5 Reasons Why Freelancer Visas in Abu Dhabi are a Game Changer

Updated 17 August 2024

There are a variety of freelancer visas, licenses and permits across the UAE, and we love the Abu Dhabi option because it offers the most flexibility, making it an ideal solution for a much larger market. We’ll highlight the eligibility criteria and outline the process at the end of this article, but first, let’s delve into what makes the Abu Dhabi freelancer visa an absolute game changer.

Starting a business in Abu Dhabi
There's never been a better time to start a business in Abu Dhabi. The freelancer license in Abu Dhabi is the cheapest license-type in the UAE, and license holders aren't require to lease a commercial premises. Combine these advantages with the city's modern business infrastructure, recent business regulatory reforms, fast internet network, and modern transportation options and you have the foundations for starting your own business in Abu Dhabi. The freelancer license gives you the flexibility of starting a side-hustle or testing the market initially with the safety net of continuing with your existing employment. Alternatively, if you are ready to give up corporate life, you can jump straight in and be fully-self employed by getting your own visa under your freelancer license.
Work legally in Abu Dhabi
A common question is: Is freelancing legal in Abu Dhabi? Yes, freelancing is legal in Abu Dhabi, providing you have all of your paperwork in order. The great thing about Abu Dhabi’s freelancer license is that it isn’t just restricted to professionals in the media, tech and education, it has solutions for artisans and creatives, as well as consultants. Traditionally, creatives and hobbyists, as well as professional consultants didn’t have a cost-effective way to legally carry out their craft, but the Abu Dhabi freelance license solves this.

The latest news, effective 15th August 2024, is that 30 new business activities have been opened up for the Abu Dhabi freelancer license in new and in-demand areas which are important for the UAE economy. This means there are now 100 activities to choose from and whilst, this isn't a massive number, the activities are quite broad. Some of the new business activities available are: Data Classification & Analysis Services, Development And Innovation in Computer Systems and Programs, Data Entering, Buildings Energy Efficiency Services, Oil and Natural Gas Fields Production Software Design, and Organizing Exhibitions of Art Works.

If your dream is to be your own boss in Abu Dhabi, you can choose to get the freelancer license and residence visa.
Have total control over your residency visa
When you have an Abu Dhabi freelancer license you have the option of using it to apply for your own residency visa. If your current residency visa is provided by your employer, changing it to your own visa under your freelancer license has the following advantages: you are not subject to the rules of your employer, you aren't at risk of being made redundant, you aren't at risk of having your visa cancelled, it removes the possibility of labour disputes. You can choose where and when you work and when you want to take a vacation. With the Abu Dhabi freelancer license visa, you don’t need a local sponsor so you have the freedom of charting your own destiny.
It’s a way of staying in the UAE
If you have enjoyed being an expat resident in the UAE, but found yourself in the unfortunate position of being made redundant, and want a solution to be able to remain living in the UAE, the Abu Dhabi freelancer visa does just that. Whilst, the grace period for expats to be able to remain in the UAE after visa cancellation was extended in 2022, it is only a grace period-a temporary measure. The Abu Dhabi freelancer visa gives you the control over your own, independent visa and enables you to continue living in the UAE.
Contibute to a thriving economy
Freelancers are specialists and can provide innovative and flexible solutions to the market. Without the huge overheads of monoliths and the onerous procedures of conglomerates, freelancers can provide solutions quicker and cheaper, making them a driving force in the local economy, which has the subsequent effect of opening up new opportunities and jobs. In 2022, Abu Dhabi boasted the fastest growing economy in the MENA region with its GDP growing at a massive 9.3%. This means that Abu Dhabi is the place where business is actually happening, making it an ideal location to be operating in, and given its strategic location, it is a gateway to the Middle East. Be part of Abu Dhabi's dynamic business centre.

Abu Dhabi has created a diversified economy encouraging innovation and sustainability, supporting startups and entrepreneurship. It’s visa reforms are attracting top talent from around the world. The lifestyle opportunity, no personal income tax and the fact that Abu Dhabi is consistently ranked the safest city in the world, are just some of the contributing factors to the attractiveness of living and working in the UAE’s capital city.

So, how do you go about getting an Abu Dhabi freelancer visa and are you eligible? Let's check this out right now.

Get Your Abu Dhabi Freelancer Visa In 3 Easy Steps

1) Get your Abu Dhabi freelancer license

2) Register your new Abu Dhabi freelancer license in the Immigration E-Channel system

3) Apply for your Abu Dhabi freelancer visa

At Gateway Group, we've created the Abu Dhabi Freelancer License Complete Guide, covering absolutely everything you need to know, in an easy-to-understand style. Click the above link to find out all the requirements, regulations and whether you are eligible. We've collated all the information in one place for your convenience.

Abu Dhabi Freelancer Visa Requirements: Everything You Need to Know

When it comes to licenses and visas, everyone's personal situation is unique. Gateway Group has simplified the requirements for applying for the Abu Dhabi Freelancer Visa: Freelancer Visa Requirements.

How to apply for an Abu Dhabi Freelancer Visa

Abu Dhabi freelancer license buy online now

Gateway Group has introduced exclusive freelancer packages tailored to specific activities, simplifying the process of getting started for you. All you need to do is decide whether you just a need a freelancer license or whether you need a complete package with a residence visa. Next, select the package that aligns with your area of expertise and conveniently make the purchase online. After completing the transaction, you'll receive an invitation to upload necessary information and documents on our user-friendly cloud-based platform, which will guide you through each step seamlessly. Once all your documents are uploaded, our Abu Dhabi business setup team will initiate the application process for your freelancer license and visa, ensuring you stay informed with regular updates.