• Accounting
• 2022-12-18
• Mr. Waseem

Start Working as a Freelancer in the UAE – A Step-by-Step Guide

Freelancers are in high demand in the United Arab Emirates, where companies are working on a wide variety of interesting projects. Businesses in the UAE are increasingly looking to freelancers to help them compete in the global market. Companies appreciate the prospect of reducing the overhead expenses often associated with employing someone full time.

Things that You Should Consider Before Start

Constructing a successful freelancing career from scratch is challenging. In the absence of a pre-existing clients, finding freelance employment will be difficult. Until you establish yourself, it could be prudent to balance your freelancing with a full-time job.

You have to consider things:-

- Don't lose sight of reality. In the beginning, your earnings may be lower than they were at your previous full-time office employment. Freelancing is a lucrative field, but it can be difficult to make ends meet without a strict budget.

- Don't give up and learn to wait. Working on your own is not a one-and-done task, but rather a long-term dedication. If you want to find work, you need to keep advertising your skills and connecting with business professionals.

- Management of one's time is of paramount importance to every self-employed person. To make a favourable impression, you should submit your work before the deadlines.

- If you wish to legally provide your services to companies, you need to obtain a freelancing licence. It's important to study the fine print of your freelancing permit as well, as some permits limit your work to tax-free zones.

- Before beginning any project, you should also have a freelancer contract ready to hand over to the client. Timelines, tasks, and compensation information should all be included. Having this will strengthen your position in the event of a lawsuit.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of Freelancing?

The greatest perk of freelancing in the United Arab Emirates is that everyone, whether an expat or a native Emirati, has the same chances of success. In addition, after working in more traditional roles, you find the freedom that comes with freelancing appealing. The opportunity to take on a wide variety of tasks is another perk, since it can help you pick up new abilities and hone your existing ones. Eighty percent of independent contractors say this helps them land higher-paying jobs.

Freelancers typically stress about how often they will get hired. Never knowing when your next paycheck will arrive is stressful. Cons also include the payment process, which requires either disclosing private banking information or using fee-heavy third-party services like PayPal. Payit mobile wallet is a convenient tool for freelancers since it allows them to request payments and be paid in dirhams without having to deal with any additional fees associated with currency conversion.

What Are The Tax Rules For Freelancer In UAE?

- The United Arab Emirates  has traditionally served as a tax shelter. Recent changes to regional VAT and company tax policies may cause you to reevaluate your decision to work independently. But know that your worries have been heard and addressed by the UAE government. Freelancers in the United Arab Emirates are exempt from paying either individual or business taxes. VAT is the only possible tax you'll have to pay. You are required to register for VAT if your annual income exceeds Dhs. 375,000. You can choose to register for VAT if your annual income is between Dhs. 187,500 and Dhs.

- No one with income below these thresholds needs to register. Corporate taxes, such as payroll and sales, may be owed if you run a business from home that provides a service to customers in the area. There is no corporate tax on earnings up to Dhs. 375,000. The corporation pays a 9% tax on earnings exceeding this amount.

- You can avoid paying taxes in 2022 if you launch your freelancing career this year. Once June of 2023 arrives, though, the plan will begin.

What are the Available Freelancing License?

Even though most UAE Emirates issue freelance licences, most expats settle in either Abu Dhabi, Dubai, or Sharjah. It's easier to meet new people and expand your clientele base in these settings. Freelancers in the United Arab Emirates have the unique benefit of being able to work from any Emirate, regardless of where their licence was issued. As long as the freelancing permit is active, you can work from anywhere in the world.

- Shams – Sharjah:-Sharjah Media City is a special economic zone that offers single-user and shareholder status for anyone seeking to set up shop as independent contractors. The licence is not transferable and cannot be used to add more members. Nevertheless, one UAE residency visa application could be an alternative, depending on the plan.

- GoFreelance – Dubai:-Four separate free zones in Dubai are responsible for putting up this freelancer bundle: Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City, Dubai Design District, and Dubai Knowledge Park. To compete for future projects, freelancers can use the GoFreelance marketplace. It's important to remember that the permit the freelancer receives is not a licence, but rather permission to engage in independent work.

- TwoFour54 – Abu Dhabi:-

Twofour54 is one of the best places to begin a career in media production and entertainment, and it offers a wealth of opportunities to the independent contractor.

- ADDED – Abu Dhabi:-Expats are primarily interested in the freelancing authorization given by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED). It's only Dhs. 530 for two years of use. Additionally, your loved ones can join you in the UAE if you choose to fund them.

Additionally, none of the aforementioned 60 freelancing activities necessitate the use of a traditional offices. 

What are the documents needed?

The documents that all freelance license departments require are as follows:-

- Your resume and work portfolio

- Your passport copy

- Your UAE visa and Emirates ID copy for residents

- NOC for residents 

- Passport size photo

- Letter of intent or business plan

- ADDED – Abu Dhabi

Which are Freelancing Sites to work?

As soon as you get your hands on your shiny new licence, you'll be ready to strike out on your own. Log on to one of the many freelance websites where hundreds of fresh gigs are listed every day. Gaining experience through these platforms is crucial in the freelance industry.

People Per Hour, Upwork, Freelancer, Truelancer, Guru, Fiverr, Bawabba, Ureed and Work Crowd. 

Conclusion:- After reading this blog you will know everything about the freelancing in UAE. Risians Accounting firm in dubai is always read to help your in any financail and taxation matter. Book your free consultation.

You should read:- How to Register VAT for a Freelancer in the UAE.