How much does a freelance visa in Dubai cost and what does it include?

In Dubai, going freelance usually involves two separate things that each carry their own cost: a freelance permit (which authorises you to work independently in a specific activity) and a residence visa (which gives you the right to live in the UAE). Many free zones bundle these, but the headline price you see often covers only the permit, with the residence visa, establishment card, medical test, Emirates ID and health insurance charged separately. Costs differ significantly depending on the issuing free zone, the activity, and whether you need a residence visa attached or already hold one through another sponsor. Because these fees are set by individual free zones and the immigration authorities — and are revised periodically — there is no single fixed national price, and third-party quotes are frequently outdated. The reliable approach is to request a current, itemised quote directly from the specific free zone you intend to register with, and to confirm residence-visa fees on the GDRFA channel. Check gdrfad.gov.ae and u.ae for official references. A verified UAE legal professional on LEXAI can help you compare free-zone freelance packages for your activity.