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.

If you operate as a natural person (sole freelancer) and your business revenue exceeds AED 1 million in a calendar year, you may need to register for UAE Corporate Tax. Corporate Tax is charged on taxable income (not turnover): 0% up to AED 375,000 and 9% on the portion above AED 375,000.

Some banks may offer a business account for freelancers, but approval depends on the bank’s compliance policy, your activity, and your transaction profile. In practice, many freelancers start with a personal account, and then explore business banking once their invoicing and cash flow are consistent.

Yes, if your turnover reaches 375,000 AED, you are required to pay VAT (5%) on all applicable supplies within the UAE and register with the Federal Tax Authority. VAT returns are filed based on the tax period assigned by the FTA (often quarterly, but it can also be monthly).

They are valid for 1–2 years (depending on the issuing authority and package).

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.