After you submit a freelance permit application — or a renewal — there is usually a waiting period, and wondering How to Check Freelance Permit Status is the natural next step. Every licensing authority in the UAE runs an online portal where you can track your application, see whether it is pending, approved, or needs more documents, and download your permit once it is issued.
The catch is that there is no single nationwide tracker: your status lives in the portal of the authority that issued your permit. This guide shows you exactly where to look for each major issuer, what the different status messages mean, how long updates take, and what to do when something looks wrong.
Quick Answer
To check your freelance permit status, log in to the online portal of the authority that issued your permit — for example the GoFreelance/AXS portal in Dubai, the TAMM platform in Abu Dhabi (via UAE Pass), or your free zone’s customer portal — and open the application tracking or “my applications” section. Common statuses include “under review,” “pending documents,” “approved,” and “issued.” Statuses typically update within a few working days of each step; if yours has been stuck for more than a week or two beyond the normal processing time, contact the issuing authority directly.
How to Check Freelance Permit Status by Issuer
GoFreelance / Dubai (AXS portal)
If you applied through GoFreelance — the route covering TECOM communities such as Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City, Dubai Knowledge Park and Dubai Design District — your status is in the AXS portal:
- Log in to the AXS portal with the credentials you created when you first applied for your freelance permit.
- Open your dashboard or the “My Applications” / “My Services” section.
- Find your permit application and read the current status.
- If the status is “approved” or “issued,” the permit document is usually available to download from the same screen — save a copy with your other records, as recommended in our guide to documents freelancers should keep.
GoFreelance also sends status updates by email at each major step, so check the inbox of the email address you registered with — including the spam folder — before assuming the portal is out of date.
Abu Dhabi (TAMM platform)
Abu Dhabi freelancer licences are managed on the TAMM platform. Log in with your UAE Pass, go to the business services area, and open your services history or applications list to see the licence status. Because TAMM ties into your UAE Pass identity, make sure you log in with the same identity you used for the application — logging in with a different UAE Pass profile is a common reason people “can’t find” their application.
Other free zones (RAKEZ, Fujairah Creative City, etc.)
Every free zone has its own customer portal. Log in with your original application credentials and look for the applications or licences section. If you cannot remember which portal you used, search your email for the original confirmation message — it will name the authority and usually link directly to the tracking page.
Mainland freelance permits (MOHRE)
Freelance work permits issued through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) can be checked through MOHRE’s digital channels using your application number. Keep that number safe — it is the fastest way to get an update from customer service too. Our overview of the UAE freelance work rules explains how the MOHRE route fits into the wider picture.
What Your Permit Status Actually Means
Portals do not all use identical wording, but the statuses map to the same stages:
| Status | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Submitted / Received | Your application is in the queue but no one has looked at it yet. | Nothing — wait for it to move to review. |
| Under review / In progress | An officer is checking your documents and eligibility. | Nothing, unless the portal asks you for something. |
| Pending documents / Additional information required | The reviewer needs something more from you. | Upload the requested item promptly — the clock pauses until you do. |
| Pending payment | Approval is conditional on you paying the fee. | Pay through the portal as soon as possible. |
| Approved | Your permit has been approved. | Download the permit and confirm your details are correct. |
| Issued / Active | The permit is live and you are licensed to work. | Save a copy and note the expiry date. |
| Rejected | The application was not approved. | Read the reason given, fix the issue, and reapply if possible. |
| Expired | The permit’s validity period has ended. | Renew it — see our guide on how to renew a freelance permit. |
The status that confuses people most is “pending documents.” It does not mean anything is wrong — it usually means one file was unclear, expired, or missing. Responding quickly is the single fastest way to keep your application moving.
How Long Status Updates Take
Processing times vary by authority, but these are reasonable expectations:
- GoFreelance / Dubai: often decided within about two working days for straightforward applications.
- Abu Dhabi (TAMM): can take around a week to ten working days.
