Profile: A senior executive who was laid off during a restructuring. They are not ready to retire, but they also do not want another W-2 or PAYE job. They want to consult for three or four former colleagues. Why RAKEZ: They need a clean, compliant way to receive director fees and consulting retainers. The RAKEZ visa gives them a corporate bank account and a legal shield. No more getting paid "under the table" into a personal PayPal account.
Register for UAE Corporate Tax if your taxable net profit exceeds the statutory threshold.
It is not glamorous. There is no champagne reception when you get your Emirates ID. But for the solo consultant in a one-bedroom apartment in Al Hamra Village, watching the sun set over the Arabian Gulf while answering emails from London and New York, it is the difference between being a tourist and being a resident.
Without a residency permit, you cannot open a bank account, sign a service contract with a multinational, lease an apartment, or even get a local SIM card for more than a few months. For freelancers flocking to the UAE—a tax-friendly, globally connected hub—this has long been the paradox: You need the stability of a visa to enjoy the freedom of freelancing. rakez freelance visa
Open corporate and personal bank accounts easily.
The RAKEZ Freelance Visa stands as a testament to the UAE's commitment to economic diversification and innovation. It has successfully bridged the gap between the rigid corporate world and the fluid gig economy. By offering an affordable, legitimate, and flexible pathway to residency and business ownership, RAKEZ has empowered thousands of professionals to take control of their careers. For the modern freelancer looking to tap into the dynamic Middle Eastern market, the RAKEZ Freelance Visa is not merely an administrative document—it is a launchpad for success.
| Feature | | Dubai (Creative Zone / GoFreelance) | Sharjah Media City (Shams) | US LLC (Wyoming/Delaware) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Cost (all-in) | ~$3,500 | ~$7,500 | ~$4,500 | ~$800 (no visa) | | Visa & Residency | ✅ 2-3 years | ✅ 2-3 years | ✅ 2-3 years | ❌ No residency | | Physical Office | ❌ Not required | ✅ Virtual desk required | ❌ Not required | ❌ Not applicable | | Bank Account Ease | Moderate (RAKBANK) | High (Emirates NBD) | Low | High (Mercury/Relay) | | Tax | 0% up to AED 375k | 0% up to AED 375k | 0% up to AED 375k | 21% Federal (if US-source income) | | Lifestyle | Quiet, mountains, beaches, 45 mins from Dubai | Global city, expensive, traffic | Family-oriented, conservative | Not applicable (remote) | Profile: A senior executive who was laid off
Work from home, co-working spaces, or cafes.
You retain full control of your freelance business.
The RAKEZ Freelance Visa is not limited to a specific niche; it caters to a diverse array of industries. Primarily categorized into sectors like Media, Education, and Consulting, it accommodates professions ranging from graphic designers and journalists to management consultants and IT specialists. Recently, RAKEZ has expanded its scope to include "Sole Proprietors" in manufacturing and services, broadening the horizon for skilled professionals. This inclusivity ensures that a wide spectrum of talent can find a home within the zone, fostering a vibrant community of independent professionals. Why RAKEZ: They need a clean, compliant way
It gives you the one thing freelancers crave most:
Profile: A European or Asian marketing consultant, software engineer, or financial analyst who has out-earned their home country’s tax system. Why RAKEZ: Zero percent personal and corporate income tax (subject to compliance with UAE CT law, which has a 0% threshold for income under AED 375,000 / $102,000 and 9% above that). They can invoice international clients from a UAE entity, legally pay zero tax on qualifying income, and live on the beach in Ras Al Khaimah or commute to Dubai.