Freelance Permit – Abu Dhabi Mainland
Abu Dhabi Mainland Freelance Permit Proposal
Client Details
Freelance Permit – Abu Dhabi Mainland
[Client Name] – [Company Name]
21 September 2026
1. Introduction
The Freelance Permit is issued by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (DED) to independent professionals, allowing the individual to conduct permitted freelance activities under their own name rather than through a company structure.
The permit activity is matched to the client's profession from the list of eligible activities permitted by Abu Dhabi DED. The permit is renewable annually, and a UAE Residence Visa (valid for 2 years) can be sponsored under this permit, subject to standard immigration approvals.
Once the permit and visa are issued, the freelancer can invoice clients in their own name, open a bank account, and operate as a sole professional within the UAE.
2. Required Documents
The following documents are required from the client to submit the Freelance License application:
| Document | Remarks |
|---|---|
| Passport copy | Bio-data page of the applicant. |
| Emirates ID | For UAE residents. |
| UAE Residence Visa / e-Residency | For UAE residents. |
| Curriculum Vitae (CV) | Of the applicant. |
| Educational Certificate | Depending on the selected license activity. |
| Proof of address in country of residence | For non-UAE residents. |
Fee Schedule
Authority Fees (Freelance Permit + 2-Year Residence Visa)
| Description | AED | USD |
|---|---|---|
| Freelance Permit (1 Year) + Residence Visa (2 Years) | 9,535.00 | 2,596.46 |
| Mandatory Health Insurance | 2,500.00 | 680.49 |
| Total Authority Fees | 12,035.00 | 3,276.95 |
InBusiness Professional Fees
| Description | AED | USD |
|---|---|---|
| Freelance Permit | 2,938.00 | 800.00 |
| Residence Visa | 7,345.00 | 2,000.00 |
| Total (excl. VAT) | 10,283.00 | 2,800.00 |
The InBusiness Fees are exclusive of 5% VAT, and the Residence Visa Professional Fee includes full assistance with the medical examination, Emirates ID biometrics, and all required immigration procedures.
4. Scope of Permit Services
Guidance on selecting the correct permit activity in line with the client's profession, per Abu Dhabi DED's list of eligible activities
Preparation and submission of the Freelance Permit application to Abu Dhabi DED, including entry of information, document upload and payment of authority fees
Monitoring of the permit application through to issuance, with confirmation as soon as Abu Dhabi DED approval is received
Where a Residence Visa is requested: end-to-end coordination of the visa process — including the medical examination, Emirates ID biometrics and all other required immigration procedures — with the client accompanied throughout
Assistance with bank account opening support, including preparation of the application and coordination with the chosen bank
Guidance on permit renewal and ongoing compliance obligations
5. Processing Timeline
NORMAL
14–17
working days
FAST-TRACK
Available
upon request
| SERVICE | PROCESSING TIME (Working Days) |
|---|---|
| Freelance Permit — application approval and issuance | 7–10 |
| Residence Visa — client's required presence in the UAE (medical examination, Emirates ID biometrics, and other immigration steps) | 7 |
Confidential | Abu Dhabi Mainland Freelance Permit Proposal