What is a Freelance Visa in Dubai or Other Emirates?

mofa attestation service
Jul 6
3 min read

Understand the Difference Between Legal Freelance Visas and Fake Visa Scams in the UAE

The UAE is a land of opportunity. From tech to design, media, education, and consulting — thousands of skilled professionals move to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and other Emirates each year to live and work independently. One of the most attractive options for self-employed individuals is the freelance visa.

But beware: not all freelance visas are legal. Many newcomers fall into traps set by fake or unauthorized companies promising cheap visas with big promises. In this blog, we break down what a real freelance visa is, the types available, and the serious consequences of falling into visa scams.

What is a Freelance Visa?

A freelance visa allows you to legally reside in the UAE and work as an independent contractor or self-employed professional. You don’t need a full-time employer, and you can work for multiple clients or companies under your own name.

There are 2 main types of freelance visas in the UAE:

1. Legal Freelance Visa from Free Zone Authorities

This is the only official and legal way to obtain a freelance visa in the UAE.

How it works:

You apply through a licensed Free Zone Authority (like Dubai Media City, Fujairah Creative City, Ras Al Khaimah, etc.)
You receive a Freelance Permit and a Residence Visa
You get an Emirates ID, can open a bank account, and operate legally
Some free zones even allow you to sponsor family members

Cost:

Legal freelance packages typically start from AED 7,500 to AED 15,000+, depending on the Free Zone and inclusions.

2. Fake or Illegal Freelance Visas (Scam Warning)

Many individuals and small companies have started selling freelance visas online — on social media, classifieds, and WhatsApp — promising cheap and fast approvals.

These are often companies newly registered in the UAE, formed only for the purpose of selling residency visas, not for any real business activity.

Warning signs:

The company has no office or business operation
They offer to sell you a visa directly for a few thousand dirhams
They promise you can work "anywhere" or "freely"
They say, “you don’t need to do anything, we’ll give you a NOC”
No professional licensing or freelance permit is involved

These visas may look legal on paper — but they are not approved freelance permits, and you will be responsible for any misuse.

⚠️ What Are the Risks of Buying a Fake or Unauthorized Freelance Visa?

Many expats are unaware of the legal consequences and assume all visas are the same. Here’s what can happen:

❌ Visa Cancellation Without Notice

If authorities detect a suspicious visa pattern (inactive company, no business operations), they may cancel the visa without prior warning.

❌ Deportation Risk

Holding a visa that was issued for non-genuine employment or commercial purposes can lead to legal action or deportation, especially if misused.

❌ No Protection or Rights

With fake freelance visas, you are not covered under labor laws, cannot file complaints, and may face difficulties renewing or sponsoring family.

❌ Loss of Money

The company may shut down within a year, leaving you without support, without refund, and no legal status.

How to Get a Legal Freelance Visa in the UAE

If you're serious about working as a freelancer in Dubai or any other Emirate, here's what you should do:

Apply through an authorized Free Zone (like Dubai Media City, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah Media City, etc.)
Check with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or UAE Immigration for guidance
Verify the Free Zone’s license before making any payment
Avoid shortcuts or offers that sound "too easy" or "too cheap"

UAE Offers Real Opportunities — Use Them the Right Way

The UAE is one of the most welcoming countries for entrepreneurs and freelancers. But with opportunity comes responsibility. Don’t be misled by shortcuts.

If you’re unsure, always consult with a legal document Clearing services provider like Amazon Attestation Services. We can guide you on the safest and most legal way to get your freelance visa or business setup completed. Contact us today: +971-54-58-20984