Dubai Freelance Visa for Dutch Citizens: Costs and Steps (2026)
1 min read
A Dubai freelance permit costs AED 7,500 to 9,500 per year in 2026, and the residence visa on top adds another AED 4,500 to 8,000. Here is the full stack for Dutch freelancers.
The three realistic routes
| Route | Permit cost/year | Visa | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| GoFreelance (TECOM) | AED 7,500 | 1 or 2 year | Media, tech, education |
| RAKEZ freelance | AED 8,900 | 2 year | Broad activity list |
| IFZA dual license | AED 12,900+ | 2 year | Freelance plus trading |
Step by step
- Pick the permit and apply online with passport scan and CV.
- Approval in 5 to 10 working days.
- Enter the UAE, convert to residence visa: medical, biometrics, Emirates ID.
- Open a bank account (Wio is the fastest for freelancers).
- Register for VAT only above AED 375,000 revenue.
The Dutch side
Deregister from your gemeente, file the M-form, and mind the Dutch substance rules if you keep clients in the Netherlands. The visa is the easy half; the tax residency is where Dutch freelancers slip.
Last updated: June 2026. See the moving checklist for the full relocation sequence.
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