
There are various types of visas for foreign professionals in the UAE, including a freelance visa and a remote work visa. These two types of visas grant the right to legally stay and work in the country, but they are designed for different categories of specialists and have their own characteristics. Let’s look at the main differences between them.
Freelance Visa
A freelance visa is a type of visa designed for professionals who work independently (on a freelance basis) and provide services to clients on a contractual basis, without being tied to a single employer. This type of visa is popular among professionals in fields such as OT, media, marketing, design, etc.
Main Features:
- Purpose: The freelance visa is intended for those who want to work in the UAE as an independent specialist and provide services to clients on a freelance basis.
- License: To work as a freelancer, you must obtain a freelance license (freelance permit) through one of the free economic zones, such as Dubai Media City, Dubai Knowledge Park, Dubai Design District, or Fujairah Creative City.
- Restrictions: A freelance visa allows you to work only in those fields of activity that are specified in your license. For example, if your license is in the media field, you will not be able to legally work in another field without obtaining the appropriate permits.
- Visa extension: A freelance visa can be extended for up to 3 years (depending on the conditions).
- Opportunities: A freelance visa holder can work with several clients or companies at the same time, both in the UAE and abroad.
Advantages:
- It gives you the opportunity to be an independent entrepreneur.
- It does not require a sponsor or employer.
- Access to resident benefits such as bank accounts, rental housing and medical care.
Remote Work Visa

The Remote Work visa is a new visa introduced by the UAE as part of a program for professionals working remotely for foreign companies. This type of visa allows foreign citizens to reside in the UAE while continuing to work remotely for their foreign employer, without being under the jurisdiction of the UAE in terms of employment.
Main Features:
- Purpose: The remote work visa is intended for professionals who already work for a company outside the UAE and want to reside in the country while maintaining their current job.
- Employer: The holder of this visa continues to be an employee of a foreign company. Unlike a freelance visa, a remote work visa does not allow you to search for clients in the UAE or engage in business activities.
- Requirements: To obtain this visa, you must provide proof of employment with a foreign employer (for example, a contract), as well as a salary certificate. The minimum income for obtaining a visa is $5,000 per month.
- Visa extension: A remote work visa is issued for one year with the possibility of extension if the conditions are met.
- Opportunities: The holder of a remote work visa can enjoy all the benefits of a UAE resident, such as access to banking services, rental of real estate and medical services.
Advantages:
- Allows you to live in the UAE without having to change jobs.
- The opportunity to enjoy the UAE’s infrastructure and access resident privileges without violating obligations to the current employer.
- It does not require starting a business or finding freelance clients.
The main differences are
Characteristic | Freelance visa | Remote work visa |
Appointment | For independent professionals working on a freelance basis, including for clients in the UAE | For employees of foreign companies working remotely and owners of companies operating outside the UAE |
Licensing | A freelance license is required | Not required |
Work in the UAE | You can work with local and international clients | You cannot work for clients in the UAE |
Employment opportunities | Independent activity | Working for a foreign employer |
Minimum income | There are no restrictions | Minimum $5,000 per month |
Duration of the visa | Up to 3 years old | 1 year with the possibility of extension |
Family sponsorship | Available | Available |
Bank accounts and resident benefits | Available | Available |
Both options provide the opportunity to live and enjoy the benefits of residency in the UAE, but they are designed for different forms of employment.