Freelance Permit Cost Comparison
SHAMS, RAKEZ, Ajman, Fujairah Creative City, GoFreelance and IFZA — permit-only and realistic all-in pricing, side by side.
These are indicative ranges compiled from multiple free-zone-referencing sources, July 2026 — not official published rate cards. Freelance permit pricing changes with promotions, activity type and package inclusions, so always request a current itemised quote before paying. Renewal (year 2+) is typically cheaper than year one since one-off setup fees don't recur.
A freelance permit is not the same as a company licence
This is the single most common mix-up. A freelance permit lets one individual bill clients under their own name — simpler, cheaper, no corporate registers or audit obligation. A free zone company licence is a different product entirely, needed if you plan to hire staff, add a business partner, or operate under a company name rather than your own.
If you're actually deciding between a full company and going solo, this site's Free Zone vs Mainland Tool and Free Zone Recommendation Engine cover that comparison — this page is specifically about the freelance-permit route.
What's usually included in "all-in" pricing
| Item | Typical range | One-off or recurring? |
|---|---|---|
| Freelance permit | AED 5,750 – 12,500+ | Recurring (annual/2-year) |
| Residence visa (2-year, if bundled) | AED 3,500 – 6,000 | Recurring (per visa cycle) |
| Establishment/investor card | Included in most packages | One-off (year 1 only) |
| Emirates ID | ~AED 100/year of validity | Recurring |
| Mandatory health insurance | AED 800 – 1,500/year | Recurring |
The one-off items explain why renewal years are consistently cheaper than year one — you're only paying the recurring pieces the second time around.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which free zone has the cheapest freelance permit?
SHAMS (Sharjah Media City) generally has the lowest headline price, from around AED 5,750 for the permit alone, with RAKEZ and Ajman Free Zone close behind. But the permit fee is only part of the picture — once you add the residence visa, establishment card, Emirates ID and mandatory health insurance, most budget options land in a fairly similar AED 11,000 to 14,500 all-in range for the first year.
Why do prices vary so much between free zones?
Free zones set their own pricing, and it reflects what you're actually buying: a Dubai address (Dubai Media City, Design District) commands a premium over a Sharjah, Ajman or Fujairah address, even though the legal permit is functionally similar. Broader activity lists, included services (coworking access, PRO support), and visa allocation flexibility also push some packages higher. There is no single official rate — always ask for a current, itemised quote rather than relying on published starting prices, which are frequently just the cheapest possible configuration.
Is a freelance permit the same as setting up a free zone company?
No, and this is a common point of confusion. A freelance permit lets one individual bill clients under their own name, with a simpler structure and lower cost than a full free zone company (which needs corporate registers, a company name, and often an audit obligation). If you plan to hire staff or bring in a business partner, you'll eventually need a full company licence, not a freelance permit — this site's Free Zone vs Mainland Tool and Free Zone Recommendation Engine cover that separate decision.
Does the freelance permit come with a residence visa automatically?
Not always — check the specific package. Some free zones sell the permit and the residence visa as separate line items, while others bundle a 2-year (occasionally 3-year) visa into a package price. If you already have UAE residency through another route (a spouse's visa, for example), you may only need the permit itself, which is meaningfully cheaper than an all-in package with visa included.
Can I do more than one type of freelance work on a single permit?
It depends on the zone. RAKEZ tends to absorb multiple related activities within its standard package given its broad activity list. On some of the cheaper Sharjah, Ajman or Fujairah permits, combining distinct activities (say, photography plus marketing consulting) can require a permit upgrade or a second permit — factor this into your comparison if you genuinely do more than one thing for clients.
Is renewal cheaper than the first year?
Yes, generally. Your first-year cost includes one-off items — the establishment card, initial status change, and setup fees — that don't recur. Renewal for the next visa cycle is usually noticeably cheaper than year one, though you'll still pay the ongoing permit fee, visa renewal, Emirates ID renewal and health insurance each cycle.