entry permit.

Once that's done, upload your documents, pay the applicable fees and wait for approval

5. Enter the UAE (if applying from abroad)

Once the entry permit is approved, you have 180 days to enter the UAE to complete the process.

6. Complete medical tests and biometrics

When you've reached UAE:

Undertake the standard medical fitness test
Enrol biometrics and apply for your Emirates ID

8. Visa stamping / issuance

After approval, your Green Visa residence permit will be issued. You may receive an electronic residence document instead of a physical visa sticker, depending on current procedures.

⚠️Note that if you are looking for a shorter-term remote work option, you might also want to compare this with thedubai digital nomad visa.

Dubai Free Zone vs Mainland: Where can you operate?

As a freelancer in Dubai, you can typically establish yourself either in a free zone or on the mainland, each with different implications for licensing, clients, and tax.

Free zones

Dubai's free zones, such as Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City, Dubai Design District and Dubai Knowledge Park, offer dedicated freelance packages, sometimes branded under programmes like GoFreelance.

Key characteristics include³:

100% foreign ownership with no local sponsor required
Access to freelance licences and optional one- or two-year visas sponsored by the free zone
Industry-specific communities (media, tech, design, education) and coworking spaces
The ability to work with clients inside and outside the free zone, although some structures may limit you from direct B2C work on the mainland without additional arrangements

Mainland

A mainland freelance licence can give more flexibility to work with clients across the UAE without going through a specific free zone⁴.

Mainland features typically include:

Potentially broader access to UAE-wide clients, including government tenders or larger corporates
Regulation and oversight via MOHRE and emirate-level economic departments
The option, in some cases, to later upgrade to a full company structure if you scale your business

From a financial point of view, you may end up working with clients in multiple jurisdictions, regardless of whether you choose free zone or mainland.

With the Wise Business Advanced Plan, you can hold and convert 40+ currencies, receive local account details in up to currencies and pay suppliers or collaborators globally.

This is particularly useful if you collaborate with agencies or clients in Europe, North America, or Asia while based in Dubai.

Sponsoring your family on a Dubai freelance visa

One of the main attractions of the Green Visa is more flexible family sponsorship when compared with some traditional work visas.

Navigating these requirements is a vital part of any comprehensivemoving to dubai guide for those relocating with partners or children.

According to recent guidance, Green Visa holders can usually⁵:

Sponsor their spouse and children, often up to age 25 (with potentially no age limit for unmarried daughters, subject to current regulations)
Align family residence permits with the duration of the principal Green Visa (up to five years)
Benefit from the extended grace period after visa cancellation or expiry for themselves and their dependants

To sponsor family members, you will generally need to:

Provide proof of sufficient income, often meeting or exceeding threshold amounts set by local regulations
Show suitable accommodation in Dubai (e.g. a tenancy contract)
Hold valid health insurance for yourself and your dependants

Paying taxes as a self-employed freelancer in Dubai

Note: This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited, its subsidiaries or affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining business advice from a tax advisor or any other professional.

Personal income tax

The UAE does not levy personal income tax on individual earnings, which means your freelance income is not subject to personal income tax in Dubai in the same way it would be in many other countries⁶.

This is a major draw for expats. However, evaluating thepros and cons of living in Dubai requires looking at the full picture, including the recent introduction of corporate tax and VAT for higher earners.

As a UK national, your overall tax position depends on your tax residency. If you remain a UK tax resident, HMRC may still tax your worldwide income. You should seek professional UK tax advice before assuming your income is fully tax-free.

Corporate tax for freelancers

From June 2023, the UAE introduced a federal corporate tax regime⁷. Freelancers and sole proprietors can fall within its scope when their annual UAE business turnover exceeds AED 1 million.

Key points from current guidance include:

If your business turnover exceeds AED 1 million, you must generally register for corporate tax
On your taxable profits, the first AED 375,000 is usually taxed at 0%, and profits above that threshold are generally taxed at 9%
Even free-zone entities may be subject to corporate tax on certain non-qualifying income, depending on their structure and activities

VAT

If your taxable supplies (turnover) in the UAE exceed AED 375,000 per year, you are typically required to register for VAT, charge 5% VAT on eligible supplies and file periodic VAT returns⁷.

