How to get a Freelancer License in Dubai

Freelancer License in Dubai is becoming a thing of interest for many professionals now. Freelancers from all around the world now know the entrepreneurial spirit, rich culture, and other opportunities that Dubai has to offer. Without getting permission from authorities no one can work here legally.

This article describes the steps that need to be taken and the requirements that need to be fulfilled to acquire a freelancer’s license in Dubai.

Table of Contents

Understanding the Freelancer License

Prior to applying for a freelancer license, determine the type of services you will offer. Different activities have varying requirements, so it’s essential to be clear about your business focus. Common activities for freelancers include:

Why Get a Freelancer License in Dubai?

Getting a Freelancer License in Dubai has several benefits:

Legitimacy: You will need a license to ensure that your business is recognized by the government and that the operations are legal.
Banking and Payment: Once you acquire a freelance permit, it will be possible to set up a company bank account, the intended account to serve for the purpose of managing the company’s funds more easily.
Visa Eligibility: A freelancer license often can help you secure a residence visa, enabling you to live in Dubai while you work.
Networking Opportunities: Acquiring a license helps in improving the image of a particular individual hence getting work and potential colleagues can be an easy task afterward.

Steps to Obtain a Freelancer License in Dubai

Choose Your Business Activity

Before looking to engage in any job for which you qualify, you need to find out what exactly you will be doing for such clients or situations as task requirements vary from one job to the next. It is important to focus primarily on the core of your business.

The usual activities of freelancers are:

Date Entry
Photography Location Management
Computer Systems and Software Designing
Information Technology Network Services
Gaming Development Services
Distributed Ledger Technology Services
Handicrafted Products and Environmental Works
Housekeeping Consulting
Consulting and Advertising Studies
Gaming Consultancy Services
Commodities Designing Consultancy
Green Buildings Consultant
Cyber Security Consultancy
Information 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 Service Consulting
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
Soap Moulding and Formation
Website Designing
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

Resource https://www.added.gov.ae/

Select a Free Zone

The region of Dubai has a number of free zones that support the self-employed. Every free zone has its own rules and advantages. A few of the well-known free zones for freelancing are:

Dubai Creative Clusters Authority: Ideal for creative professionals like designers and artists.
Dubai Internet City: Best suited for IT and tech-related businesses.
Dubai Media City: A great choice for media and advertising professionals.

Select a relevant free zone in accordance with your business operations in order to make the process of obtaining a license easier.

Gather Required Documents

When you have chosen a business activity and free zone, you proceed to gather all the required documents. As a rule of thumb, you will need:

Passport Copy
Passport-sized photograph
application form
Brief business plan (outlining your services)
Proof of residence (utility bill or rental agreement)

Make sure that all documents are up-to-date and in good condition.

Pay the Required Fees

Along with your application, you will need to pay the licensing fees. These fees vary by free zone and may include:

Application processing fee
Freelancer license fee
Additional service fees (if applicable)

Get ready to make these payments, which are usually available online or in person, as the case may be.

Wait for Approval

After you fill out the application form and submit the fees, the free zone authority undertakes the assessment of the application. It takes from a few days to a few weeks for the assessment. After the process is finished, you will be able to get the freelancer’s license with which you can operate in Dubai legally.

Apply for a Residence Visa

When you receive your freelancer license, you become eligible to apply for a residence visa. This particular visa permits people to stay in Dubai and work as a freelancer. Usually, the process for applying for the visa involves steps:

A medical fitness test
An Emirates ID application
Visa stamping in your passport

In turn, your license will assist with the visa process making it easier.

Set Up Your Business

After acquiring a business license and a residence permit, the next step is to embark on the establishment of the business. This entails:

Opening a corporate bank account that will help you in financial management.
Designing and developing a professional site that would market the services to be offered.
Promoting the services in a bid to get clients.

Drafting a comprehensive business plan plays a key role in the growth and management of your freelancing operations. Are you looking for Business Setup Consultant in Dubai?

Call +971 56 658 2477 for Obtaining a Freelance License in Dubai

Acquiring a freelancer permit in Dubai isn’t complicated and it comes with several benefits. The above discussion shares the whys and hows of the process. If you are motivated, have a network with the right people, and focus on being professional, then you will do well as a freelancer in the great city of Dubai.