Frequently asked questions

• Residency maintenance: Visa holders must visit the UAE at least once every 6 months to keep the visa valid.
• Property ownership: The visa is tied to property ownership. Selling the property or failing to meet the investment threshold will result in visa cancellation.
• Income proof: A permanent source of income must be demonstrated to maintain visa validity.

The UAE Golden Visa provides long-term residency but does not directly grant citizenship. However, under specific circumstances, individuals who contribute significantly to the UAE, such as exceptional investors, professionals, or talents, may be considered for citizenship through a separate nomination process. This pathway is highly selective and evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Freelancers are required to register for taxation and pay corporate tax only if their yearly account turnover exceeds 1 million dirhams. The corporate tax rate is 9%.

Typically, a freelance permit in Dubai only allows for a personal account. 

Yes, if your turnover reaches 375,000 AED, you are required to pay VAT (5%) on all applicable supplies within the UAE or GCC VAT implementing countries, register with the Federal Tax Authority, and pay VAT quarterly.

They are valid for 1-2 years.

In addition to the initial visa and permit costs, freelancers should budget for:

• Visa and permit renewal fees (required periodically).
• Office space rental (if needed, depending on the free zone’s requirements).
• Accounting and bookkeeping services (if outsourced).
• Corporate tax payments (if applicable under UAE tax regulations).
• Visa cancellation fees (if you decide to exit the UAE).

You can check the status of your freelance visa through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) website or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) portal, depending on your visa’s issuing authority.

The entire process, including obtaining a freelance permit and visa, typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the chosen free zone and document processing time.

To cancel your freelance visa, you must:

1. Apply for visa cancellation through the issuing free zone or immigration authority.
2. Clear any outstanding fees or obligations.
3. Submit your Emirates ID and passport for processing.
4. Obtain the official visa cancellation confirmation.