For anyone building a portfolio career or contracting in the Gulf, the permit is what makes that work legal and invoiceable. A mainland MOHRE freelance permit and free-zone permits each have their own scope and cost, so match the permit to where your clients are. It also underpins Green Visa eligibility for the self-employed. Rules and fees change, so verify current requirements with MOHRE or the free zone. How independent status fits a UAE CV: UAE CV format guide.
Freelance Permit
A freelance permit is the authorization that lets you work independently for multiple clients rather than one employer, issued in the UAE by MOHRE or by a free zone. It legalizes self-employment, is often the first step toward a self-sponsored Green Visa, and separates your right to work from any single company.
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Adil Dahmani
Adil Dahmani is the founder of Yalliq, the AI career copilot for Arabic-speaking professionals across MENA.