Are you planning to build a successful freelance career in the UAE and searching for the cheapest freelance visa UAE options? Dubai continues to attract global talent with its tax-free income, world-class lifestyle, and booming digital economy. Whether you’re a designer, consultant, marketer, coder, or remote professional, getting a freelance visa in Dubai has become easier and more affordable than ever.
This detailed guide explains everything you need to know about the Dubai freelance visa cost, the most affordable packages, benefits, and the step-by-step process to apply in 2025. If you’re looking for the perfect balance between budget and business opportunities, this is your complete roadmap.
What Is a Freelance Visa in Dubai?
A freelance visa in the UAE allows independent professionals to legally work, live, and operate as self-employed individuals. This visa opens doors for creatives, media experts, IT specialists, business consultants, fitness coaches, educators, and remote workers who want to work with multiple clients without corporate sponsorship.
Freelancers also enjoy:
100% ownership
Full freedom to choose clients
Tax-free income
Ability to sponsor family members
Flexible work structure
Modern business infrastructure
With rising work-from-anywhere trends, the freelance visa in Dubai 2025 remains one of the most attractive options for global professionals.
Cheapest Freelance Visa Options in the UAE (2025)
Finding the cheapest freelance visa UAE depends on your preferred location, industry, visa validity, and whether you need additional services like a workspace or dependents sponsorship. Below are some of the most cost-effective freelance visa solutions in the UAE today.
1. GoFreelance (Dubai Development Authority – DDA)
Cost:
Freelance Permit: From AED 7,500
Visa Costs: AED 3,500 – AED 4,960
Average Dubai Freelancer Visa Price: AED 11,000 – AED 12,500 total
Suitable For:
Media professionals, designers, tech experts, education specialists.
The GoFreelance program is one of the most popular choices for professionals who want to operate directly in Dubai. Although it’s not the absolute cheapest option, the location benefits and industry reputation make it ideal for those focused on Dubai’s competitive business market.
2. RAKEZ Freelance Visa – Cheapest All-Inclusive Option
Cost: Starting from AED 6,100 per year
RAKEZ is widely known for offering some of the lowest Dubai freelance visa cost alternatives with an all-inclusive package. This means your license, visa, medical test, and Emirates ID are bundled together.
Best For:
Freelancers seeking the cheapest solution without compromising quality.
Many professionals consider RAKEZ the best balance between affordability and convenience, especially if your work does not require you to be physically located in Dubai.
3. Ajman Free Zone Freelance Visa
Cost: AED 6,000 – AED 6,500 annually
Ajman Free Zone offers one of the most budget-friendly packages that include license, visa, medicals, and Emirates ID. The entire setup can be completed online, making it ideal for remote professionals.
Best For:
Anyone looking for low-cost entry with fast processing and digital convenience.
4. Fujairah Creative City
Cost: From AED 7,750 per year
Fujairah Creative City is another competitive option for media specialists, consultants, and creative professionals. Setup time is generally quicker, with approvals often completed in under a week.
Why Choose a Freelance Visa in Dubai or UAE?
Choosing the cheapest freelance visa is not only about saving money — it’s about accessing a powerful business ecosystem. Here’s why millions of professionals choose Dubai and the UAE:
✔ Tax-Free Earnings
No income tax or corporate tax for freelancers operating legally with a permit.
✔ Complete Business Freedom
You maintain 100% ownership of your work, finances, and client relationships.
✔ Low Entry Barriers
Compared to other global markets, the Dubai freelancer visa price is surprisingly affordable.
✔ World-Class Infrastructure
Coworking spaces, business centers, and digital services make operations smooth and professional.
✔ Ideal for Remote Work
Dubai is one of the most connected cities globally, perfect for remote workers and digital nomads.
Minimum Investment to Start a Business in Dubai
One of the biggest advantages of freelancing in the UAE is the extremely low startup cost. The minimum investment to start a business in Dubai as a freelancer can be as low as AED 6,000 to AED 7,500, depending on the package you select. This makes freelancing one of the most affordable pathways to enter the UAE business market.
What About Work Visa Dubai Cost?
If you're trying to decide between a company-sponsored employment visa and a freelance visa, the work visa Dubai cost usually ranges between AED 3,500 and AED 7,000 depending on the employer and job type.
A freelance visa, however, gives you much more freedom and long-term control over your career.
How to Apply for a Freelance Visa in Dubai (2025)
Applying for a freelance visa in the UAE is a straightforward process. Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Choose Your Free Zone
Select the free zone based on your budget, profession category, and whether you want to stay in Dubai specifically.
Step 2: Submit Your Documents
Typical documents include:
Passport
Passport-size photos
Resume
Portfolio (if applicable)
Qualifications
Step 3: Receive Your Freelance Permit
Once approved, you will receive your official work permit.
Step 4: Apply for Residency Visa
After your permit is approved, you can apply for the UAE residency visa.
Step 5: Complete Medical Test & Emirates ID
This is the final step before receiving your residency and officially beginning your freelance career.
Final Verdict: Which Is the Cheapest Freelance Visa in UAE?
If your top priority is affordability, RAKEZ and Ajman Free Zone offer the cheapest freelance visa UAE options starting from AED 6,000. These packages include everything you need without extra charges.
If your work is Dubai-based and you want access to Dubai hubs, DDA’s GoFreelance may be worth the slightly higher cost for long-term value.
Ready to Start Your Freelance Journey?
With visa packages starting from just AED 6,000, this is the perfect time to secure your freelance visa in Dubai 2025 and build a successful independent career in the UAE. Whether you’re a creator, developer, consultant, or marketer, the opportunities are limitless.
