Dubai: Are you a resident of Abu Dhabi, and wishing you could work independently? Getting a Freelancer Licence is easy. Just ask Khala Aousha, the main character in TAMM’s ‘Grandma of Wall Street’ digital campaign that’s helping entrepreneurs learn about various government services offered by the app.
Here’s everything you need to know about getting your freelance licence online, in Abu Dhabi.
Can I apply for a Freelancer Licence via TAMM?
TAMM is Abu Dhabi government’s official services portal, which gives you access to dozens of services in the city.
Over the past few weeks, TAMM has been using humorous, eye-catching storytelling to showcase how residents and entrepreneurs can access various government services through the app.
One such video features Khala Aousha, a tech-savvy ‘Grandma of Wall Street’ who educates young people on the convenience of becoming a licensed freelancer in minutes, right from your smartphone.
What is a Freelancer Licence?
According to TAMM, eligible individuals can apply for a Freelancer Licence to practice approved freelance, consultancy, or expertise-based economic activities independently.
The applicant must select activities from the approved economic activities list on the TAMM app, and meet the service conditions, including the minimum legal age requirement.
The service empowers both UAE nationals and residents – including those in full time-time jobs – to pursue freelance work across a wide range of fields, from creative pursuits to tech solutions, and tap into new opportunities.
Note, however, that this licence is intended for individuals seeking to practice approved freelancer activities, not for establishing a full commercial company. According to the Abu Dhabi Registration Authority (ADRA), you can run your freelance business directly from your home.
Freelancer Licence holders can also legally secure an Abu Dhabi residency for themselves and their families through this route.
In November 2020, the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), announced that non-residents could obtain Freelancer Licences, as well as UAE residents and citizens. Once the licence is approved, UAE residents can immediately begin working as freelancers, while non-residents can apply for a two-year freelance visa or a five-year Green Visa for freelancers (which has stricter requirements, such as a minimum salary threshold and educational requirements).
What kinds of business activities can I conduct, if I have a Freelancer Licence?
The Freelancer Licence gives applicants the ability to conduct over 100 different approved activities, according to TAMM, with new categories periodically added by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED).
Here are just a few activities offered by the Freelancer Licence:
- Artificial intelligence (AI) development
- Gaming development services
- Photography services
- Data entry
- Handcrafted products and environmental works
- Housekeeping consulting
- Marketing operations management
- Social media e-commerce
- Jewellery design
- Event organising
- Fashion and apparel design
- Public relations consultancy
- Tourism and recreation consultancy
Applicants must prove they have experience in their chosen field or industry, or have earned an academic or professional achievement in the field, to proceed with their licence application. At the time of applying, you can add an additional activity, if the one you’re seeking is not on the list, for an additional fee of Dh100 per activity, subject to approval.
You can see the full list of approved business activities on ADDED’s website: added.gov.ae.
Who is eligible to apply?
You must meet the following eligibility criteria in order to apply for a Freelancer Licence:
- The application is open to both UAE nationals and residents.
- Your legal age must be not less than 18 years.
- Your selected activity must be within the list of approved economic activities.
- Your business must be established as a sole proprietorship.
What documents do I need to apply?
The following documents need to be uploaded during the application process:
- Attested certificate, academic qualifications or records by issuing entity.
- No Objection Certificate from your company, if you are working a full-time job.
- Experience certificates, if applicable.
- Professional certificates, if applicable.
How much does the Freelancer Licence cost?
- Organisational entities fee: Dh790
- Registration fee in the Economic Register: Dh10
- Request for Establishment Card from the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) fee: Dh315
- Abu Dhabi Chamber Membership fee: Dh300
How do I apply for a Freelancer Licence?
The process for applying for a Freelancer Licence through TAMM is straightforward and simple. Follow these steps:
- Download the TAMM – Abu Dhabi Government app via the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Sign in with your UAE PASS.
- Navigate to ‘Services’. Select ‘Issue Economic Licence – Freelancer Licence’. Select ‘Start Service’.
- Enter your personal and professional details in the application form.
- Upload all required documents, including any certificates and NOCs.
- Pay the fees and submit the application.
- You will receive an approval or rejection notification via SMS and through your registered email address. Following the notification, you will receive your new economic licence electronically.
The processing time for the application is approximately 10 working days.