If you are a solo entrepreneur, creative professional, or consultant looking to work legally in the UAE, RAKEZ Free Zone offers a flexible and affordable freelancer permit, specifically designed for individuals who don’t need a full office setup but still want to operate professionally and attract clients.
Freelancer Permits in RAKEZ What You Need to Know
If you are a solo entrepreneur, creative professional, or consultant looking to work legally in the UAE, RAKEZ Free Zone offers a flexible and affordable freelancer permit, specifically designed for individuals who don’t need a full office setup but still want to operate professionally and attract clients.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about freelancer permits in RAKEZ Free Zone, who it is for, what you can do, costs, visa options, and tips to make the most of it.
Who Can Apply for a RAKEZ Freelancer Permit?
RAKEZ freelancer permits are perfect for individual professionals working independently. Common examples include:
- Digital marketers and SEO consultants
- Graphic designers and illustrators
- Content writers, copywriters, and editors
- IT specialists, software developers, and web designers
- Media professionals, photographers, or videographers
- Business consultants and management advisors
The permit allows these professionals to legally provide their services in the UAE without having to rent a full office space.
Tip: Even if you work from home, RAKEZ ensures your business is recognized legally, which can help you get clients and open bank accounts.
What Can You Do With a Rakez Freelancer Permit?
The freelancer permit is designed for service-based activities, so you can:
- Offer consulting services to local or international clients
- Provide creative services like design, media production, or content creation
- Work on IT projects or provide software development services
- Manage digital marketing campaigns for multiple businesses
Important: This permit is not for trading or physical goods, so if you plan to sell products, you’ll need a commercial or e-commerce licence instead.
Workspace Options
One of the advantages of the freelancer permit is that you don’t need a full office. RAKEZ provides flexible options:
Flexi desk: A shared workspace that meets licence requirements, suitable for home-based or mobile professionals.
Private office: Optional if you want a dedicated workspace as your business grows.
Pro Tip: Start with a flexi desk package to save costs and upgrade later if your business requires a professional office or client meetings.
Cost and Visa Options
The RAKEZ freelancer permit is affordable and flexible:
Cost: Entry-level packages often start around AED 7,500–8,500 per year. Prices can vary based on your selected package and services.
Visa: Many freelancer packages include one UAE residence visa, allowing you to live and work legally in the UAE. Additional visas for family members or employees are possible but may incur extra charges.
Tip: Check whether your package includes visa assistance, as some basic permits do not. RAKEZ provides guidance and support for documentation.
Benefits of a Freelancer Permit
Here is why a RAKEZ freelancer permit is a great option for individual professionals:
- Cost-effective: Lower setup costs compared to a full company licence.
- Legal recognition: Enables you to work officially in the UAE, open a bank account rakez free zone, and issue invoices.
- Flexibility: Work from home, co-working spaces, or RAKEZ offices.
- Scalable: Upgrade to a full service licence or add employees when your business grows.
- Networking: Access the RAKEZ business community and events to connect with potential clients or partners.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a RAKEZ Freelancer Permit
- Choose your activity: RAKEZ allows a wide range of freelance activities; pick one that matches your skills.
- Select a package: Decide between flexi desk or private office, and check visa inclusion.
- Submit documents: Passport copy, resume/CV, and any professional certifications required for your activity.
- Pay fees: Package fees cover licence, visa (if included), and workspace.
Start working: Once approved, you can legally provide services, sign contracts, and bill clients in the UAE.
Final Thoughts
The RAKEZ freelancer permit is ideal for individual professionals and creatives who want to operate legally in the UAE without high overhead costs. It’s flexible, cost-effective, and scalable as your business grows.
- Start with a flexi desk to minimize upfront costs.
- Ensure your activity is allowed under RAKEZ rules.
- Plan for future growth: upgrade to service or full licence if needed.
If you are a freelancer looking for a legal and easy way to operate in the UAE, RAKEZ Free Zone offers one of the most practical solutions.
