All about the freelancer licence in Abu Dhabi
From a business-friendly environment to a tax-free economy, Abu Dhabi offers lots of flexibility for working individuals and business owners. The UAE capital has also given self-employed and freelance workers a chance to live and work in the capital. Let’s find out how you can benefit from the freelance licence in Abu Dhabi.
ALL ABOUT FREELANCE LICENCE IN ABU DHABI
The freelance permit is an initiative by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED). With the addition of 30 new roles, including Electronic and software designing, data classification and analysis, Artificial Intelligence (AI) development and 3D-model designing, it covers 100 types of business activities. It allows holders to participate in corporate activities from an authorised location or their place of residence.
.@AbuDhabiDED’s Abu Dhabi Business Centre has added 30 new economic activities to the Freelancer Licence, allowing UAE Nationals and residents to establish a wider range of innovative business opportunities at minimal costs. pic.twitter.com/s2WtA2HMU0
— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) August 15, 2024
The freelancer licence in Abu Dhabi makes it easier for professionals to apply for a work permit without needing a company to sponsor them. The permit also allows holders to apply for residence visas and doesn’t list an office space as mandatory.
BUSINESS ACTIVITIES COVERED BY THE FREELANCER LICENCE
The ADDED has identified 100 business activities that can be practised with the freelancer licence. Here’s the complete Abu Dhabi freelance licence activities list:
Data Entry | Photography Location Management Services | Computer Systems and Software Designing |
Information Technology Network Services | Gaming Development Services | Distributed Ledger Technology Services |
Handicrafted Products and Environmental Works | Housekeeping Consulting | Gaming Consultancy Services |
Consulting and Advertising Studies | Commodities Designing Consultancy | Green Buildings Consultant |
Cyber Security Consultancy | nformation Technology Consultancy | Network Consultancies |
Transportation Consultancy | Onshore and Offshore Oil and Gas Fields and Facilities Services | Translation Publications Services |
Management Services Costs and Risks | Marketing Operations Management | Gaming Quality Assurance Specialised Services |
Simultaneous Translation Services | Electronic Chips Designing and Programming | Personal Videotaping |
Food Safety Consulting | Heritage Consulting | Plague Resisting Consultancy |
Procurement Consulting | Cooking Consultant | E-Commerce Through Social Media |
Precious Jewel and Jewelry Design | Silk Screening | Plastering and Carving works |
Innovation and Artificial Intelligence Research and Consultancies | Parties and Occasions Photography | Production Models by Three-Dimensional Imaging |
Media Consultancy and Studies | Oil and Gas Consulting | Geographical Maps Drawing |
Data Classification and Analysis Services | Parties and Events Organizing | Fashion and Apparel Design |
Fine Arts Consultancy | Hotel Consultancy | Human Resources Consultancy |
Statistical Services Consultancies | Information Research Services and Questionnaires | Organizing Exhibitions of Art Works |
Cyber Risk Management Services | Database Design | Calligraphers and Painters |
Buildings Energy Efficiency Services | Consulting Audit Legitimate Transactions of Islamic Financial Institutions | Development and Innovation in Computer Systems and Programmes |
Space Consultancies | Photography Services | Administrative Consultancy and Studies |
Public Relations Consultancy | Waste and Garbage Treatment Consultancy | Marketing Consultancy and Studies |
Computer Devices and Equipment Domain Consultancy | Banking Services Consultancy | Software Design for Oil and Natural Gas Fields Production |
Design Services | Accounting Records and Book Keeping Organisation | Analyzing of Accountancy and Auditing System |
Online Players Support Service Providers | Electronic Equipment and Device Systems and Software Designing | Coordination of Natural and Artificial Flowers |
Artwork for Cosmetic Craft (Sculpture) | Technical Equipment Consultancy | Architectural Production and Technical Drawing Consultancy |
Cultural Handicrafts Training | Agricultural Extension Services | Commercial Information Services |
Fashion Show Organization | Website Designing | Soap Moulding and Formation |
Project Development Consultancy | Quality, Standardization and Measuring Consultancy | Spa and Fitness Clubs Consultancy |
Maritime Consultancy Services | Tourism and Recreation Consultancy | Marketing Consultancy in the Field of Energy |
Real Estate Consultancy | Textiles and Apparel Silk-Screen Printing | Digital Advertising Services |
Printing on Textiles and Apparel | Project Management Services | Design and Production of Frame Prototypes |
Landscape and Gardening Services | Gift-Wrapping | Artificial Intelligence Developing Services |
Lifestyle Development Consultancy | Economical Feasibility Consultancy and Studies | Logistics Consultancy |
Parliamentary Consultancy & Tax Consultancy | Consumer Products Consultancy | E-Commerce Through Websites |
FREELANCE LICENCE ABU DHABI BENEFITS
According to the Undersecretary of ADDED, His Excellency Rashid Abdul Kareem Al Balooshi, the freelancer permit will greatly enhance the capital’s business sector and significantly reduce unemployment.
