Freelance UAE Permit – Expo City Dubai
Expo City Dubai Freelance Permit Proposal
Client Details
Freelance UAE Permit – Expo City Dubai
[Client Name] – [Company Name]
21 September 2026
1. Introduction
Expo City Dubai issues freelance permits to independent professionals, applied for entirely through the Expo City Dubai Authority (ECDA) portal. A UAE Residence Visa can be obtained under this setup, subject to immigration approvals.
Membership benefits include Expo City Dubai networking events, a listing in the Freelancer Directory, access to the Expo business community, independent invoicing, and eligibility to open a corporate bank account.
The specific license activity is matched to the client's profession.
See the Permitted Activity List for the full list of permitted license activities.
2. Required Documents
The following documents are required from the client to submit the Freelance Permit application:
| Document | Remarks |
|---|---|
| Proof of profession | Qualification certificate, portfolio, or similar evidence. |
| Copy of passport | Bio-data page of the applicant. |
| Copy of UAE residence visa | If applicable. |
| Copy of Emirates ID | If applicable. |
The application process is entirely online via the ECDA portal. Document verification is digital, and no in-person submission is required.
For UAE Residence Visa, the client must be present in the UAE for medical examination and Emirates ID biometrics.
Fee Schedule
Freelance Permit + Residence Visa Packages
Freelance Permit Only
Includes AED 500 non-refundable application fee.
InBusiness Professional Fee
| Description | AED | USD |
|---|---|---|
| InBusiness Professional Fee | 2,938.00 | 800.00 |
Total Summary
| Option | AED | USD |
|---|---|---|
| Expo Freelance Package 1 + InBusiness Professional Fee | 11,958.00 | 3,256.09 |
| Expo Freelance Package 2 + InBusiness Professional Fee | 18,958.00 | 5,162.15 |
| 1-year freelance permit only (without visa) + InBusiness Professional Fee | 9,958.00 | 2,711.50 |
Optional Add-Ons
| Description | AED | USD |
|---|---|---|
| Shared desk at Future Forward Business Hub | 10,000.00 | 2,722.53 |
4. Scope of License Services
Guidance on selecting the correct license activity
Account creation & portal access
Application submission & payment
Online document verification process
Monitoring until permit issuance
Assistance with WIO bank account opening
End-to-end visa coordination (medical exam, Emirates ID biometrics)
Guidance on Expo City Dubai membership benefits
5. Processing Timeline
PERMIT
3
working days (fast-track)
VISA PROCESS
7
working days
| SERVICE | PROCESSING TIME (Working Days) |
|---|---|
| Freelance Permit approval & issuance | 3 |
| Residence Visa process (medical exam, Emirates ID biometrics) | 7 |
Confidential | Expo City Dubai Freelance Permit Proposal