People wishing to ‘be their own boss’ are increasingly opting for a freelance license in Dubai. A freelance license is more suited for those who want more for their professional and personal life and don’t just settle for less.
Such professionals can rejoice as the Dubai Development Authority (DDA) offers freelance permits in Dubai. Professionals in Dubai can consult with business setup consultants to know more about the freelancer license.
In this blog, we will guide you on how to get a freelance license in Dubai.
What is a Freelance Permit in Dubai?
In Dubai, the Freelance license is a work permit that identifies an individual as a sole practitioner as opposed to a company. A freelance permit allows individual professionals to conduct their business in their birth name as opposed to a brand name.
Process of Getting a Freelance License from DDA
The DDA has designed a streamlined online process for getting a freelance license:
- Select the desired activity from the DDA list
- Obtain NOC from the relevant department regulating the activity
- Submit the documents and application to the DDA website
- Pay the fees
- Wait for feedback
- Receive your freelance license
Documents for Dubai Freelance License
The following documents must be submitted to the DDA website to get a freelance permit in Dubai. Business setup consultants can help Dubai freelance job aspirants gather or prepare the relevant documents:
- Applicant’s valid passport copy
- Self-declaration form (can be downloaded from the DDA website)
- A no-objection certificate from authorities (for regulated activities)
Cost of Freelance Permits in Dubai
A freelance license issued in Dubai by the DDA will cost you:
- Freelance License – AED 7,520 (Issued for one year – Renewable on annual basis.)
- Establishment Card – AED 2,000 (Issued for one year – Renewable on annual basis)
- Visa for Two Years – AED 5,042 (Inclusive of Visa permit, Medical test, Emirates ID)
Benefits of Working as a Freelancer
By getting a freelance permit, you can avail of benefits like:
- Operate Independently Without a Local Sponsor.
- Set Your Own Pace of Working.
- Sponsor Your Spouse or Family Members.
- Get a UAE Resident Visa.
- Enjoy the Freedom to Live Anywhere.
- Easy Visa Application Process.
Activities that Need Approvals
Some of the special activities require approval from relevant authorities. Business setup consultants can help the professionals in Dubai to get the NOCs for the special activities:
| Activity | Approving Authority |
| Aerial Photography and Video | Dubai Civil Aviation Authority |
| Ear & Body Piercing | Dubai Health Authority |
| Travel Agency | Dubai Civil Aviation Authority |
| Tour Services | Dubai Civil Aviation Authority |
| Car Rental | Roads & Transport Authority |
| Catering Services | Dubai Municipality |
| Pharmacy | Dubai Health Authority |
| Medical Spa Dubai | Health Authority |
| Supermarket | Dubai Municipality |
| Hypermarket | Dubai Municipality |
| Real Estate Agent | RERA |
| Real Estate Consultancy | RERA |
| Honey & Apiary Accessories Trading | Dubai Municipality |
| Domestic Pets Grooming | Dubai Municipality |
| SIM Trading | TRA |
| General Hospital | DHA or DHCA |
| Ambulatory Care Facility | DHA or DHCA |
| Dental Clinic | DHA or DHCA |
| Poly Clinic | DHA or DHCA |
| Medical Laboratory | DHA or DHCA |
| Rehabilitation Centre | DHA or DHCA |
| Health Club/Fitness Centre | Dubai Municipality |
| Laundry | Dubai Municipality |
| Restaurant | Dubai Municipality |
| Coffee Shop | Dubai Municipality |
| Bread & Bakery | Dubai Municipality |
| Ice Cream Shop | Dubai Municipality |
| Convenience Store | Dubai Municipality |
| General Clinic | DHA |
| Beauty Salon (Men) | Dubai Municipality |
| Beauty Salon (Ladies) | Dubai Municipality |
| Beauty Salon | Dubai Municipality |
| Spa Club | Dubai Municipality |
| Mini Store | Dubai Municipality |
| Cafeteria | Dubai Municipality |
| Baby Food Retail | Dubai Municipality |
| Department Store | Dubai Municipality |
| Confectionery and Chocolate Retail | Dubai Municipality |
| Telecommunications Services | TRA |
| Health Food Retail | Dubai Municipality |
| Medical, Surgical Articles and Requisites Retail | Dubai Health Authority |
| Spectacles and Contact Lenses Retail | Dubai Health Authority |
| Juice and Soft Drinks Shop | Dubai Municipality |
| Snack Food Retail | Dubai Municipality |
| Foodstuff and Beverage Retail | Dubai Municipality |
| Air Cargo Services | Dubai Civil Aviation Authority
|
| Document Transport | Emirates Post |
Business Setup Consultants can Help you Get a Freelance License
Getting a freelance license in Dubai involves certain procedures and requirements. Business setup consultants such as Jitendra Business Consultants (JBC) have helped many freelancers get a license in Dubai. We have more than two decades of experience in Dubai as the best business setup advisers. Call us today to get a consultation on the process of getting a freelance license.
