In a continuous attempt to diversify the job and investment climate of the UAE, the Economic Development Department of Abu Dhabi has confirmed the launch of a new ‘Freelancer License.’ The license would authorize 48 categories of business practices, open to UAE nationals, residents, and non-residents, to be undertaken in Abu Dhabi.
Overview of Freelancing in the UAE
In the UAE, in order to keep a decent quality of life, many people choose to earn any extra money alongside their income because of the high cost of living. People are usually confused about part-time jobs and freelance work. In essence, freelancing runs or operates the organization lawfully with a legitimate commercial license. Part-time employment is unlawful until you receive special authorization from the emirate’s labor ministry in which you reside. For one or more individuals, you will get the freelancer permit license and enjoy the company’s control, open a different company bank account, separate business address, etc. Under the freelancer permit, you are lawfully licensed to operate the company or function here.
In the UAE, freelancing is legal, and you can set up yourself as a freelancer full-time. The jobs you embrace and work your own hours can be selected and chosen, but you would not earn incentives such as medical care, maternity time, or holiday compensation. You would require the Ministry of Labor’s work visa and there are three key choices.
Temporary Work Permit: You can get a temporary work permit if you are to be employed by a company for a maximum of a six-month contract.
Part-Time Work Permit: Alternatively, if are working full-time you can also apply for a part-time work permit with a second employer; you will need a NOC (No Objection Certificate) from your existing employer though.
Freelance Work Permit: The easiest and most flexible option though is to get a freelance work permit from a free zone, which allows you to live and work in the UAE under the sponsorship of that Free Zone Authority (FZA).
Abu Dhabi Freelancer License
New freelance licenses have recently been launched by Abu Dhabi to allow foreign nationals to perform 48 types of business activities in the Emirates. The shift is an effort to build more labor market stability and improve private companies in the services field, it added. To date, a business has had to hire several foreign nationals in order to obtain the opportunity to operate in Abu Dhabi.
The license would be applicable to locals, non-residents, and people of the UAE. Applicants must show sufficient competence in the practice for which they are applying to be certified, and this can take the form of a university degree, a certificate of experience, or certified achievements in the particular operation.
Requirements for the UAE Residents
If the applicant is a citizen of the UAE, they would be expected to seek prior permission if they are hired by public or private sector businesses, given that their present job is equivalent to the requested operation (in which they are seeking the Freelance License for). Prior permission in the context of a letter of no opposition from their new boss should be received. Within this path, applicants are also eligible to apply for residency visas as well as for any accompanying dependents. The Freelancer License would allow staff, without having to provide an office room, to operate remotely or from authorized locations. It would also enable companies, in addition to taking advantage of the large specialisms available on the market, to hire individuals in specializations on a daily basis, without the requirement for a long-term agreement. Via the Freelance Certificate, people, including special classes such as teachers, seniors, and housewives, will have the ability to raise their profits.
Activities Included in the Freelancer License
The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) has established, under the terms of the recently released resolution, 48 economic activities that can be carried out under a freelance license. The freelancer certificate includes fields such as computer hardware and tech consulting, real estate, legal advice services, public relations, fine art, and tourism. The license would enable non-citizens, according to the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Growth, to conduct their business activities from their residences or some other approved venue. All these 48 economic activities approved are described below:
- Working soap forming
- Parties and events organizing
- Tourist and recreation consultants
- Green buildings consultant
- Marketing consultancy and studies
- Information technology consultancy
- Translation publication services
- Heritage consulting
- Plastering and carving works
- Coordination of natural and artificial flowers
- Space consultancies
- Design services
- Consulting technical equipment
- Fashion and clothes designing
- Real estate consultancy
- Public relations consultancy
- Human resource consultancy
- Marketing consultancy in the field of energy
- Computer devices and equipment domain consultancy
- Handcrafted products and environmental works
- Landscape and gardening services
- Marketing operations management
- Parliamentary consultancy
- Economic feasibility consultancy and studies
- Administrative consultancy and studies
- Parties and occasions photography
- Lifestyle development consultancy
- Calligraphers and painters
- Agricultural extension services
- Plague resisting consultancy
- Procurement consulting
- Quality, standardization, and measuring consultancy
- Maritime consultancies services
- Commodities designing consultancy
- Project management services
- Network websites designing
- Jewelry design
- Statistical services consultancies
- Personal videography
- Gift-wrapping
- Banking services consultancy
- Artwork for cosmetic craft (sculpture)
- Consultancy project development
- Food safety consulting
- Photography services
- Architectural production and drawing technical consultancy
- Fine arts consultancy
- Logistics consultancy
Riz and Mona Consultancy
Do you want to set up a company of your own? The UAE, and Abu Dhabi in particular, are definitely a wonderful place to do so. However, you require a proper license, and for that, you have three choices, such as a temporary work permit, a part-time work permit, and a freelance work permit. It is now a wonderful time for individuals who are trying to raise extra income or operate from the convenience of their homes with the launch of Abu Dhabi’s freelancer license. Our Riz and Mona Consultancy company setup advisors will assist you in choosing the license to opt for and take charge of the whole method, from registration to license receipt. Call us to schedule an appointment today.