MOHRE freelance permit in the UAE
The self-employment and freelance permit is issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. It allows services to be provided to individuals and companies directly, without a sponsoring employer and without an employment contract. The permit itself gives no right to live in the UAE: it is a work document, not a visa. A freelancer arranges residence separately — under the self-employed category of green residence, and it is not tied to an employer, unlike the ordinary work visa.
What exactly you are applying for
The MOHRE permit and residence are different documents. They are arranged one after the other, or separately.
The permit only
- A professional who already holds UAE residence, including self-sponsored residence.
- Aged 18 or over, with a profession matching the declared activity; MOHRE sets no monetary threshold for the permit itself.
- The status is proved by the MOHRE freelance or self-employment permit itself.
Green residence
- A freelancer who wants to live in the UAE without a sponsoring employer.
- Self-employment income of at least AED 360,000 a year over the two preceding years, or proof of solvency.
- Proved by the MOHRE permit and a bachelor's degree, a specialised diploma or the equivalent.
When it will not suit
Two situations in which another route is needed.
There is no bachelor's degree, specialised diploma or equivalent.
A work visa through employment.
Work visaSelf-employment income falls short of the threshold, and there is nothing to prove solvency with.
Employment with a work visa; for holders of a share in a company — business residence.
Residence through a companyWhat it costs
| Residence permitThe main issuing fee | 200 AED |
|---|---|
| Knowledge dirhamA federal fee | 10 AED |
| Innovation dirhamA federal fee | 10 AED |
| DeliveryDelivery of the completed document | 20 AED |
| Processing inside the countryPaid by those filing while in the UAE | +500 AED |
| Total government feesThe sum of the mandatory rows in the table. “Processing inside the country” adds 500 AED. | 240–740 AED |
The GDRFA Dubai rate for the residence. For each year beyond two, the issuing fee rises by AED 100. The MOHRE permit itself is paid for separately: from AED 250 to AED 3,450 depending on the company's category.
Documents to gather
The list for a green residence application on the basis of self-employment.
- A passport copy with at least six months' validity
- A self-employment or freelance permit from MOHRE
How the process runs
The order for those going from the permit to the residence.
- 1
MOHRE permit
The freelancer obtains a self-employment permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. Without it a green residence application will not be accepted.
- 2
Residence application
The application is filed through the smart services using UAE Pass, or at customer happiness centres.
- 3
Arranging the status after entry
60 daysAfter entering on the entry permit, the residence formalities must be completed within the period allowed. A daily fine is charged for delay.
- 4
Residence and Emirates ID
The residence permit is issued together with the Emirates ID application.
Timelines and rights
Work
One of the 13 types of MOHRE work permit. It allows income to be earned by providing services to individuals and companies without being their employee.
Who you can bring with you
The holder of green residence sponsors their family themselves: no separate sponsor inside the country is needed.
Spouse
Children
Trips, renewal and the grace period
A freelance permit does not in itself give residence. That is arranged separately: green residence for 5 years goes to a freelancer with a degree and income from AED 360,000 a year over the past two years.
Renewal runs on the same conditions as the first issue: a valid MOHRE self-employment permit, a degree and proof of income. Once the residence expires or is cancelled, you may remain in the country for 180 days.
The permit, the green visa and the remote worker visa
The MOHRE permit is a work document; the other two lines are residences. They are often confused.
| Freelance permit | Green Visa | Remote worker | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | A work permit | Residence | Residence |
| Term | 2 years | 5 years | 1 year |
| Gives the right to live in the UAE | No, residence is arranged separately | Yes | Yes |
| Who you work for | For individuals and companies directly, without an employment contract | With no tie to an employer | Only for a foreign employer or your own foreign clients |
What comes next: permanent residence and citizenship
Route to permanent residence
Permanent residence is not granted in the UAE: a freelancer lives on renewals of green residence for as long as they meet its conditions.
Route to citizenship
Time spent living in the country has no bearing on citizenship. A passport is granted on nomination by federal bodies: to investors, doctors, scientists, inventors, figures in culture and their families. The decision is taken by the rulers' courts, the executive councils and the Cabinet, and the previous citizenship may be kept.
Frequently asked questions about MOHRE freelance permit
Does the MOHRE freelance permit give the right to live in the UAE?
Does a freelancer in the UAE pay income tax?
When does a freelancer have to account for corporate tax?
What happens if the residence is not arranged in time after entry?
What happens to the Emirates ID when the residence ends?
Other ways to move to UAE
- Humanitarian residence permitHumanitarian protection
- Green VisaWork and freelance
- Retirement VisaFinancially independent
- Blue VisaMerit
- Student Residence VisaResidence permit
- Jobseeker Visit VisaVisa
- Standard Work Residence Visa through an employerResidence permit
Every route in one list — migration programmes: UAE.
The terms and the amounts are checked against official sources — the link sits under each section.Last checked on: 7 August 2026.