Key Highlights:

• Four UAE free zones offer freelance licenses under AED 10,000, with the cheapest starting at AED 4,020 per year in Dubai.
• A license-only setup works best if you already hold a UAE residence visa. If you need a visa, budget AED 12,000 to AED 22,000 for Year 1.
• Freelancers with an annual gross turnover above AED 1 million must register for UAE corporate tax or face an AED 10,000 penalty.
• Most freelance license applications are now processed 100% online, with approvals typically taking 7 to 30 days depending on the free zone.

You’ve been freelancing from your apartment in Dubai for the past few months. The clients are happy, the invoices are going out, and everything feels like it’s falling into place. But there’s one thing you keep putting off. You don’t have legal work authorization yet.

You’ve looked into it. A traditional company setup in the UAE costs anywhere from AED 15,000 to AED 60,000, according to the UAE government portal. That’s a lot of money when you’re still building your client base. So the real question becomes, can you actually get a freelance license for under AED 10,000?​

Yes, you can. Four verified options exist right now. This guide gives you exact cost breakdowns, realistic budgets with visa costs included, and a clear framework to pick the right option for your situation.

Disclaimer: All costs, fees, and regulatory requirements mentioned in this article are based on publicly available information. These figures are subject to change without notice. Always verify current pricing and requirements directly with the relevant free zone authority before making financial decisions. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice.

License-Only vs. Complete Package: Know the Difference

Before comparing prices, there’s a distinction that catches almost every first-time freelancer off guard. A license-only cost and a complete package with a residence visa are two very different numbers.

A license by itself under AED 10,000? Four free zones offer that right now. A complete package with a 2-year visa under AED 10,000? That’s a much tighter squeeze, and in most cases, it’s not realistic.

When a License-Only Setup Works

A license without a visa is the right move if you already live in the UAE on a spouse or family visa, you hold an employer visa and have a no-objection certificate (NOC) to freelance on the side, or you’re based outside the UAE and just need legal authorization to invoice clients here.​

Think about someone like Riya, a graphic designer who moved to Dubai on her husband’s visa last year. She doesn’t need a new residence visa. She just needs a legal way to bill her three regular clients. For someone in her shoes, a license-only option at AED 4,020 to AED 6,100 is the perfect fit.

Now compare that to James, a web developer from London on a visit visa who wants to live in Dubai full-time. James needs the full package. License, visa, Emirates ID, medical test, and health insurance. His realistic Year 1 budget is closer to AED 15,000 to AED 22,000.

4 Cheapest Freelance License Options Under AED 10,000

Option 1: DMCC Freelance UAE Permit. AED 4,020/Year

The DMCC Freelance UAE permit is the most affordable freelance license available in the UAE right now. It costs AED 4,020 for a 1-year license without a visa, as listed on the official DMCC-powered portal, freelanceuae.com.​

This permit is best for creative professionals like graphic designers, photographers, and makeup artists. It also works well for tech freelancers, including software developers, web developers, and game developers. Digital marketers, influencers, copywriters, and content creators are also covered.​

The biggest advantage here is the cost. At AED 4,020, nothing else comes close. You also get a prestigious Dubai JLT address backed by DMCC’s business community of over 25,000 registered companies.​

The main limitation is that this is a permit, not a full trade license. You’re limited to one profession per permit from DMCC’s approved list of around 30 activities. You also cannot hire or sponsor employees.​

Processing typically takes 7 to 10 working days after document submission. You’ll need your passport, proof of address, and Emirates ID if you’re already a UAE resident.​

One important note: Visa packages through FreelanceUAE are currently paused due to upcoming UAE immigration updates. If you need a residence visa, confirm the latest status directly with FreelanceUAE before applying.​

Option 2: SHAMS Sharjah. AED 5,750

Sharjah Media City, commonly known as SHAMS, offers the cheapest full license in the UAE at AED 5,750 for a zero-visa media package. Unlike the DMCC permit, this gives you a complete business license with company-name capability.

SHAMS works best for media professionals, business consultants, marketing strategists, and wholesale or retail traders. You can choose from over 120 business activities and operate under your own company name. Full foreign ownership is included, and you can upgrade to a visa package later.

