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There is no separate visa for freelancers in the United Arab Emirates; however, remote specialists can legally work by obtaining one of two categories of residence permit – the Green Visa or the Virtual Work Permit. The Green Visa is issued for 5 years, does not require a sponsor-employer, allows you to conduct business with clients both within the UAE and abroad, and also enables you to sponsor residence permits for your spouse and children. To obtain it, you must prove an annual income of 360,000 AED ($98,000) or show that you have sufficient funds for the entire period of your residency status.
The Virtual Work Permit is issued for 1 year. It is suitable for professionals working for a foreign company and requires proof of a monthly income of at least $3,500 (from $5,000 for Dubai). When choosing between the Green Visa and the Virtual Work Permit, it is important to consider the purpose of your stay in the Emirates as well as your source of income. This decision will determine your freedom to change projects, expand your client network, and plan business activity based on your personal and professional goals.
Contents:
Advantages of Working as a Freelancer in the UAE
- No personal income tax. The country does not collect income tax, so freelancers get to keep their entire earnings. This increases financial stability and allows full control over your funds.
- Developed infrastructure for remote work. Many residential and commercial complexes offer modern coworking spaces, equipped work zones, and high-speed internet, making work convenient and efficient. The developed transport system also makes it easy to get to most districts for business meetings and events.
- Strategic location. The UAE is at the crossroads of trade and business routes between Europe, Asia, and Africa. This simplifies communication with clients from different regions and makes the country a convenient base for international projects.
- High level of security. In 2025, the Emirates ranked 1st in the Numbeo Safety Index due to strict laws and a low crime rate. Freelancers can freely move around the country with their families and work in public spaces at any time of day.
- Business opportunities. The country is a major global business hub, attracting companies and investors from all over the world. This creates a favorable environment for finding clients, establishing partnerships, and expanding your professional network.
Green Visa
The Green Visa is a long-term residence permit designed for highly qualified specialists, investors, and freelancers. It allows you to live and work in the UAE for 5 years without the need for sponsorship. Residents are entitled to include family members in their application and can renew their status an unlimited number of times.
Main requirements for freelancers applying for a Green Visa:
- Education: A bachelor's or specialist degree is required.
- Freelance permit: A freelance or self-employment permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation must be obtained.
- Income: Proof of annual income of 360,000 AED ($98,000) or more over the past two years, or evidence of financial means sufficient for the entire planned period of stay in the country.
Advantages of the Green Visa
| Self-sponsorship | The freelancer applies for the visa independently, without the help of a family member or sponsor company. This provides complete independence in choosing projects and clients, allows changing business directions, and building a career without restrictions from local employers. |
| Family sponsorship | The Green Visa holder can officially sponsor a spouse, unmarried daughters of any age, and sons under 25. Family members receive legal residency in the country, as well as access to educational and medical services. |
| Long-term validity | The status is valid for 5 years, which significantly simplifies long-term residence and work planning in the country. The possibility of lengthy stays without annual visa renewals enables you to implement large projects and maintain professional connections. |
| Work flexibility | A residence permit holder can work with several clients simultaneously, both in the UAE and abroad. The status does not impose restrictions on changing clients or type of activity, provided it complies with the established criteria for freelancing. This greatly expands professional opportunities. |
Virtual Work Permit
The Virtual Work Permit is a type of residence permit that allows foreigners to work remotely for a foreign employer while residing in the UAE. It is intended for professionals in the fields of web design, IT and media technology, education, and others. The permit is valid for 1 year.
Main requirements for candidates for the Virtual Work Permit:
- Employment: Proof of remote work for a foreign employer with a contract valid for 1 year or more, or ownership of a business outside the UAE for 1 year or more.
- Income: Proof of a monthly income of at least $3,500 (at least $5,000 for Dubai).
- Financial standing: Submission of last month's payslip and bank statements for the previous 3 months or company account statements for the previous 3 months.
Advantages of the Virtual Work Permit
| No local employer required | A job with a UAE-registered company is not necessary to obtain the permit. You can work remotely for a foreign company or run your own business abroad while legally staying in the Emirates. |
| Family sponsorship | The permit holder can sponsor a spouse and children. The family gains access to social services including education and healthcare. |
| Convenient validity period | The permit is issued for 1 year with the possibility of renewal. This option is suitable for those planning to stay in the UAE for a specific period for work and personal projects. |
| Access to services | This category of residence permit provides foreigners with the right to open bank accounts, rent accommodation, arrange medical insurance, and more. This simplifies daily life and makes your stay in the UAE as comfortable as possible. |
Green Visa or Virtual Work Permit: Which Should You Choose
| Characteristics | Green Visa | Virtual Work Permit |
|---|---|---|
| Validity period | 5 years | 1 year |
| Need for a local sponsor | No | No |
| Family sponsorship possibility | Yes | Yes |
| Income requirements | 360,000 AED ($98,000) per year or more | $3,500 per month or more ($5,000 for Dubai) |
| Medical insurance requirement | Yes | Yes |
The final choice between the Green Visa and Virtual Work Permit depends on your professional plans, source of income, and how long you plan to live in the UAE. If you are looking to build a long-term career in the country, work with clients on the local market, and have the ability to sponsor your family for an extended period, the Green Visa is the best option.
If you plan to live in the Emirates for a limited time, continue working exclusively for a foreign employer, or own a business outside the country, the Virtual Work Permit will be a convenient and cost-effective solution. It is important to consider income requirements, the validity period of the residence permit, and your own future plans when choosing the right option.