Other benefits of a freelance licence in Abu Dhabi UAE include:
- Allowing Abu Dhabi businesses to take advantage of a wider pool of expertise in the work market.
- Reducing the need for companies to hire people for positions in which services are required periodically.
- Providing employment opportunities for people such as students, housewives and retirees.
- Enabling professionals with technical expertise to boost their income by engaging in freelance work outside their regular job hours.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR THE LICENCE
People eligible for a freelance licence in Abu Dhabi should fulfil the following criteria.
- Obtain a freelance work permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
- Have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree, a specialised diploma or equivalent.
- Have at least three years of experience in the same field or industry.
- Annual income from self-employment for the previous two years should not be less than AED 360,000 or give proof of financial solvency throughout residency in the UAE.
PROCESS TO OBTAIN FREELANCE LICENCE IN ABU DHABI
There are two ways you can apply for a freelance permit in Abu Dhabi:
- Call the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development at +971-2-815-888 to register a new account.
- Create an account with the Abu Dhabi Business Centre (ADBC) via their official website.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of freelance licence registration in UAE Abu Dhabi via ADBC.
- Log in using UAE PASS
- Submit the application and required documents
- Obtain the approval of other entities (if needed)
- Receive an approval notification
- Pay the applicable fees
- Obtain new Economic Licence – Freelancer Licence
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
The freelance licence Abu Dhabi requirements include documents proving your expertise in your area of practice. This can be a university degree or certificate demonstrating your professional experience. Here’s a roundup of the required Abu Dhabi freelance licence application documents.
- Attested certificate or proof of academic qualification or record by issuing entity
- Experience certificates
- No Objection Certificate
- Professional Certificates
Please note that non-citizens are required to attach an approval letter from the employer in the following cases:
- Working in a government entity
- Working in the private sector on a permanent contract and the required activity is the same as the employer’s activity.
FREELANCE LICENCE ABU DHABI COST
Here is the breakdown of freelance licence Abu Dhabi cost:
- Abu Dhabi Chamber fee: AED 50
- An additional amount for each activity after 6 activities: AED 100
- Commercial licence issuance fee: AED 10
- Ministry of Economy fee: AED 2,500
- Organizational entities fee: AED 790
- Registration fee in the economic register: AED 10
- Request for establishment card from the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship fee: AED 315
- Social contributions: AED 1,500
- Sole proprietorship establishment fee: AED 50
FAQs
CAN STAFF BE EMPLOYED BASED ON THE ABU DHABI FREELANCER LICENCE?
No, the freelancer licence applies solely to the skills of its owner. An alternative licence, such as an Establishment or a Limited Liability Company (LLC), should be considered if you need to hire employees.
IS THE ABU DHABI FREELANCER LICENCE ISSUED AS A MAINLAND OR FREE ZONE LICENCE?
The Abu Dhabi freelancer licence is a mainland licence granted by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED). This allows licence holders to collaborate with companies across the entire Emirate of Abu Dhabi without being confined to a specific free zone. They can also work directly with government entities.
HOW LONG IS THE LICENCE VALID FOR?
A freelance licence in Abu Dhabi is valid for five years, with annual renewals required after the initial period has expired.
Important note: The permit allows holders to sponsor their family members in the UAE. However, the sponsorship will be under the family visa, not the company’s name.
WHAT ARE THE MOST IN-DEMAND JOBS IN DUBAI?
The most in-demand jobs in Dubai include financial officers, risk managers and cybersecurity architects.
HOW DO I START A BUSINESS IN ABU DHABI?
The UAE capital has business-friendly policies. Here’s our guide to opening a business in Abu Dhabi.
That concludes our review of the freelancer licence in Abu Dhabi. If you are working freelance in the emirate and are looking for a workspace, you may also consider setting up at the co-working spaces in Abu Dhabi.
In addition, individuals wishing to transition away from conventional 9-to-5 employment and pursue opportunities in the profitable social media industry can obtain a social media influencer license in Abu Dhabi.
You can also look for full-time or part-time work using popular job sites in the UAE.
Want to work as a freelancer in Dubai’s education, media and tech industry? Here’s our guide to the freelance visa and permit in Dubai.
For more updates on work and residency permits in the UAE, stay tuned to MyBayut.