The trade-off is location. Your registered business address will be in Sharjah, not Dubai. The basic package doesn’t include a visa. Adding a 1-visa package brings the total to approximately AED 11,000 to AED 13,420.​

If you’re already sponsored by a family member in the UAE and work in media or consultancy, SHAMS gives you a legitimate full license at one of the lowest price points in the country, without paying for a visa you don’t need.

Option 3: Ajman Free Zone. Starting from AED 6,000

Ajman Free Zone offers freelance licenses starting from approximately AED 6,000 for the permit fee. The establishment card, which is mandatory, adds another AED 1,000 to AED 2,000 on top of that.

This option suits service providers, consultants, trading professionals, and freelancers who want proximity to Dubai without the Dubai price tag. Ajman is roughly 30 minutes from Dubai by car.

If you need a residence visa, the separate visa processing fee starts from AED 2,900. However, the total first-year cost with a visa, including e-channel registration, medical tests, Emirates ID, and health insurance, typically ranges from AED 15,000 to AED 22,000.

One useful benefit is that Ajman Free Zone often allows installment payments, which can help if you’re managing your initial setup budget carefully.​

Option 4: RAKEZ Ras Al Khaimah. Starting from AED 6,100

RAKEZ, the Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone, offers freelance permits starting from AED 6,100. License costs range from AED 6,000 to AED 8,000 depending on your chosen activity and package type.

This free zone hosts over 18,000 companies from 100+ countries, giving it established infrastructure and support services. It works well for education and training professionals, media content creators, and consultants across various industries.​

The full visa package at RAKEZ typically costs between AED 14,000 and AED 18,000. The main trade-off is location. Ras Al Khaimah is further from Dubai than the other options on this list, which may matter if your clients expect face-to-face meetings.

Side-by-Side License Cost Comparison

1. Realistic Total Costs with a 2-Year Visa

If you need to live and work in the UAE, the license fee is just the starting point. Here’s what the real first-year investment looks like once you add the mandatory government fees.

2. Mandatory Additional Costs

• Residence visa (2-year): AED 2,900 to AED 5,042, depending on the free zone
• Establishment card: AED 1,000 to AED 2,000
• E-channel registration: AED 2,300 plus a refundable deposit of approximately AED 5,000 (varies by free zone)​
• Medical fitness test: AED 250 to AED 500, depending on standard or expedited processing
• Emirates ID: Base fee of AED 100 per year of validity, plus AED 40-70 in service and typing fees, totaling approximately AED 270-310 for a 2-year resident visa ​
• Health insurance (mandatory for visa holders): AED 600 to AED 1,500/year

3. First-Year Total Estimates with Visa

Most complete freelance setups cost between AED 12,000 and AED 22,000 in Year 1. If someone quotes you a total under AED 10,000 with a visa included, ask for an itemized breakdown before you commit.

Disclaimer: All costs mentioned above are approximate and based on publicly available information. Fees are subject to change without prior notice. Always verify current pricing directly with the respective free zone authority.

4. Which Option Fits Your Situation?

Pick DMCC Freelance UAE (AED 4,020) if you already have a UAE residence visa, your profession matches one of their 30 approved activities, and you want a Dubai address for credibility. Skip this one if you need a full license with a company name.

Pick SHAMS (AED 5,750) if you’re already sponsored in the UAE and don’t need a visa, you want the cheapest full license with company-name capability, and you work in media, consultancy, or trading. Skip this one if a Dubai address is important for your business.

Pick Ajman Free Zone (from AED 6,000) if you need trading or commercial activities, want a location near Dubai at a lower cost, and don’t mind budgeting AED 15,000 or more for the full visa package. Skip this one if location prestige is a priority.

Pick RAKEZ (from AED 6,100) if you work in education, training, or media and value an established free zone with solid business support. Skip this one if you specifically need a Dubai or Sharjah address.

5. Hidden Costs to Budget For

The license fee gets the most attention, but the extras add up quickly. Here’s what to account for so nothing catches you off guard.

One-time costs in Year 1: Medical fitness test (AED 250 to AED 500), Emirates ID (approximately AED 300 for a 2-year visa), visa stamping and processing (AED 500 to AED 1,000), and document attestation for foreign certificates (AED 500 to AED 1,500).

Annual recurring costs: License renewal (same as initial cost), establishment card renewal (AED 1,000 to AED 1,500), and health insurance (AED 600 to AED 1,500 per year, mandatory for visa holders).

