For freelancers

Freelance business setup in Sharjah

Freelancers can go legal in the UAE with an SPC freelance permit or a low-cost licence — often from around AED 4,499, with an optional residence visa. You invoice clients under your own name, keep 100% of what you earn, and can upgrade to a full company as you grow.

See the freelance permit Get a quote

Why freelancers set up in Sharjah

Invoice clients legally in the UAE and abroad.
Low cost, with a zero-visa or optional-visa route.
100% ownership and 0% personal income tax.
A residence visa if you want to live in the UAE.

Freelance permit or full licence?

A freelance permit licenses you as an individual and is the cheapest way in. If you want to trade under a company name, hire, or hold multiple activities, a full licence gives more room. We help you pick.

Common freelance fields

Writers, designers, developers, marketers, consultants, photographers, and trainers all fit. Media and content work is especially at home in SPC — see the media & publishing licence.

What it costs

Among the lowest-cost routes to becoming legal in the UAE. See the cost breakdown.

Do I need a visa to freelance in the UAE?

Not necessarily. A zero-visa permit makes you legal to invoice without residency. Add a residence visa if you want to live in the UAE.

Can I freelance for UAE and overseas clients?

Yes. You can invoice clients in the UAE and internationally. For heavy UAE mainland work, a company with a dual licence gives more flexibility.

Can I upgrade to a company later?

Yes. Many freelancers start on a permit and move to a full licence as they grow and hire.