GoFreelance - Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I apply for a freelance Licence while currently holding a full-time job?

Yes, you can by kindly confirming and signing the Self-declaration form, which is available on Gofreelance application too.

2. Am I allowed to work for a company, or in a company’s premises, with my freelance Licence?

You may work as an independent freelancer with that company and from that company’s premises in the free zone.

3. Am I allowed to register for VAT?

If you are making a revenue between AED 187,500 per year and AED 375,000 per year then you may register for VAT voluntarily. If you are receiving a revenue of AED 375,000 per year and above, you must register for VAT. For more information, please visit https://government.ae/en/information-and-services/finance-and-investment/taxation/valueaddedtaxvat

4. Do I need to show my bank details or a yearly audit report at the time of renewal?

No, please note that currently financial reporting/audit is not required for freelancers, however the freelance community will be notified in case changes arise.

5. Can I sponsor employees? Or family dependents?

Please note that a freelancer cannot hire or sponsor employees, however, the freelancer can sponsor family members (wife and children) as per Dubai Naturalization and Residency Department (DNRD) procedures.

6. What’s the validity of the freelance Licence?

The Licence is valid for one year and renewable on an annual basis.

7. Am I allowed to use a company name?

No. The freelance Licence is issued under the personal name of the (as written on your passport) freelancer only.

8. What name will appear on my cheques?

The cheques will have your name, and all the transactions will be carried out under your name (as shown on your passport) only.

9. Who will be my point of contact if I need to follow up on my application status?

For any assistance, please contact the call center on 800 4297.

10. What are the types of freelance activities and where can I view them?

The available freelance activities under Gofreelancer are categorized as per the following industries: Tech, Design, Media and Education activities. For the complete list of activities, please click here.

11. Does the AED 7,520 fee include a visa?

No, the above fees cover the Licence fee only.

12. what is the timeframe to obtain the freelance Licence?

The processing timeframe will range from 5 to 10 working days.

13. How can I apply?

To apply, click here and fill in your details with the following documents:

For media activities:

Application Form
Passport copy
Visa copy (if you are applying from within the UAE)
Portfolio or sample of work (online link or PDF)

For tech activities:

Application Form
Passport copy
Visa copy (if you are applying from within the UAE)

For education activities:

Application Form
Passport copy
Visa copy (if you are applying from within the UAE)
Credentials and certificates

14. How do I make the payment for the freelance licence?

There are several payment methods:

Cash – by visiting the cash counters.
Credit card online
Cheque
Bank transfer (the details will appear on AXS portal)

15. Can I apply for an employment visa? What is the cost of the employment visa?

Yes. As required by the Dubai Naturalization and Residency Department (DNRD), you will need to apply for an establishment card first which costs AED 2,000 (Renewable annually).
You may apply for the employment visa for one-year (4,600 AED) or two-years (5,042 AED)
For health insurance queries, please feel free to contact AXS support team on 8004297.

16. When applying for my salary certificate, what amount do I declare?

The Salary Certificate might be required to establish a bank account or required by other authorities within UAE. To obtain the salary certificate, please apply through AXS portal, accordingly a fixed salary certificate will be issued with a declaration of maximum 10,000 AED/month.

17. Do I then need to put the same amount into my bank account?

It is not necessary to deposit the same amount into your bank account.

18. What are the timings of the co-working space?

The co-working space is available 24x7.

19. Does Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, Dubai Knowledge Park and Dubai Design District run networking events during the year?

Yes, please note that our communities run networking events regularly . You will be notified by receiving an email about the organized event.

20. Are application fees refundable?

Gofreelance fees are non-refundable.