Expats go to the UAE for full-time and part-time work. Some chose to work as freelancers because of personal and financial reasons. In the UAE, you have the option to choose your work. You can be a flexible full-time and part-time worker at the same time. The rules and regulations for these types of employees are almost the same. However, if you are going to work as a freelancer in the country, you have to keep in mind that the documents needed are different. The freelance permit is one, which is not usually needed if you have an employer in the country.
With a freelance permit and a valid residence visa, you are free to work and practice your freelancing skills in the country. Those are the two main requirements for you if you are going to stay and live here as a freelancer. Without these documents, you won’t be able to practice your skills. You will be punished when the authorities caught you offering your freelance services without the right permits. Plus, clients will not book your service if you have no permits. So, in case you are wondering how you can get a freelancer permit in the UAE, here are the details you need to know.
Step by Step Guide to Get A Freelance Permit in the UAE
There are only 5 free zones in the UAE that allow freelancers to work in the comfort of their homes. They are Dubai. Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Ajman. Each of these free zones has different procedures in terms of releasing freelance permits. It’s important that you know where you are located so you can follow the right process. Here are the process details for your reference.
Freelance Permit in Dubai
There are three sectors where you can apply for a freelance permit in Dubai.: education, tech, and media. Dubai Knowledge Park is responsible for education freelancers, Dubai Internet City for techs, and Dubai Media City for media persons. According to the rules of Dubai, you are free to choose one activity for education or tech and up to three activities for media. Follow the steps below to start applying for your permit.
- Go to gofreelance.ae and choose the Freelance option.
- Fill out the online application form and secure your application form, passport, resume, NOC from your UAE sponsor, bank reference letter, certificates and credentials for educational freelancers, or work samples for media freelancers. The authorities may also ask additional documents so make sure to secure them as much as possible.
- Your application will be approved via a notification in email.
- Go to Dubai Knowledge Park, Dubai Internet City, or Dubai Media City business center whichever is applicable.
- Pay for the freelance package of AED 7,520 per year, which is inclusive of your freelance permits, access to business centers, and AED 20 as innovation dirham and knowledge fee.
- If you need a visa for this, the business center can help you get it.
Freelance Permit in Abu Dhabi
If you are based in Abu Dhabi, you can get your freelance permit by following these steps:
- Go to https://www.twofour54.com/en/freelance/
- Fill out the online application form and make sure to secure your completed application, passport, passport-sized pictures, professional references with contact information, resume, and letter of intent or work offer from a business partner on twofour54.
- Your application will be reviewed and you will receive a call or email 3 days after.
- If your application is approved, you will receive a scheduled meeting with the free zone authorities to process your residency and licensing.
- Pay the fees. The Media Zone Authority in Abu Dhabi has waived all the license fees for freelancers in the media zone for the first two years. But, you still need to pay for health insurance and visa registration.
- After paying, you will get a sole proprietor’s business license together with an employment visa that is only valid for 2 years. These will be turned into a residence visa later on.
Freelance Permit in Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone or RAKEZ will take care of you if you are located in Ras Al Khaimah. Here are the details of their freelance permit procedure.
- Got to rakez.com.
- Fill out the application form and submit it together with your passport, NOC from UAE sponsor, residence visa, and sample work or portfolios.
- Pay the fee of AED 6,100, which is the freelance package fee including the residence visa, access to business centers, and support services.
- You will receive your freelance permit afterward.
Freelance Permit in Fujairah
In Fujairah, the freelance permit is processed through the Creative City Fujairah. The free zone offers commercial plus one and freelancer company as its packages.
- To start applying for your permit, go to https://www.creativecity.ae/about/packages and
- choose your package.
- Or, you can call them at +971 9 207 7666 or email to info@ccfz.ae.
When choosing the best freelance package for you, you should be able to identify the difference between the two. Commercial Plus One is a small company set-up which is ideal for individuals. This can be done in one day. The package already includes a trade license, two visas, and an establishment card.
This will be valid for 1-3 years. This first option gives you access to a Flexi-desk facility that has an internet connection, PRO services, online support, conference rooms, and P.O box.
Meanwhile, the Freelancer Company is for start-ups. This is where a regular business set-up is being put under. The package has a trade license, three visas, and an establishment card valid for 1-3 years. It also comes with the Flexi-desk facility.
Freelance Permit in Ajman
Last but not least, you can apply for a freelance permit at Ajman Free Zone (AFZA) if you are based in Ajman. The following are the procedures to get your freelance permit:
- Go to https://www.afzindia.com/invest-in-ajman.html and select the freelance license package.
- Fill out the online application form and submit it together with your visa, passport, NOC from your UAE sponsor, and passport-size pictures.
- The authorities will review your application in a day and if approved, you can go to the business hub to finish your registration.
- Pay the fee of AED 6,000 as the freelance package cost. This includes health insurance, visa, and Emirates ID already.
Depending on where you are located, there are different methods to get your freelance permit. The procedures are easy. All the applications are done online. You only have to go to the business center when your application is approved and you are ready to pay. This is a convenient process for freelancers. So, if you know anyone who might be interested to join the freelancing industry in the UAE, don’t hesitate to share this article with them.