How to Move to Dubai as a Self-Employed Person | Step-by-Step Guide for Freelancers & Entrepreneurs

Dubai has become one of the most attractive destinations for freelancers, digital nomads, and entrepreneurs worldwide. Whether you're looking to escape high taxes, enjoy year-round sunshine, or expand your business on a global scale, Dubai offers a compelling environment to live and work. However, moving to Dubai as a self-employed individual requires careful planning, from securing the right visa to setting up your new life in a dynamic city.

In this comprehensive guide, I will walk you through every essential step to successfully relocate to Dubai as a freelancer or entrepreneur. Drawing from my experience and practical insights, this article will cover visa options, application processes, accommodation, banking, driving licenses, healthcare, and budgeting—all tailored to the needs of self-employed professionals. Let’s dive in.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Visa for Self-Employed Professionals

Dubai offers several visa options tailored to freelancers, investors, and entrepreneurs. Understanding which visa suits your profile is the first crucial step.

Freelance Visa

The freelance visa is ideal for solo professionals such as writers, marketers, designers, coders, and coaches. This visa is issued through one of Dubai's free zones, including Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City, or Ras Al Khaimah. It grants residency, an Emirates ID, and a work permit valid for two years.

Requirements:

• Proof of skills or experience
• Portfolio showcasing your work
• Sometimes a degree certificate

Investor Visa

If you plan to open a business, either an LLC or a free zone company, the investor visa allows you to sponsor yourself as the business owner. This visa is also valid for two to three years and enables you to sponsor your family members.

Requirements:

• Setting up a company with a trade license
• Business plan (usually required during application)

Golden Visa

The golden visa is a long-term residency permit valid for 10 years. It targets property investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, and highly skilled professionals. For self-employed individuals, the easiest route is through real estate investment.

Requirements:

• Minimum property value of 2 million AED (approximately $550,000)
• Outright ownership of the property

This visa is renewable and provides a stable, long-term residency option. My professional tip: start with a freelance or investor visa, and once your situation stabilizes, consider upgrading to the golden visa through property investment.

Step 2: Applying for Your Visa – What You Need to Know

Applying for your visa in Dubai is surprisingly straightforward and can be done mostly online. Several licensed service providers and government-authorized platforms like GoFreelance, Ras Al Khaimah, or Virtuzone can handle the entire process for you, helping you avoid common paperwork pitfalls.

Documents Required:

• Passport copy (valid for at least six months)
• Passport-sized photo with a white background
• Updated CV or portfolio
• Business plan (for investor visa)
• Degree certificate (sometimes required for freelance visa)
• Bank statement for the last six months

Costs:

• Freelance or investor visa: $2,000 to $2,500 (includes entry permit, Emirates ID, medical test, and stamping)
• Golden visa: Minimum $550,000 investment in property plus around $1,000 in processing and health check fees

Timeline:

• Entry permit: 5 to 7 working days
• Emirates ID and residency visa: 7 to 14 days after medical test

Working with a licensed service provider not only saves time but also guarantees that your paperwork is handled correctly, avoiding unnecessary delays.

Step 3: Finding Accommodation in Dubai

Once your visa is in process, the next step is to secure accommodation. Depending on your plans, you can choose short-term or long-term housing options.

Short-Term Accommodation

If you’re just arriving and need a temporary place to stay, hotel apartments or Airbnb rentals in popular areas like Dubai Marina, Business Bay, or Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT) are great options. Expect to pay between $1,000 and $2,500 per month, depending on the location and amenities.

Long-Term Rentals

For stays longer than 12 months, signing a lease is typical. To rent long-term, you will need:

• Emirates ID
• UAE bank account
• Checkbook (some landlords require one to four post-dated checks)
• Deposit, usually 5% of the rent
• Ejari registration (tenancy contract registration with the government)

Popular Areas for Expats:

• Affordable: Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), Al Barsha, Silicon Oasis, Dubai Hills, JLT, and Greens
• Luxury: Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and JBR

Pro Tip: Always negotiate your rent, especially if you can pay one or two post-dated checks upfront. Many landlords are open to discounts or better terms.

Step 4: Opening a Bank Account in Dubai

Having a local bank account is essential for managing rent, receiving payments, and conducting business transactions efficiently. Fortunately, opening an account in Dubai is relatively quick and convenient.

Documents Required:

• Emirates ID
• Passport
• Residence visa
• Proof of address (tenancy contract or utility bill)
• Trade license (for business or investor accounts)

Recommended Banks for Expats:

• Emirates NBD (Mirs)
• Mashreq Bank (MBD)
• RAKBANK (Ras Al Khaimah Bank)
• Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB)
• WeLab Bank (digital banking)

Debit cards are usually issued instantly or within a few days. For long-term rentals, a checkbook is often required, and all banks provide mobile banking apps for easy account management.

Pro Tip: Some banks require a minimum balance of 3,000 to 5,000 AED; otherwise, they may charge monthly fees. Always check the bank’s policies before opening an account.

Step 5: Getting Your Dubai Driving License

While Dubai has public transportation options, having a car is almost a necessity due to the city’s vast layout and climate. Here's what you need to know about obtaining a driving license:

License Conversion for Recognized Countries

If you hold a driving license from countries like the US, UK, Canada, most European countries, Australia, South Africa, GCC countries, or Turkey, you can convert your license without taking a driving test.

The process is straightforward and costs around 1,000 AED. You will need to pass an eye test, and within 30 minutes, you can receive your Dubai driving license.

For Other Countries

If your country is not on the recognized list, you must take theoretical and practical driving lessons and pass the driving test. This can be time-consuming and costly, taking anywhere from 10 to 40 hours of lessons and costing approximately $2,000.

Top Driving Schools:

• Galadari Driving Center
• Emirates Driving Institute
• Al Badiah Driving Center

Pro Tip: Book fast-track packages if you want to complete your training and tests within two to three weeks.

Bonus Step: Registering for Healthcare

Healthcare is mandatory for all Dubai residents. Many visa packages include basic health insurance, but if yours does not, securing private health insurance is essential.

You can obtain plans through providers like Altena Dan or other local insurers. Dubai’s healthcare facilities are modern, multilingual, and efficient, ensuring you have access to quality medical services.

How Much Money Should You Bring to Dubai?

Budgeting for your move is critical, especially if you plan to live without a steady income initially.

• For a single person aiming to live in Dubai for one year without income, I recommend bringing at least $30,000 for living expenses.
• If you plan to purchase a basic car, add another $10,000 to your budget.
• For families, consider additional costs such as schooling and healthcare. A rough estimate is $15,000 per family member per year.
• For example, a family of four, including a car purchase and rent, might need between $85,000 to $100,000 to comfortably manage expenses for the first year.

Final Recap: Your Roadmap to Becoming a Dubai Resident

1. Choose the right visa: Freelance, investor, or golden visa depending on your profile and goals.
2. Apply online: Gather all necessary documents and use authorized service providers to smooth the process.
3. Find accommodation: Start with short-term housing, then secure long-term rentals with proper contracts.
4. Open a bank account: Essential for managing finances and receiving payments.
5. Get your driving license: Convert your existing license or undergo training as required.
6. Register for healthcare: Ensure you have valid health insurance as per Dubai regulations.

By following these steps, you will become a legal Dubai resident with access to a home, income opportunities, mobility, and world-class amenities.

If you are serious about making the move or want personalized assistance with visas or investment properties for the golden visa, feel free to reach out to me on Instagram or contact me directly. I respond to every message personally and am here to help you navigate your Dubai journey smoothly.