Post Script’s Guide to Obtaining a Freelancer License in Abu Dhabi

Are you hoping to start your own business or become your own boss in Abu Dhabi? A freelance license may be your ticket to turning that dream into reality. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a creative professional, a consultant, or an aspiring entrepreneur, the Abu Dhabi Freelance Economic License offers a flexible and cost-effective way to kickstart your entrepreneurial journey without the hassle of setting up a full-on commercial space. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to obtain a freelance license in Abu Dhabi, including what it is, who can apply, how much it costs, what documents you’ll need, and where to apply. Plus, I’ll share helpful tips on navigating the process so you can focus on what matters most: getting excited about your success and contributing to the thriving local economic landscape.

What Is a Freelance License in Abu Dhabi?

The Abu Dhabi Freelance Economic License, issued by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), is a legal permit that allows individuals to work independently and provide professional services without the need to establish a full-fledged company with a commercial space and the works. With a freelance license, you can operate legally as an independent professional, invoice clients for your services, access the UAE market, and avoid the need for a physical office or local sponsor.

This license is ideal for anyone looking to test a business idea, work flexibly, or start a professional services business. It’s affordable, accessible, and opens up numerous opportunities for those wishing to utilize and contribute their hard-earned skills.

Who Can Apply for a Freelance License in Abu Dhabi?

The freelance license is open to a wide range of individuals. UAE residents with a valid residency visa, spouses on family sponsorships, skilled professional, and expats who want flexibility are among those eligible for the license. indeed, if you hold a UAE residency visa, whether issued by Abu Dhabi or another emirate, you are eligible to apply for a freelance license. Trailing spouses looking to pursue a career or start a business often find the freelance license to be a perfect option. The license caters to over 100 business activities, from graphic design and writing to consulting and IT services. If you have the skills, there’s likely a category that fits your expertise. Whether you’re transitioning from a full-time job or diving straight into entrepreneurship, the freelance license offers the flexibility to work independently without the complexities of setting up a traditional business.

How Much Does a Freelance License Cost?

The cost of obtaining a freelance license in Abu Dhabi is surprisingly affordable. The first-year license fee is between AED 1,200 and AED 1,300, which includes trade name registration (a one-time fee). Renewal fees are approximately AED 960 for subsequent years. Included in the fees is also a membership to the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce, which offers plenty of great resources for new and experienced business owners (although not all of them are offered in the English language). If you are a woman, the Chamber of Commerce also has a resource specifically designed for you: the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen’s Council which was formed in 2001 and has been helping women thrive in business ever since. You can access the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce website by clicking here. And you can access the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen’s Council’s website by clicking here.

This makes the freelance license one of the most cost-effective ways to start a business in the UAE, and the added support of the Chamber and Businesswomen’s Council are absolutely a plus.

How to Apply for an Abu Dhabi Freelancer License

Applying for your freelance license is a straightforward process, and you have two main options:

Through the TAMM App or on the web:
The TAMM app is a digital platform that simplifies the process of applying for government services. You can download the TAMM app from the App Store or Google Play. Then, sign in using your UAE Pass, type “Freelancer License” in the search tab, tap on “Issue Economic Freelancer License – Freelancer License” and follow the steps to submit your application, upload documents, and pay the fees.

Similarly, you can access the TAMM website by clicking here and follow the same process.

In Person at a TAMM Centre:
Prefer face-to-face guidance? Visit one of the 17 TAMM Centres across Abu Dhabi, where you can get personalized assistance and submit your application in person. To find out where the nearest TAMM Centre is, click here.

Have questions that you need answers to before you take the plunge?

No problem! Ma’ak, the division of the ADDED responsible for economic licensing is always happy to receive you and answer your questions either by phone or in their offices. You can access the Ma’ak Tool to Book Consultation by clicking here to schedule an appointment with them. The booking platform will ask you for your full name, your mobile number, your email address (to send your booking confirmation), the reason you are requesting a consultation, and your preferred language (English or Arabic), the type of meeting you prefer (face-to-face, virtual, phone, or email). Finally, it will offer you a choice of locations (if you selected in person), dates, and times. Once you’re filled all the fields in, tap “submit” and it will send you a confirmation of your booking to the email address provided in the form.

I have sat in the offices to discuss licensing for myself and my clients several times and they have always been extremely kind and helpful. I know you’d have the same experience.

What Documents Do You Need to Apply?

To apply to obtain a freelance license with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, you’ll need to prepare the following documents in PDF format:

Your most recent academic diploma or certificate
Academic transcripts
An updated résumé (curriculum vitae/C.V.)
A Real Beneficiary Declaration (RBD)*

(*Check out more details about the RBD on my website at postscript.ae/rbd.)

Make sure your documents are clear, complete, and ready to upload to avoid unnecessary frustration during your application, or delays in processing.

What Services Can You Offer With a Freelance License?

I get this question a lot. The freelance license is incredibly flexible, allowing you to choose up to six business activities from over 100 choices under one license. Popular categories include:

Creative Services: Photography, videography, web development, gift-wrapping services, among a plethora of others
Consulting: Business, marketing, and IT consulting, among others
Technology: Software development, IT services
Wellness: Lifestyle and housekeeping consultancies are among some of the choices

If you want to add additional activities to your license beyond the six that are included in the fee, it costs an additional AED 100 per activity. Please note that you may have to provide a letter to justify your additional selections to the licensing authority, if they ask for one. I was asked to, and I can help you through this process if you’re feeling unsure how to proceed.

Do You Need to Relinquish Your Spousal Sponsorship?

This used to be a significant concern for trailing spouses. But here’s the good news: thanks to advocacy from the Women Entrepreneurs of Abu Dhabi, and updates from government entities like ICP, ADDED and TAMM, you no longer need to relinquish your spousal sponsorship or health insurance to maintain your freelance license. This means you can operate your business while staying on your spouse’s visa and insurance with no additional stress or financial strain.

Persons not holding a spousal or employer-sponsored visa would still be required to obtain their own visa and health insurance, though.

Final Thoughts

Obtaining a freelance business license in Abu Dhabi is simple, and embarking in entrepreneurship on your own terms can be a rewarding journey. The Freelance Economic License makes it easier than ever for newcomers and trailing spouses to dust off the brain cobwebs and contribute their hard-earned skills and expertise to the UAE’s economy and residents. It doesn’t matter if you have little-to-no business experience, or if you are a experienced freelancer looking to expand your opportunities, this license is your gateway to flexible, independent work in the UAE, bar none.

Need help navigating the process or figuring out the next steps? Feel free to reach out. I’m here to help you and I always operate on an open-door policy!

Thank you so much for reading this little slice of entrepreneurial information. If there’s anything else you’d like me to tackle, drop me an email at hello@postscript.ae and I’ll make it happen! Until next time…