In practice, this means serious freelancers must:

Keep detailed books and records of invoices, expenses and bank transactions
Maintain separate records for different currencies and conversion rates
Retain documentation for at least the minimum statutory period

A Wise Business account can help with compliance by keeping multi-currency income and expenses in one place, integrating with accounting tools and exporting transaction data in useful formats.

Summary

The Dubai Green Visa gives UK freelancers and self-employed professionals a clear route to live and work in the UAE on a self-sponsored basis, with residence of up to five years that can be renewed if eligibility is maintained.

The freelance visa in Dubai benefits are numerous and include being able to sponsor your family, choose between free zone or mainland setups depending on your industry and client base, and operate within a framework that now includes UAE corporate tax and VAT obligations once certain turnover thresholds are reached.

To optimise your structure and remain compliant, you will need to plan carefully and seek professional advice in both the UAE and the UK.

Throughout, robust financial records and efficient cross-border payments are critical. This is where Wise Business can sit alongside your visa and licensing decisions, helping you manage the money side while you focus on clients and projects.

Manage your freelance earnings in Dubai like a pro with Wise Business

Building a sustainable freelance career in Dubai often means working with clients in the UK, Europe, the Middle East and beyond, and getting paid in several currencies while spending in both AED and GBP.

A Wise Business account is designed to simplify this. With the Advanced Plan*, you get one multi-currency account where you can receive, hold and convert 40+ currencies at the mid-market exchange rate, with local account details in major currencies like GBP, EUR and USD so overseas clients can pay you as if you had a local account in their country.

This can reduce friction and fees when you invoice agencies or direct clients worldwide, then move money into AED for your life in Dubai or back into GBP for UK commitments, without relying on expensive traditional international transfers.

As your business grows, Wise Business can also support you with integrated payouts to collaborators and subcontractors in different countries and currencies, exportable statements for UAE corporate tax and VAT reporting, and optional tools such as user access and cards if you expand into a more structured operation in future.

By pairing the Dubai Green Visa with a Wise Business account, you are better placed to run a location-flexible freelance business with clearer cash flow, lower FX friction, and a more professional set-up for your international clients.

Be Smart, Get Wise.

FAQs

What is the difference between a Dubai Freelance Permit and the Dubai Green Visa?

A Dubai freelance permit (or licence) is your professional authorisation to work as a freelancer in a specific field, issued either by MOHRE/DET on the mainland or by a free zone⁵.

The Dubai Green Visa is a residence visa that lets you live in the UAE for up to five years and sponsor yourself, provided you hold an appropriate freelance/self-employment permit and meet education and income or solvency criteria.

What are the financial requirements for the Green Visa?

For freelancers and self-employed applicants, current guidance typically requires¹:

A freelance/self-employment permit from MOHRE
Proof of annual self-employed income of at least AED 360,000 over the previous two years, or
Evidence of financial solvency throughout your stay if you do not meet that income threshold

You must also be able to show you can support yourself and any dependants you plan to sponsor.

Do I need a prior job offer or clients in Dubai to apply for the freelance visa?

The Green Visa for freelancers is designed for self-sponsored, self-employed professionals, so you are not required to have a traditional job offer.

But you will usually need to show a relevant freelance/self-employment permit and evidence of past or ongoing client work generating sufficient income¹.

This may include contracts or invoices with clients both in and outside Dubai. Receiving payments into a Wise Business account can make it easier to demonstrate your track record with clients worldwide.

How long does the Dubai freelance visa application process typically take?

Processing times vary, but once you have your documents and permits in order, Green Visa applications can be processed within a few weeks³.

However, the full process, including obtaining a freelance permit, entry permit, medical tests and Emirates ID, can take longer depending on your circumstances and any additional checks required.

What are the main reasons a Dubai freelance visa application might be rejected?

