Most people with entrepreneurial aspirations, especially youngsters, wish to set up a one-person company and be its boss. The freedom to ditch the 9 to 5 clockwork and work in flexible hours in Flexi co-working spaces is legal in the UAE. Many free zones in the UAE offer freelancer licenses and state of the art co-working spaces for people dreaming of being their own boss. Moreover, the UAE has witnessed an increase in the number of companies opting for the services of freelancers to fill in skill gaps and have better control over cash flow.
The UAE government has taken many steps in promoting the freelancing option for entrepreneurs in the country. The government also encourages startups and other businesses to hire freelancers for getting their jobs done. However, like every business in the UAE, freelancing is also subject to many regulations. Business setup consultants in Dubai, UAE recommend understanding the pros and cons of the freelancer license before deciding on applying for one.
Top Features of the Freelance Permit in the UAE
The freelancer with a freelance license/permit provides his services as an independent contractor to other companies. The freelancer can either work from home or the flexible desk facilities at major free zones. However, the freelance permit doesn’t allow the hiring of staff. If the business is growing and the need for hiring staff to arise, then the freelancer need to obtain a trade license that suits his or her business activity. It is possible for freelancers to upgrade to a trade license. The freelancer also need not bother about keeping books or getting the books of accounts audited.
What are the Benefits of the Freelance Permit in the UAE?
The process of getting a freelance license in the UAE is not a big deal as procedures are simple and fewer documents are required. The major benefits are listed below:
- Flexibility to work anytime from anywhere
- Effective Work-life Balance
- More profit at a low cost
- Ability to take on multiple projects at the same time
- Power to build one’s own individual brand
- No Requirement for office space
What are the Top Freelancing Activities in the UAE?
Most of the freelancing professions in the UAE are limited to Media, education, and tech at present. The following are some of the popular activities that freelancers can apply for
- E-learning
- Copy-writing
- Sales & Marketing
- Graphics Designing
- Mobile App Development
- Search engine optimization (SEO)
- Search engine marketing (SEM)
- Branding
- Computer-Aided-Design 3D Modelling
- Language translation and interpretation
- Web development and designing
Major Free zones Offering Freelance Permit in the UAE
1. RAKEZ
The Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) is a well-known free zone located in Ras Al Khaimah. Entrepreneurs from more than 100 countries have established their companies in RAKEZ free zone. The RAKEZ has been home to more than 14,500 companies. The RAKEZ currently offers freelance permits to media, education, and tech only.
Main Benefits
- Cost-effective packages
- 1 and 2-year packages
- Access to modern business centres
- Network with like-minded professionals
- Eligibility for UAE Residence Visa
2. Fujairah Creative City Freezone
Fujairah Creative City was launched in 2007 in Fujairah to promote individuals and businesses engaged in sectors like Media, Events, Consulting, Education, Communication and Marketing, Music and Entertainment, Design and Technology. The Creative City offer a Freelancer Company Package which is best suited for start-ups with 4 Visas.
The benefits include:
- Trade license validity from 1-3 years
- Establishment card (1-3 years)
- Up to 3 Visas
- Flexi-Desk facility
3. Ajman Free Zone
Located in the Ajman emirate, the Ajman Free Zone is one of the oldest and fast-growing free zones in the UAE. The freelance license in the Ajman Free Zone is one of the most affordable ones in the UAE. The Ajman Free Zone also offers competitive rates for the renewal of the license.
Package Includes:
- Rent for the business centre
- License for the respective category,
- Maintenance General Services
4. TECOM Business Centre
The Tecom Business Centre offers a special package called ‘Gofreelance’ for the tech, media and education sectors. The freelancing for the tech industry can be applied at Dubai Internet City; for media at Dubai Media City and for education at Dubai Knowledge Park. The freelancers can obtain a residence visa and access to the business centres of Tecom. For Tech and Education, the freelancers can choose one business activity and for Media you up to 3 activities.
5. twofour54 Abu Dhabi
The twofour54 free zone was established in 2008 to transform Abu Dhabi into a global hub of media production. The twofour54 Free Zone is being efficiently regulated by the Media Zone Authority. The freelancer license opens access to a community of over 500 regional and global media players. The free zone provides an exclusive and committed team to offer support to freelancers. The freelancer permit comes with the benefits including:
- Residency visa valid for 2 years
- Access to world-class production and post-production facilities
- Talent and development training programs
- Youth community of 14,000+ members
- Individuals need to apply with the necessary documents to get the freelancer license in the twfor54 Free Zone.
Choose the Right Freezone in UAE With the Help of Jitendra Business Consultants
Freelancing is the representative phase of the current era of globalization and fast-paced digital transformation. The disruptions in the latest technologies and the availability of diversified skills at low cost made hiring freelancers a preferred choice for the businesses also. Being a global trade hub, the UAE offers a lot of facilities for freelancers and businesses that promote freelance works. Since many free zones are offering freelance permits and facilities like co-working spaces, it is advisable to have the expert guidance of a business setup consultant in Dubai, UAE to finalize on the right jurisdiction.
Jitendra Business Consultants (JBC) is one of the leading business setup consultants in Dubai, UAE with years of experience helping companies and individual entrepreneurs get their businesses incorporated in the UAE. JBC’s expert company formation specialists assist professionals in obtaining their freelance license easy registration process.