What exactly is meant by an Ajman freelance visa? Does it include a freelance permit? What does it cost once you factor in all the extra fees? How is it different from freelance visa options in other emirates? Do you need to renew it every year? These — and many other practical questions — are what most people ask when they consider getting UAE residency in Ajman through a freelance setup.
We spoke with Emirabiz co-founder Andrey Ovchinnikov, an expert in company registration, licensing, and obtaining residence permits in the United Arab Emirates. Andrey addressed frequently asked questions and highlighted key points to consider when applying for an Ajman Freelance Visa.
We hope this information will be helpful in deciding where to obtain a freelance visa in the Emirates.
What is Ajman Freelance Visa?
— We've been receiving numerous inquiries about freelance visas. Many strive to get a freelance visa in Dubai, but some choose to apply through Ajman instead. What's the fundamental difference between them? What should you pay attention to when making your choice?
— Good question. The Ajman Freelance License, also known as the Ajman Freelance Visa, is especially popular in Ajman. First of all, it's important to understand that a Dubai free zone and Ajman Free Zone are different jurisdictions located in different Emirates. And while with an Ajman freelance visa you can live and work in any Emirate of the UAE, the freelancer's registration address, prestige, and the need to apply for family visas or obtain a driver's license may influence the decision-making.
To get a freelance visa in the UAE, you must first obtain a freelance license. At this stage, key factors when choosing a jurisdiction include the types of licenses available, permitted business activities, free zone license cost, and the immigration policy of the Emirate.
For example, Ajman Free Zone offers a wide range of activities, which may be broader than in Dubai. In addition, the cost of living in Dubai is higher, so in many cases, Ajman remains a more budget-friendly option, although final costs depend heavily on the specific free zone, package, and extra services chosen.
Dubai is chosen for the prestige of the location. Moreover, in this Emirate, it is often easier to obtain a residence visa for citizens of "high-risk" countries. Though this is subject to current internal criteria of the free zones and security departments, which can change without notice. Not always a Dubai Freelance Visa will be expensive. For instance, DMCC Free Zone offers the cheapest freelance visa UAE.
What types of licenses are issued in Ajman?
— Please provide more information about the licenses available for freelancers.
— To open a business or become a freelancer in the UAE and to obtain a visa, you must first receive a specific license. Ajman Free Zone offers an extensive array of licenses suited to various business types: commercial, manufacturing, service, and a freelance license.
If you want to freelance in the UAE, you'll need a freelance license. It's not like the usual business licenses — this one's specifically for offering professional services, not for doing any kind of trading. Also, freelancers can't hire staff, and they're not allowed to open a business bank account. You can only get a personal resident account.
What are allowed activities under the Ajman Freelance License?
— Let's list some popular activities allowed under the Ajman Freelance License.
— The Ajman Free Zone offers 40 activities for freelancers to choose from. A few examples include:
- Software development
- Web development
- Graphic design
- Content writing and editing
- Translation
- Consulting services
- Social media marketing
- Event management
- Photography and video content creation
- Accounting services
- Coaching and mentoring
- Tutoring
- Fitness training and sports coaching
It is important to note that some categories require professionals to obtain appropriate approvals based on a diploma or certificate verifying their professional qualifications.
How do I acquire a freelance visa in Ajman?
— Perhaps one of the most important and pressing questions: "How can I get a freelance visa in the UAE?" Is the procedure in Ajman Free Zone the same as in other emirates, or are there any differences?
— Overall, the process of obtaining a freelance visa in Ajman is quite similar. Let me walk you through the main steps.
Select a licensing authority
Based on your professional activity, select a suitable free zone authority. Each free zone has different costs and requirements for the freelance permit.
Apply for a freelance permit
Submit your application for a freelance license, along with the necessary documents. The permit allows you to work legally as a freelancer in the UAE. Usually, it takes 5-10 days to get your license. Specific requirements and the list of documents should always be confirmed via the Ajman Free Zone Authority or through their service center, as they may be updated without prior notification.
Apply for a freelance visa
Once your freelance permit is approved by the chosen free zone authority, you can apply for a residence visa.
Secure your entry permit
Then arrive in the UAE to finalize the visa application procedure, undergo medical checks, and complete other formalities.
Undergo a medical fitness test and fingerprint record
In Dubai free zones medical insurance is also required.
Collect your visa and start freelancing
Once approved, you will receive your visa, which is valid for 2 years.
Documents required to obtain a Freelancer License
— You mentioned that applying for this license is easy. What basic documents are required?
— To obtain a Freelance License in Ajman Free Zone, the following documents are needed:
- A photocopy of your passport
- A passport-sized photo
- A copy of your residency visa (if you already reside in the UAE)
- A photocopy of your rental contract
- A medical fitness certificate
- Emirates ID application
UAE freelance visa cost in Ajman
— And perhaps the most anticipated question. What is the cost of a Freelance License and Visa in Ajman?
