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Freelance
Visa

UAE · Middle East

Source: Mobility Asset DatabaseLifecycle: UnknownExtended ResidencyHighly Skilled Worker Visas

Program facts from the CitizensOS Mobility Asset Database. Unknown facts are shown as Unknown, never as zero.

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Publication state
Mobility Asset Database
Lifecycle status
Unknown
Facts checked through
Sep 21, 2026
Source snapshots
Database edition

Identity and current status

The route identity and current status.

Present
Year establishedPublished
2019
Governing lawPublished
Federal Decree‑Law No. 33 of 2021 (Federal Labour Law)
Responsible authorityPublished
Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation

What the program provides

What the program gives the holder.

Present
What the program providesPublished
Bring your entrepreneurial vision to the UAE, where a dynamic startup ecosystem, zero income tax, and long-term residency options create the ideal launchpad for global innovation.

Best suited for

Who the program tends to suit. Research only, never a personal recommendation.

Absent

No governed customer claim is present for this section.

Eligibility

Personal qualifications an applicant must establish.

Present
Minimum agePublished
18 years
Clean criminal record requiredPublished
Yes
Local health insurance requiredPublished
Yes
Nationality restrictionsPublished
No
Basic eligibilityPublished
portfolio or proof of work+academic qualifications+relevant freelance experience in your field
Employment statusPublished
Self-employed
Type of remote employmentPublished
Independent freelancer under an individual GoFreelance permit (tech, media, design or education activities) serving local and international/remote clients rather than being employed by a single company; holding a separate full-time job at the same time is allowed only with a signed declaration/NOC.
Generational limitPublished
Not applicable

Household inclusion

How spouses and children are treated.

Present
Family sponsorshipPublished
Yes
Spouse includedPublished
Yes
Children includedPublished
Yes
Child age limitPublished
25 years

Documents

Evidence categories and filing documents.

Absent

No governed customer claim is present for this section.

Process and timeline

How you apply and how long it takes.

Present
Processing timeUnknown
Unknown
Can apply without travelingUnknown
Unknown
Official application routePublished
https://www.gofreelance.ae/#freelance-register-now

Costs and investment

Fees, income and savings thresholds, and investment amounts.

Present
Minimum investmentPublished
None required
Minimum passive investment (July 2026)Published
None required
Minimum active investment (July 2026)Published
None required
Processing feePublished
$1,900
Application feePublished
$2,050
Total cost to applyPublished
$3,950
Monthly income requiredPublished
None required
Monthly pension income requiredPublished
None required
Monthly rental income requiredPublished
None required
Savings requiredPublished
None required
Proof of sufficient fundsPublished
Yes
Local bank deposit requiredPublished
No
Minimum local bank depositPublished
None required
Fees paidPublished
Before approval

Presence and maintenance

Stay, renewal, and how long the status lasts.

Present
Stay required to keep statusPublished
183 days/year
Physical presence requiredPublished
Yes
In-country visit requiredPublished
Yes
Move-in windowPublished
1 month
Length of residencyPublished
24 months
Residency is lifetimePublished
No
RenewablePublished
Yes
Maximum durationUnknown
Unknown
Maximum duration is lifetimePublished
Yes
Tax residency rulePublished
Individuals present 183 days or more in a 12-month period are tax residents; UAE/GCC nationals or residents with a permanent home or business in the UAE qualify at 90 days
Personal income taxPublished
No personal income tax

Rights and onward pathways

Work, healthcare and other rights, and the path to permanent residence and citizenship.

Present
Time to permanent residencyPublished
Immediate
Time to citizenshipPublished
30 years
Work for a local employerPublished
Yes
Start a businessPublished
Yes
Remote or freelance workPublished
Yes
Local healthcare accessPublished
Yes
University accessPublished
Yes
Can buy landPublished
Yes
Local bankingPublished
Yes
Permanent residence timeline basisPublished
Years stated
Citizenship timeline basisPublished
Years stated

Risks, limitations, and uncertainty

Notes on changes, conflicts, and limits.

Absent

No governed customer claim is present for this section.

Sources, freshness, and conflict disclosure

Where the CitizensOS Mobility Asset Database took these facts from.

Present
Official program websitePublished
https://www.gofreelance.ae/

Every fact on this page comes from the CitizensOS Mobility Asset Database (Sep 21, 2026 edition). A blank is shown as Unknown.

This anonymous dossier is read-only research. It does not establish personal fit, eligibility, legal or tax advice, filing, approval, residence, citizenship, or a held Right.