Work and freelance visas — UAE
Securing UAE work permits and freelance visas for employees relocating to the UAE or independent professionals seeking to operate legally across mainland and free zones.
What our clients face
Relocating employees to the UAE
You are bringing international staff to the UAE and need to secure the right employment permits, whether for a new Dubai office or an existing operation expanding its team.
Independent professionals seeking legal status
You are a consultant, creative, or tech specialist looking to operate legally in the UAE under a freelance visa through one of the designated free zones.
Visa conversions and permit transitions
You need to convert a tourist or visit visa to a work residence permit, or navigate the differences between free zone and mainland employment visa requirements.
Complex government coordination
The process involves multiple government touchpoints — MOHRE for mainland permits, the relevant free zone authority for free zone permits, and ICP or GDRFA for residency processing — and missteps lead to delays, fines, or entry bans.
Our approach
Eligibility assessment
Determine the correct visa category — employment, freelance, or golden visa pathway — based on the client's profile and business structure.
Document preparation
Compile and review all required paperwork including offer letters, educational credential attestations, and Emirates ID applications.
Medical fitness coordination
Schedule and manage the mandatory medical fitness test conducted in the UAE after entry permit issuance.
Sponsor coordination
Liaise with the employing entity or free zone authority to ensure sponsor obligations are met.
Government filings
For mainland employees, submit work permit applications to MOHRE and residency applications to ICP or GDRFA. For free zone employees, file through the relevant free zone authority and ICP/GDRFA.
Freelance permit structuring
Advise on the optimal free zone for freelance registration — Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, Fujairah Creative City, and others — based on activity type, cost, and visa benefits.
Renewal and status change management
Handle visa renewals, cancellations, and status conversions to keep your permits active and compliant.
Stages of work
Initial consultation
We assess your situation: whether you need a standard employment visa, a freelance permit, or a specialized category, and identify the appropriate jurisdiction — mainland or specific free zone.
Document collection and review
We provide a tailored checklist and review all documents for completeness, ensuring attestations and translations meet current UAE requirements.
Application filing
We prepare and submit the work permit or freelance license application to the relevant authority, tracking status and responding to any queries from immigration officials.
Medical and Emirates ID processing
We coordinate the mandatory medical fitness test and Emirates ID biometrics appointment, ensuring these are completed within the required timeframes.
Visa stamping and delivery
Once approved, we arrange the final residence visa stamping in the passport and confirm that all permits are active and compliant.
Discuss
the Task
Speak to our team
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we’ll help you with it in any jurisdiction.