--- title: "GoFreelance Dubai Documents Translation Checklist" description: "Setting up a freelance permit in Dubai. The document checklist includes items that need translation and attestation. What to prepare." url: "https://onlinetranslation.ae/blog/gofreelance-dubai-documents-checklist/" lang: "en-AE" --- [](/blog)Back to Blog*Daily Blog* # You Want to Go Freelance in Dubai. The GoFreelance Checklist Has More Documents Than You Expected. 3 min read You've been freelancing on the side. It's going well enough to go full-time. You look into GoFreelance — Dubai's freelance permit through TECOM and other free zones. The application looks straightforward until you see the document checklist. Degree certificates. Attestation. NOC. Translation. This isn't a simple form. ## The documents that trip people up - Educational certificates. Your degree needs to be relevant to the freelance activity you're applying for. If it's from a non-English-speaking country, it needs [](/personal/academic/degree)certified translation. Some zones also require attestation. - Professional certificates. Industry certifications (PMP, CPA, AWS, etc.) may need translation if they're not in English. The zone wants to verify your qualifications match the activity category. - NOC from current employer. If you're currently employed in the UAE and switching to freelance, you need a No Objection Certificate. This is an Arabic document from your employer that needs to be in the right format. - Portfolio or CV. Most zones want evidence of your work. This doesn't need translation, but it does need to be comprehensive and relevant to the activity. - [](/blog/indian-experience-certificate-mohre)Experience certificates. If you're applying for a professional activity that requires proof of experience, certificates from previous employers may need translation. ## Attestation vs no attestation This varies by free zone. Some freelance zones accept certified translation of your degree without full attestation. Others require the complete chain (apostille or embassy attestation + MOFA + MOJ translation). Check with your specific zone before starting the attestation process — it could save you weeks and significant cost. ## The timeline The application processing is fast (3-5 days). The document preparation is not: - Attestation from home country: 2-4 weeks - MOFA attestation in UAE: 2-3 days - MOJ translation: 1-2 days - Medical fitness test: 1-3 days - Emirates ID biometrics: scheduled appointment Start document preparation before you apply. Having everything ready means the application moves at processing speed, not document-chasing speed. If you're preparing documents for a freelance permit, send what you have on WhatsApp — [+971 50 862 0217](https://wa.me/971508620217). We'll tell you which documents need translation and whether attestation is required for your specific zone. ## Common questions ### What documents do I need for GoFreelance? Passport, photos, visa copy, educational certificates (attested/translated), NOC (if employed), and professional portfolio. Exact list varies by zone and activity. ### Do my certificates need translation? Yes, if not in English or Arabic. [](/personal/academic/degree)Certified translation is required. Some zones also need attestation — check with your specific zone first. ### How long does the application take? Processing: 3-5 days. Document preparation (attestation + translation): 2-4 weeks. Start documents first. ### Going freelance in Dubai? Send your documents via WhatsApp. We'll identify what needs translation for your specific zone. [WhatsApp Your Documents](https://wa.me/971508620217) +971 50 862 0217 [Your document concierge](/about/#concierge-model) — we review before you pay. ## Related [](/blog/e-trader-license-documents-translation) ### E-Trader License Another business license with document surprises [](/personal/academic/degree) ### Degree Translation Certified degree translation for UAE [](/services/attestation) ### Attestation Guide Complete attestation process