Work visa in UAE Abu Dhabi

Hi,

As you mentioned, you currently hold a freelance license. We therefore advise you to check directly with the issuing authority regarding your specific rights, obligations, and any limitations associated with it.

Keeping your freelance visa and working under a company with a work permit. You are already registered as a freelancer; however, the information provided is incomplete. As such, we are unable to confirm your eligibility or determine whether the work you intend to undertake is aligned with the activity stated in your freelance license.

Cancelling your freelance visa and working under a company visa while retaining your freelance license. Yes, this is possible. If you secure full-time employment and it is mandatory to transfer your visa under the company, your freelance visa must be cancelled. However, you may retain your freelance license/permit.

For further clarification or assistance, please feel free to contact us: Dahhan Business Services.

Hello, thank you for reaching out.

Keeping a freelance visa while working full-time for a company: No, this is not permitted in the UAE. A full-time role requires a company-sponsored work visa, and working under a freelance visa for a full-time employer would be non-compliant.

Cancelling the freelance visa but keeping the freelance licence: Yes, this is allowed. You may cancel the freelance visa, move to the company’s employment visa, and retain the freelance licence (subject to the issuing authority’s rules on operating without a visa).

Please let us know if you need assistance with the visa transition or licence review.

If you hold a freelance visa in Abu Dhabi and receive a full-time job offer, your options depend on how you want to structure your employment and whether the employer agrees to the arrangement.

1) Keep your freelance visa and work for the company
This is sometimes possible if the employer obtains a part-time work permit or temporary permit from MOHRE (for mainland companies). However, not all employers prefer this structure, and approvals depend on the authority that issued your freelance permit.

2) Cancel the freelance visa and move to company sponsorship
You may cancel your freelance residence visa and obtain a standard employment visa from the new employer. In many cases, you can still retain your freelance licence (if the issuing free zone allows it), but you would operate it without residency sponsorship.

Things to confirm
- Whether your freelance authority allows license retention without visa.
- Employer willingness to process a part-time permit.
- Non-compete or activity restrictions between both roles.
- Tax residency and compliance obligations.

Because rules vary by free zone and employer structure, professional advice helps avoid penalties or permit violations.

HHS Lawyers can guide you on visa transitions, work permits, and compliance requirements. You can also claim a free 15-minute consultation with our expert by sending your enquiry on WhatsApp.