Common reasons for refusal can include:

Not meeting the income or financial-solvency thresholds
Insufficient or inconsistent bank statements or supporting evidence
Missing or incorrectly attested educational qualifications
Problems with medical checks, background checks or security clearance
Applying in a professional category not covered by the freelance scheme

Do I need to have a specific type of accommodation to apply for the Dubai freelance visa?

The key freelance visa in Dubai requirements relate to your freelance permit, income and general eligibility.

However, to sponsor family members and to comply with wider residency rules, you will usually need a valid tenancy contract or proof of accommodation that meets local standards.

Landlords and agents may also require local bank details or proof of income when renting property.

Can I convert a Dubai tourist/visit visa into a freelance or Green Visa once I am in Dubai?

In many cases, it is possible to change status from a visit/tourist visa to a residence visa (including Green Visa categories) while remaining in the UAE, but this depends on current rules and whether you meet all requirements.

You will still need to obtain your freelance/self-employment permit, apply for the Green Visa entry permit, and complete the in-country medical and Emirates ID process.

Can I get a Golden Visa after getting a Dubai freelance visa?

The Golden Visa is a separate, long-term residence pathway (often 10 years) aimed at investors, specialised talents and certain high-earning professionals⁷.

While holding a Green Visa does not automatically grant a Golden Visa, establishing a successful freelance business in Dubai could help you meet some eligibility criteria in the future, especially if your income, investments or professional achievements grow.

Do I need health insurance to get the Dubai freelance visa?

Yes. Health insurance is typically mandatory for residence visa holders in Dubai, including freelancers. Many freelance permit and visa packages explicitly list valid health insurance as a requirement for both the applicant and any dependants^{3, 6}. Premiums and coverage levels vary, so factor this into your budget.

Can I apply for permanent residence or citizenship after getting a Dubai freelance visa?

The UAE does not currently offer a traditional permanent residence pathway similar to some other countries, and citizenship is typically reserved for very specific cases (such as exceptional contributions, long-term investors or special talent categories) at the discretion of the authorities.

Long-term visas like the Green Visa and Golden Visa provide extended residency, but do not automatically lead to citizenship. Check the most recent official information if long-term settlement is your goal.

As a UK freelancer in Dubai, how is my UK pension or National Insurance affected?

Your UK State Pension and National Insurance (NI) position depends on⁸:

Whether you remain a UK tax resident
Whether you continue paying voluntary NI contributions while abroad
Any future social security agreement between the UK and the UAE (Note that there is currently no social security agreement between the UK and the UAE, meaning time worked in the UAE usually does not count toward your UK qualifying years)

Living in Dubai on a Green Visa does not automatically stop you accruing rights to the UK State Pension, but breaks in NI contributions can affect your entitlement.

You should speak with HMRC or a UK pensions adviser to understand how long-term residence in Dubai will affect your pension planning.

A Wise Business account can help you move funds back to the UK in GBP at the mid-market rate* when you make voluntary NI payments or contributions to UK pensions or ISAs.

Note: Information regarding UK State Pensions and National Insurance is subject to change and depends on individual circumstances. This content does not constitute financial or pension advice. We strongly recommend seeking professional advice from HMRC or a qualified financial advisor before making decisions regarding your UK pension or NI contributions.

What happens to my visa if I decide to hire employees or scale up my business?

The Green Visa is targeted at freelancers and self-employed individuals.

If you decide to hire employees, open a larger operation with offices and staff, or take on activities outside the scope of your freelance permit, you may need to incorporate a company and transition to a different visa category, such as an investor or company-sponsored residence visa.

Sources:

Residence visa for working in the UAE – UAE Government
Work permits – UAE Government
Freelance Visa Dubai (2025): Types, Benefits, Costs & How to Apply – The Executive Centre
Dubai Free Zones Guide – IFZA
What Is a Mainland Freelance Visa in UAE? – Easy Freelancer Dubai
Residence visa for family members – UAE Government
Freelancer Tax in the UAE – Capstone Finance
Golden visa – UAE Government
The new State Pension – UK.GOV

Sources last checked on 21st January 2025

*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.

We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.