Individuals
Get in the zone and unlock your potential in a vibrant, people-focused community

Simplifying business for independent professionals
Incredible networking opportunities
Enjoy unparalleled opportunities to connect with professionals while being part of a vibrant city at the forefront of Dubai's future.
Freedom to operate from any location
Experience unparalleled flexibility to manage your business seamlessly—work on your own terms, anywhere, anytime.
Details
A freelance business setup designed for individuals seeking flexibility with a 1-year permit and access to workspaces.
Validity:
Permit valid for 1 year
Category:
Freelance Permit
Government Support:
Seamless integration with government services and incentives.
Process
Freelance Made Simple: Your Permit, Your Way
𝟭. Express your interest
Start your Freelance journey by filling out a quick enquiry form.
Apply now
𝟮. Receive Your Portal Credentials
Check your email for your exclusive ECDA Portal credentials—your gateway to freelancing in Expo City Dubai.
𝟯. Complete Your Online Application Form
Log into the ECDA Portal, complete the application form, upload the required supporting documents, and process the payment. It’s fast, simple, and all online!
𝟒. Review and Approval
Our ECDA team will review your application within 5 working days. Once approved, your Freelance Permit and Company Card (if applicable) will be issued—welcome to the Freelance community!
Optional: Obtain a Company Card
Required only if applying for a UAE Residence Visa. Not applicable for UAE citizens or self-sponsored individuals.
Pricing
Freelance Permit:
AED 7000 per year
This includes the AED 500 non-refundable application fee.
Downloads
20241205 Freelancer Permit Application Form
280 KB • PDF
How to obtain your Freelance Permit in Expo City Dubai
606 KB • PDF
Related packages
Visit us
Our Client Relations Centre serves as a unified hub, providing you with a seamless experience and streamlined access to all ECDA services including registration, licensing, Government services, and other ECD Free Zone offerings, as well as commercial space leasing.
Client Relations Centre
Opening hours
Monday - Thursday: 08:30 - 16:00
Friday: 08:30 - 12:00
Phone +971 4 555 2272
WhatsApp +971 56 547 9555
Email CRC@expocitydubai.ae
Location
Sustainability District, Women's Pavilion, 2nd floor
Where to park
Sustainability parking
Frequently asked questions
Expo City Dubai is more than just a commercial hub—it’s a Central Social District designed for sustainability and well-being. It offers an integrated community where work, living, and leisure are seamlessly connected, with daily essentials accessible within a 15-minute walk or bike ride. Located next to Al Maktoum International Airport, the future world’s largest airport, it features LEED-certified, Grade A office spaces in a premium campus setting.
Expo City Dubai is a purpose-driven community that promotes connections and encourages growth through an innovation-focused business ecosystem and a testbed environment with knowledge-sharing platforms to scale innovative solutions. The city brings together companies of all sizes and promotes cross-sector collaboration in sustainability, innovation, technology, education, creative and entertainment.
Expo City Dubai’s community supports businesses of all sizes and brings together multinational companies, SMEs, startups, entrepreneurs, government, academia, research and development institutions, and more.
Expo City Dubai’s community is designed to provide a premium campus feel. It encourages wellness, balance and social interaction. Next to office buildings, there are green spaces, water fountains, shaded courtyards, restaurants, retail outlets and cultural attractions.
Expo City Dubai offers a variety of office, retail and F&B spaces. The offices range from smaller working areas to larger offices, including entire floors, buildings, and multi-building campuses. For retail, there is an array of spaces designed to accommodate big brands, pop-up and creative concepts, as well as innovative retailers. And for F&B, there is a wide range of units ideal for new-to-market concepts, international brands new to the UAE, and local brands with a vision for expansion.
The Expo City Dubai Authority offers a wide range of over 180 services: from company registration, licensing, and company cards to short-term operation permits (from one day to twelve months), freelance permits, and special approvals. Additionally, the Authority provides visa and documentation services, including employment and business visit visas, No Objection Certificates (NOCs), and official company and individual letters. Whether you're launching, expanding, or streamlining operations, Expo City Dubai Free Zone is designed to support your success.
Yes. The Client Relations Centre provides clients with a seamless and fully integrated access to leasing, licensing and government services. You can contact the Client Relations Centre by calling +971 4 555 2272 or emailing CRC@expocitydubai.ae
Very easy. Expo City Dubai is well connected to the rest of the city, with its own on-site metro station (Expo 2020), and access via 4 major highways.
Get in touch
Let’s get your journey started! Fill out the form below, and our team will be in touch shortly.