How to apply for a freelancer license in Abu Dhabi?

Abu Dhabi has recently announced a new ‘freelance license’ that covers 48 types of business activities. Skilled professionals can apply for a work permit without the requirement for a company’s sponsorship.

The freelance license, launched by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), is available to UAE citizens, residents, and non-residents.

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Application method for freelance license

The applicant can call ADDED on 02 815 8888 to register on a new account to register for the freelance license with the Abu Dhabi Business Centre on www.adbc.gov.ae.

The Abu Dhabi Business Center has an app available for both Android and Apple, named ‘AD Business Centre’.

The applicant needs to create a new account to register with the Abu Dhabi Business Center. Following details are needed:

• Full name
• Passport number
• Mobile number
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• Email address

Once you create an account, you can apply for the Freelance License under the ‘Commercial license’ category.

You do not require a local service agent or UAE citizen as a partner to apply for the license. But you will need to provide the following documents:

• Proof of expertise in the activity, a university degree, a certificate of experience, or accredited accomplishments in the desired activity.
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• If you are a resident:

1. Working in the government sector – should attach a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the employer
2.  Working in the private sector under a permanent contract and will be participating in a similar activity – required NOC letter from employer.
3. Working in the private sector on a part-time basis – NOC letter is not required.
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Activities included

(ADDED) has announced the license for the following activities:

• Working soap forming
• Parties and events organizing
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• Tourist and recreation consultants
• Green buildings consultant
• Marketing consultancy and studies
• Information technology consultancy
• Translation publication services
• Heritage consulting
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• Plastering and carving works
• Coordination of natural and artificial flowers
• Space consultancies
• Design services
• Consulting technical equipment
• Fashion and clothes designing
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• 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
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• Landscape and gardening services
• Marketing operations management
• Parliamentary consultancy
• Economic feasibility consultancy and studies
• Administrative consultancy and studies
• Parties and occasions photography
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• Lifestyle development consultancy
• Calligraphers and painters
• Agricultural extension services
• Plague resisting consultancy
• Procurement consulting
• Quality, standardization, and measuring consultancy
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• Maritime consultancies services
• Commodities designing consultancy
• Project management services
• Network websites designing
• Jewelry design, jewelry
• Statistical services consultancies
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• Personal videography
• Gift-wrapping
• Banking services consultancy
• Artwork for cosmetic craft (sculpture)
• Consultancy project development
• Food safety consulting
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• Photography services
• Architectural production and drawing technical consultancy
• Fine arts consultancy
• Logistics consultancy