Introducing the Abu Dhabi Freelancer License
Updated 17 August 2024
The introduction of the Abu Dhabi freelancer licence was a game changer for budding entrepreneurs in Abu Dhabi, allowing individuals to practice professional activities based upon their own skill set. Check out Gateway Group's overview of the freelancer license below.
Legal Form: Establishment
Mainland or Free zone: Mainland. The Abu Dhabi freelancer licence enables the individual to work with companies throughout the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Ownership: 100% by an individual
Local Sponsor: Not required
Commercial Premises: Not required.
Business name: The individual can choose the trade name they operate under but it must reflect the business activity on the freelancer licence.
Bank account: Corporate accounts can be opened with freelancer licences, but not all banks offer this facility, so do check first. The bank may also require you to have a commercial lease to meet their due diligence requirements, but that is at the sole discretion of your chosen bank.
Employing Staff: It is not possible to employ staff with an Abu Dhabi freelancer licence.
Abu Dhabi Freelancer Visa: Applicants can apply for a visa upon issuance of their freelancer licence, if required. A freelance visa is valid for two years.
Family Visas: Applicants can apply for dependent visas for their spouse and children, only after obtaining their own residence visa. The applicant is the sponsor of the family visas in this instance. The family visas are valid for two years.
Licence Validity: 12 months. Renewable annually.
Gateway Group’s Opinion On The Abu Dhabi Freelancer Licence
The Abu Dhabi freelancer licence is ideal for any individual wanting to start your own business in a field in which you are qualified and competent. Even if you are in existing employment, the freelancer licence enables you to be your to be your own boss in Abu Dhabi by starting a side business, or setting up a side-hustle to test the market before giving up the safety net of a regular salary.
It is a perfect one-man-band business licence for anyone who only ever intends to have a small business working on their own, and for housewives with specialist skills wanting a cheap license to legally freelance and earn some money of their own or to boost their household income. It is also a cost-effective solution for specialists to remain in the UAE if they are unemployed.
Traditionally, freelancer license activities were quite restricted, mainly in the areas of media, IT and education. They tended to focus on professional services only; however, more and more activities are being opened up all the time for this type of license, especially in the field of arts and crafts, making this a great option for crafters, artisans and individuals specializing in handmade creations. Over time, consultancy activities have also been made available for this license-type. Most recently, on 15 August 2024, 30 new business activities were opened up for freelancers, bringing the total number to 100. The new freelancer license business activities are varied and tend to cover new, in-demand activities which are deemed important for the UAE economy.
Given that the freelancer licence in Abu Dhabi allows individuals to choose a trade name rather than having to operate in their personal name, combined some corporate banking facilities being made available to those meeting the necessary criteria, means freelancers can build a brand identity inspiring professionalism, credibility and confidence. Having a corporate bank account will also help freelancers with book keeping by preventing business monies getting confused with personal monies in a personal account.
Price is always important for startups and what makes this licence cost effective, when compared to other options as that it doesn’t require the individual to lease a commercial premise, giving them the freedom to work from home, a coffee shop, or wherever they choose, saving unnecessary expenditure on an unwanted lease – making it ideal for today’s modern professionals who work on-the-go.
Add to the above, the peace of mind of owning the licence 100% outright, without the need for a local sponsor, the Abu Dhabi freelancer licence is extremely attractive.
We also love that this licence type gives individuals the freedom to be self employed and in control of their Abu Dhabi residence visa, with the option to sponsor their family visas too.
How to get your Abu Dhabi freelancer license quickly and easily
To help you on your freelancing journey, Gateway Group has created a unique collection of freelancer packages. Here is what you need to do:
Decide what type of package you need: Freelancer License or Freelancer License & Visa.
Choose the package which aligns with your specialist skill. There are lots to choose from, including: media, tax consultancy, IT systems, cyber security, HR, jewellery design, photography, sculpture etc.
Read all the package information carefully to ensure you meet the requirements to apply.
Buy your chosen package.
Upon completion of your purchase, you'll be invited to upload your documents and details to our cloud portal, which is extremely easy to use and will guide you step-by-step.
Once everything has been successfully uploaded, the Gateway Group Business Setup Team will take over to arrange the applications and submissions for your freelancer license (and visa if you opted for this).
Within a few days we'll be sending you a copy of your new economic license and congratulating you on becoming your own boss!
First published on 08 April 2022.
If you found this blog post informative and helpful, please show your appreciation by clicking the ❤️ at the bottom of this page. Thank you.
Written by Jenny Hunt
Founder, Gateway Group, Abu Dhabi & Dubai, United Arab Emirates
FORBES' Top 100 Most Influential Women in the Middle East