Optional add-ons: Physical office or flexi-desk space (AED 3,000 to AED 19,000/year), additional business activities (AED 500 to AED 2,000), and extra visa quotas (AED 3,500 to AED 5,000 per visa).​

2026 Corporate Tax Compliance for Freelancers

If you earn income through a freelance license in the UAE, corporate tax compliance is now part of operating legally. Here’s what applies to you, based on guidelines published by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) on tax.gov.ae.

1. Tax Rates

The UAE Corporate Tax, governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 (as amended by Federal Decree-Law No. 60 of 2023), applies a 0% rate on the first AED 375,000 of taxable profit and 9% on anything above that.​

2. Who Must Register

Registration is mandatory for natural persons (freelancers and sole proprietors) whose total gross turnover exceeds AED 1 million in a calendar year. This threshold applies to total revenue, not profit. So even if your taxable income falls within the 0% bracket, you still need to register if your gross turnover crosses AED 1 million.

The deadline is March 31 of the calendar year following the year your revenue exceeded the threshold. For example, if your turnover crossed AED 1 million in 2025, you must register by March 31, 2026.

3. The Penalty

Late registration carries a fine of AED 10,000. That’s roughly the cost of your entire freelance license setup.

4. What to Do

1. Track whether your annual gross turnover is approaching or exceeding AED 1 million.
2. Register via the FTA’s EmaraTax portal at tax.gov.ae using your UAE Pass login.​
3. Keep records of all income and business expenses for at least 5 years.
4. File annual corporate tax returns, even if your taxable profit falls within the 0% bracket.

Corporate tax is calculated on net profit, not gross revenue. You can deduct legitimate business expenses like office rent, software subscriptions, marketing costs, and professional development.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Getting your freelance license is more straightforward than most people expect. Here’s how it works across all four free zones.

Documents You Need

• Passport with at least 6 months validity
• Professional CV or portfolio
• Passport-size photographs
• Bank reference letter issued within 3 months (required by some free zones)
• NOC from current sponsor (if you hold a UAE employment visa)
• Educational certificates, attested if required by the free zone

Typical Timeline

• Weeks 1 to 2: License approval and issuance
• Weeks 3 to 4: Visa processing, if applicable
• Total: 15 to 30 days for most applications

Official Application Portals

Most applications are processed entirely online through these portals. A physical visit is typically only required for Emirates ID biometrics at an ICP service center and the medical fitness test at an approved health center.

FAQs

1. Can you get a freelance license under AED 10,000 with a visa included?

It’s unlikely for most packages. The DMCC Freelance UAE license alone costs AED 4,020, but visa packages there are currently paused. SHAMS offers the closest all-in option at AED 11,000 to AED 13,420 for a 1-visa package. Most complete setups with a visa cost between AED 12,000 and AED 22,000 in Year 1.

2. What is the absolute cheapest freelance license in the UAE?

DMCC Freelance UAE at AED 4,020 is the cheapest license-only option with a Dubai address. SHAMS at AED 5,750 is the cheapest full license with company-name capability.

3. Can you provide services to Dubai clients if your license is from Sharjah or Ajman?

Yes. A free zone license allows you to provide services to clients across the UAE. Your license location determines your registered business address, not your ability to serve clients in other emirates.​

4. Do you need to visit the free zone physically to apply?

Most applications are now fully online. A physical visit is typically only needed for Emirates ID biometrics and the medical fitness test.

5. Can you apply for a freelance license while on a UAE visit visa?

Yes, you can apply for a freelance license while on a visit visa and then convert to a residence visa through the license once it’s issued. Confirm visa processing availability with your chosen free zone before starting.​

Ready to Get Started?

Choosing between four free zones, comparing license types, sorting out visa requirements, and staying compliant with corporate tax rules is a lot to manage on your own. That’s exactly where professional guidance makes a difference.

JSB Incorporation helps entrepreneurs set up freelance licenses across 24+ UAE free zones, including DMCC, SHAMS, Ajman, and RAKEZ. Here’s what working with JSB looks like:

• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees or last-minute surprises
• End-to-end support from license selection to visa stamping to corporate tax registration
• Expert matching to find the free zone that fits your exact profession and budget
• Fast processing so you can start working legally in weeks, not months

Whether you’re comparing an AED 4,020 DMCC permit or a full Ajman package with a visa, JSB’s consultants walk you through the numbers and help you make the right call.

Book your free consultation call today with the experts of JSB Incorporation to learn more.