Unser DubaiGuide
Moving to Dubai as a freelancer or founder
- As of October 2026 · with sources
- Reading time 4 min
Three routes for the self-employed
- Own company in a free zone: you set up with a free zone licence. The visa runs through the free zone, the visa quota depends on the package, and the free zone authority is the sponsor.
- Own company on the mainland: in Dubai, trade licences are issued by the Department of Economy and Tourism. Investors and partners can get a 5-year Green Visa with proof of investment and the authority's approval.
- Freelancing with a Green Visa: without your own company, with a MOHRE freelance permit.
Green Visa and Golden Visa
According to ICP, the freelancer Green Visa requires a MOHRE freelance permit, at least a bachelor's degree or specialised diploma, and income of at least AED 360,000 in each of the last two years or proof of financial solvency. It is valid for 5 years, renewable and needs no sponsor.
The Golden Visa (10 years) is available among others to entrepreneurs, for example with an SME of AED 1 million revenue, and to investors with a deposit or capital of at least AED 2 million. ICP lists the exact categories.
Setting up in a free zone: the typical process
Many free zones describe a similar process: choose a company name, apply with details of the ultimate beneficial owners (UBO), sign the memorandum electronically, receive the licence, then apply for the visa and Emirates ID. One example is IFZA, one of several free zones in Dubai. Prices, visa quotas and permitted activities differ by free zone and package, so compare several offers.
Free enquiry to IFZA
Planning to set up a free zone company? IFZA is a free zone in Dubai. Send a free enquiry here and IFZA will contact you directly. Unser Dubai is not a party to your contract and does not give legal or tax advice.
The form needs JavaScript. You can also send the enquiry in the app.
Company tax and obligations
- Corporate tax: according to the FTA, companies set up from 1 March 2024 generally have 3 months from incorporation to register, including free zone companies. Confirm your case with the FTA.
- VAT: registration is mandatory from AED 375,000 of taxable supplies and voluntary from AED 187,500 (FTA).
- UBO register: beneficial owner details are mandatory; report changes on time to the registrar.
- Home country: leaving can have tax consequences there, such as UK temporary non-residence rules or US worldwide taxation. A tax adviser is worth it here.
How the app helps
From Plus, the app includes an in-depth guide on company setup, tax and property. Premium plans the steps in your personal roadmap with deadlines and names the responsible office for each topic. The app does not decide whether or where you set up a company.
Step by step in the app
Start for free: your starting point, the fit test and the introduction and contents of every guide are free.
The details on this topic are in Plus (Does Dubai feel right in everyday life?): €249 for 6 months of access, then €40/month and cancellable monthly. After the first term the contract renews automatically and can be cancelled monthly.
Information and planning to do it yourself. Not legal, tax or migration advice.
Frequently asked questions
Can I move to Dubai as a freelancer?
Yes, through the freelancer Green Visa. Requirements according to ICP: a MOHRE freelance permit, at least a bachelor's degree or specialised diploma, and AED 360,000 income in each of the last two years or proof of financial solvency. Alternatively, you set up your own company.
Free zone or mainland: what is the difference?
In a free zone, the free zone authority is your sponsor and licensing body. On the mainland, Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism issues the trade licence. Which fits better depends on your clients, activities and visa needs.
Does my Dubai company have to pay tax?
UAE companies must register for corporate tax, according to the FTA generally within 3 months of incorporation (from 1 March 2024). VAT registration becomes mandatory from AED 375,000 of taxable supplies. Whether and how much tax is due is a question for a tax adviser.
How much does it cost to set up a company in Dubai?
It depends on the free zone, package and number of visas. We do not quote flat prices because they change often. Get several offers and compare what is included.
Sources
Retrieved on 14 and 15 October 2026. Official bodies first; market data and benchmarks are labelled as such.
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This page provides general information and is not legal, tax or migration advice. Rules, amounts and fees can change; the office named is authoritative. Euro amounts use the guide rate €1 = AED 4.00.