— The cost of a freelance license in Ajman Free Zone typically starts from approximately AED 6,000 and can go up to AED 10,000–12,000, depending on the package and services included. A one-visa Freelancer Permit with the immigration process included is AED 13,576. After obtaining the license, you must apply for a visa to live in the UAE. The separate visa fee is AED 2,900, which does not include the mandatory immigration channel fee required for visa processing.
2-year freelance visa cost in Ajman
| Services included | Cost |
|---|---|
|
2-year license 2-year Establishment card Immigration e-services / Government e-services 2-year resident visa and EID 1-year health insurance | 11,461 AED / year (22,922 AED for 2 years) |
Prices are given for reference only and do not constitute an official offer. Agency fees are not included. To get an exact cost calculation for your freelance visa, contact our experts.
Advantages of obtaining a Freelancer's License in Ajman
— Andrey, tell us about the primary benefits of obtaining a Freelance License in Ajman.
— First, I'd like to emphasize that getting an Ajman Freelance License is not financially or time-consuming. There's no need to open an office or rent a space; simply provide basic documents and you can comfortably work from home.
Other advantages of the Ajman Freelance License include:
- Affordability: Often offers a lower cost than comparable licenses in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, though final pricing varies based on the chosen package and additional services.
- Mobility: Ability to work from anywhere in the UAE.
- Ease of obtaining: Quick and straightforward licensing process with minimal paperwork.
- Convenience: No need to open an office; you can work from home.
- No sponsorship: No employer or local partner sponsorship required.
- Resident visa: Provides a 2-year visa for you and your family members, renewable thereafter.
Limitations of the Freelance License in Ajman
— The advantages are evident, but this type of license may not be suitable for everyone. Please share your insights.
— Absolutely, it's crucial to carefully select the license and free zone. For example, the Ajman Freezone Visa has its specifics:
- While a corporate bank account is typically unavailable under an Ajman freelance license, residents with an AFZ visa and Emirates ID can generally open a personal bank account in many banks, provided they meet standard income, documentation, and compliance requirements. Ultimately, the decision remains at the discretion of the specific bank.
- Inability to hire employees. Also, a Freelance License allows for one activity type only.
- Ajman Freelance Licenses allow you to apply for investor visas, similar to those that are issued for real estate investments. In other emirates, a Freelance License can grant a work visa specifying a profession or occupation, to which banks are more open.
Some large clients may require company registration in their emirate. If you plan to work with major clients from Dubai or Abu Dhabi, they might ask you to open a company in one of their free zones or in the Mainland. This restriction is particularly relevant for large-scale events at venues like Etihad Arena.
What is Ajman Free Zone?
— Our brief overview of Ajman Free Zone:
Ajman Free Zone, or AFZ, is one of the UAE's oldest and most well-known free zones. It's located in the emirate of Ajman, just north of Dubai and right next to Sharjah. The zone offers a wide area with flexible options for renting offices and warehouses, making it a popular choice for all kinds of businesses. Established back in 1988, it's now home to around 9,000 companies across different sectors. As of April 2025, freelancers in AFZ can now open a personal bank account linked to their freelance license, which makes managing finances a lot easier than before.
— Yes, that's correct. As one of the oldest free zones in the Emirates, a wide range of activities can be licensed here.
Summary from Emirabiz expert
— To wrap things up, let's make a quick summary of what we've covered about the Freelance Visa in Ajman.
— Sure.
Ajman Freelance Visa is most suitable for those planning to live in the UAE or work independently under a single activity without hiring employees and without needing a corporate bank account.
It is also important to note that upon reaching specific income thresholds, freelancers are required to register and report for corporate tax. Detailed information on this can be found in our general guide to UAE corporate tax.
If you require a corporate bank account for your work, I recommend considering the free zones of Umm Al Quwain or TECOM — the latter specializes in the IT sector and related fields. Note that the cost of a TECOM visa is significantly higher, physical office rent is mandatory, and the offices are quite expensive.
— Andrey, thank you very much for the conversation. I hope we were able to address the most frequently asked questions about a Freelance Visa in Ajman.
— Thanks again! If you have any more questions, I — or any of our experienced consultants at Emirabiz — would be happy to help you out and guide you toward the right free zone for your needs. Feel free to reach out anytime!
Reviewed by
Elena Ovchinnikova
Co-founder & COO
Co-founder & COO of Emirabiz. Leads client consulting — corporate structuring, banking pre-screening for complicated source-of-funds, residency cases. Qualified compliance & AML specialist trained under the Thomson Reuters program.
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Published January 26, 2026 · Updated August 2, 2026 · How this article was made →