For those who want UAE residency as an individual—without setting up a company. We guide remote workers and sole proprietors through relocation in Japanese, end to end.

For You

  • Remote workers and digital nomads
  • Freelancers and sole proprietors
  • Those who want to start relocating as an individual first
  • Those who want residency without setting up a company yet

Requirements

  • This route is based on a UAE freelance permit, which supports an individual residency visa.
  • Eligible professions/activities and the required permit type (e.g. which free zone) need to be checked case by case.
  • Final eligibility and conditions depend on the reviewing authority and the rules in force at the time.

Fees

Fee guide Free personalized quote
Estimated duration Typically around 2–3 weeks

Included in our support

  • Consultation on visa selection and conditions
  • Guidance and support for preparing documents
  • Support through the application and on-the-ground steps

Additional costs

  • Official costs paid to the government/authorities (application, medical, Emirates ID, etc.)
  • Costs may vary depending on the freelance permit category

The total depends on your situation. We provide a free quote before any work begins.

Request a free quote

Documents

  • Passport Cover plus the photo/ID page, in colour
    You provide
  • Passport photo White background, front-facing, taken within the last 6 months
    You provide
  • Medical fitness results Taken locally (Portgate helps arrange it)
    Portgate handles
  • Emirates ID (front & back) You photograph and submit it once issued
    You provide

Additional documents may be required depending on your situation. We’ll guide you during your consultation.

Flow

  1. 1

    Consultation & visa selection Online

    We review your situation and explain the conditions, required documents, and estimated costs, then confirm the right visa together.

  2. 2

    Document submission Online

    Submit your passport, photo, and other documents online, following our capture guides.

  3. 3

    Payment Online

    After you approve the quote, you pay the application fee.

  4. 4

    Entry & UAE SIM On-site

    After arriving in Dubai, you get a UAE phone number with a local SIM (needed for the medical check and Emirates ID).

  5. 5

    Medical check & biometrics On-site

    Complete a medical fitness test at an authorized center and register your biometrics at a designated office.

  6. 6

    Receiving your Emirates ID On-site

    You receive your Emirates ID card locally, completing the residency process.

In practice there are more detailed steps, and the online portal guides you through them one at a time.

Benefits & Notes

Benefits

  • Obtain residency as an individual, without owning a company
  • Enables practical steps like opening a bank account and signing a lease
  • You can later discuss company setup or bringing your family

Things to note

  • The required permit (e.g. which free zone) can differ by profession and activity.
  • The visa has an expiry date and needs to be renewed.
  • Tax and social insurance treatment depend on your circumstances—please check individually.

Comparison

Freelance visa

  • Individual route (no company needed)
  • Lighter, easier to start with
  • Best for individual, self-directed work

Company / Investor visa

  • Requires setting up a UAE company
  • Chosen based on business/investment scale
  • Residency as an owner or shareholder

Which fits depends on how you work, your business plan, and your family. The free diagnosis gives you a starting point.

Support

  • Consultation and chat support in Japanese
  • Clear on-screen guidance on documents and your next action
  • Track your application progress in the online portal
  • Post-arrival setup (SIM, bank account, and more) is also available

Online Portal

After you sign up, a dedicated online portal shows your progress, required documents, and next actions—so you always know where things stand.

See your progress

Your current stage and next action at a glance.

Submit documents online

Upload from your phone, following our capture guides.

Stay connected after arrival

Get help with SIM, bank accounts, and settling in.

The portal is available after sign-up. You can see it during a free consultation.

FAQ

Q. Can I start the application while still in Japan?
Yes. Consultation, visa selection, document submission, and payment can be done online. Some steps—such as the medical check and biometrics—must be completed in the UAE.
Q. Am I guaranteed to get the visa?
Approval and conditions depend on the reviewing authority and current rules. We check the conditions in advance and advise you when it looks feasible to proceed.
Q. Can my family relocate with me?
After you obtain residency, you can discuss family visas (spouse, children, etc.). Conditions vary and should be checked individually.
Last updated:2026-07-13

This page provides general information. Visa conditions, fees, documents, and timelines vary by category, the rules in force at the time, and your situation. Final eligibility rests with the reviewing authority. Please confirm the details for your specific case.

Start with a free consultation

It’s fine even if you’re unsure which visa fits. We’ll review your situation and suggest the next step—no pushy sales.