- Other free zones: typically a few working days to two weeks.
Status changes usually appear in the portal shortly after each step is completed — sometimes within hours, sometimes the next working day. If your status has not moved for more than a week beyond the normal processing time for your authority, that is the point to follow up rather than keep waiting.
What to Do If Your Status Looks Wrong
Run through this checklist before worrying:
- Check the right portal. Make sure you are logged into the same portal where you applied, with the same account.
- Check your email. Status change notifications often arrive by email before the portal display refreshes.
- Look for pending actions. A status like “pending payment” or “pending documents” is waiting on you, not the authority — complete the action and the status will move.
- Give it a working day. Portal displays can lag behind the actual decision, especially over weekends and public holidays.
- Contact the authority. Use the customer service channels listed on the issuing portal — live chat, helpline or service centre — and have your application or reference number ready.
If your application was rejected, read the stated reason carefully. Rejections are commonly caused by an ineligible activity, missing qualifications for the chosen sector, or incomplete documents — all fixable in most cases. Correct the issue and submit a fresh application rather than trying to appeal through the portal’s messaging alone.
Keeping Proof of Your Permit Status
Once your permit shows as issued, download the permit document and store it somewhere permanent — not just in the portal. Good practice is to keep:
- The issued permit PDF with its reference number and expiry date.
- The payment receipt for the permit fee.
- Screenshots or emails of the approval notification.
- A calendar entry for the renewal date, set at least 30 days ahead.
Clients, banks and government offices may all ask to see a valid permit at some point — for example when opening a business bank account or renewing a linked freelance residence visa — so having it instantly to hand saves real hassle. If you are just starting out, the small business setup guide covers how the permit fits into the wider setup picture.
Avoiding status surprises is mostly about routine: check the portal a couple of times during processing, respond to document requests the same day, and never let a renewal sneak past you. It sits alongside other avoidable slip-ups in our list of common freelancing mistakes. The UAE government’s business information portal remains the authoritative source for how permits and licences work across the emirates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I check my freelance permit status without the application number?
Log in to the portal where you applied — your dashboard normally lists all applications tied to your account, so the application number is only essential when contacting customer service by phone or chat.
How long does it take for a freelance permit status to update?
Usually within hours to one working day after each processing step. Dubai’s GoFreelance route often completes in about two working days overall, while Abu Dhabi can take up to ten. Weekends and public holidays pause the clock.
What does “pending documents” mean on my permit application?
It means the reviewer needs an additional or clearer document from you — for example a sharper passport scan, an attested certificate, or an updated CV. Upload what is asked promptly; your application cannot progress until you do.
My status says approved but I can’t download the permit — what should I do?
First check that any final payment has gone through, since downloads are sometimes unlocked only after payment confirmation. If payment is settled and the download still fails, contact the issuing authority’s customer service with your application number.
Can I work while my freelance permit application status is still “under review”?
No — you should wait until the permit is issued. Invoicing clients for freelance work before your permit is active means working without a licence, which breaches the freelance work rules.
Where do I check the status of a freelance permit renewal?
In exactly the same place: the renewal is processed as a service on your existing record in the issuing portal, so it appears alongside your original application with its own status.
The Bottom Line
How to check freelance permit status is straightforward once you know where to look: the portal of the authority that issued your permit, using the account you applied with. Track the status through the normal processing window, respond the same day to any document or payment requests, and download your permit the moment it is issued. A five-minute portal check now and then is all it takes to stay in control of the process.
Last Updated: 8 October 2026
About the author: Zaviyar Sultan is a UAE-focused writer at Asandada24, covering driving, visas, banking, insurance and everyday UAE life. His guides are researched from official UAE government and regulator sources and updated regularly.
Asandada24 is an independent informational website, not affiliated with the UAE government or any agency mentioned; content is general information only, not legal, immigration or financial advice; verify critical details with official sources before acting.