The UAE has become an attractive destination for professionals who want to work independently, serve clients, and build a flexible career. For eligible professionals, obtaining the right freelance authorisation can provide a structured way to offer services legally in the UAE.
The RAKEZ freelance license UAE is a popular search term for professionals looking for an affordable freelance setup in Ras Al Khaimah. However, RAKEZ officially refers to this offering as a Freelancer Permit. The current RAKEZ Freelancer Permit package starts at AED 6,100, with options designed for eligible professionals.
This guide explains the RAKEZ freelance licence option, eligibility, cost, requirements, benefits, application process, visa considerations, and the difference between a Freelancer Permit and a full company licence.
What Is a RAKEZ Freelance License?
A RAKEZ Freelancer Permit allows an eligible individual to operate independently for an approved professional activity.
Unlike a conventional company licence, the Freelancer Permit is issued to the individual. RAKEZ states that the freelancer conducts business using their birth name rather than a separate company or brand name.
The RAKEZ Freelancer Permit is particularly relevant to eligible media and education professionals. The exact activity should be confirmed with RAKEZ before applying.
RAKEZ Freelance License UAE Cost
The current RAKEZ Freelancer Permit package starts from AED 6,100. RAKEZ currently offers package options with different durations, including one-year and two-year options.
However, the starting package price should not automatically be considered the complete cost of becoming a UAE freelancer.
Your total budget may depend on:
- Freelancer Permit package
- Permit duration
- UAE residence visa requirements
- Medical examination
- Emirates ID
- Workspace requirements
- Additional government charges
- Professional service fees
- Renewal costs
Therefore, freelancers should request a current quotation based on their individual requirements before making a final decision.
Who Can Apply for a RAKEZ Freelancer Permit?
The RAKEZ Freelancer Permit is not designed for every profession.
RAKEZ currently highlights eligible professionals in areas such as:
Media Professionals
Depending on approved activities, this can include professionals involved in:
- Content creation
- Writing
- Editing
- Media production
- Creative services
- Journalism
- Other approved media activities
Education Professionals
Eligible education professionals may also be able to operate under the Freelancer Permit framework, subject to the approved activity and requirements.
Because eligibility depends on the specific activity, professionals should verify their profession before applying.
RAKEZ Freelance License Requirements
Applicants should prepare the documents required for their selected activity.
Common requirements can include:
- Passport copy
- UAE residence visa copy, where applicable
- Sponsor’s NOC, where required
- Portfolio or samples of previous work
- Qualification certificate, where applicable
- Other supporting documents requested for the selected activity
The required documentation can vary according to the applicant and professional activity.
Benefits of a RAKEZ Freelance License
1. Lower-Cost Alternative to Full Company Formation
For eligible individuals who only need to provide their own professional services, a Freelancer Permit can be more appropriate than establishing a conventional company.
2. Simple Business Structure
The Freelancer Permit is designed around the individual rather than a separate corporate structure.
3. UAE Residence Visa Option
Eligible Freelancer Permit holders can explore UAE residence visa sponsorship through RAKEZ. Existing UAE residents may have different requirements depending on their circumstances.
4. Flexible Working Environment
RAKEZ provides access to business centre and coworking solutions that can support independent professionals.
5. Professional Networking Opportunities
Freelancers can benefit from a business environment where entrepreneurs and professionals operate across different sectors.
6. One-Activity Structure
The Freelancer Permit provides a straightforward structure for professionals focusing on one approved activity.
How to Apply for a RAKEZ Freelance License
The application process can be completed through a relatively straightforward sequence.
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
First, check whether your profession and proposed activity are eligible for the RAKEZ Freelancer Permit.
Step 2: Choose Your Activity
Select the specific activity that accurately represents the services you intend to provide.
This is important because RAKEZ states that only one activity can be selected per Freelancer Permit.
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
Prepare your passport, portfolio, qualification documents, visa documents, NOC, and other required paperwork.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Complete the application and provide the required supporting documents.
Step 5: Complete Payment
Pay the applicable permit and service fees according to the selected package.
Step 6: Receive Your Freelancer Permit
After the application is approved and the required formalities are completed, the Freelancer Permit can be issued.
Step 7: Apply for Visa if Required
If you require UAE residence sponsorship, complete the applicable visa process separately as part of your setup.
RAKEZ Freelance License vs Company License
One of the most important decisions for freelancers is choosing between a Freelancer Permit and a conventional company setup.
| Feature | RAKEZ Freelancer Permit | RAKEZ Company |
| Applicant | Individual | Business entity |
| Company name | Birth name | Separate company name |
| Activities | One approved activity | Depends on licence |
| Employees | Not permitted under the permit | Can be structured for employees |
| Additional visas | Not available under the permit | Available subject to requirements |
| Corporate bank account | Not eligible | Can apply |
| Corporate structure | No conventional company structure | Yes |
| Suitable for | Eligible individual professionals | Entrepreneurs and growing businesses |
The Freelancer Permit may be suitable for an individual professional, while a company licence can provide greater flexibility for entrepreneurs planning to expand.
Can a RAKEZ Freelancer Hire Employees?
No. The Freelancer Permit is designed for an individual professional and does not provide the same employee sponsorship structure as a conventional company.
If your business plan includes hiring employees, you may need to consider a company formation option instead.
Can You Open a Corporate Bank Account?
RAKEZ states that Freelancer Permit holders are not eligible to open a corporate bank account under the Freelancer Permit structure.
This is an important distinction between a Freelancer Permit and a conventional company.
Professionals who require a corporate bank account for business operations should consider whether a full company setup is more appropriate.
Can You Have Multiple Freelance Activities?
The RAKEZ Freelancer Permit is structured around one activity per permit.
Therefore, professionals who want to offer several unrelated services should carefully review their activity requirements before applying.
If your business model requires multiple activities, a different licensing structure may be more suitable.
RAKEZ Freelance License and UAE Visa
A Freelancer Permit and a UAE residence visa are related but separate concepts.
The permit provides the authorisation to operate under the approved freelance activity, while the residence visa provides residency status.
Eligible applicants can explore RAKEZ visa sponsorship. Existing UAE residents may also be able to obtain a Freelancer Permit without changing their existing sponsorship, subject to the applicable NOC and other requirements.
When calculating your total RAKEZ freelance license UAE cost, it is therefore important to determine whether you actually require a new residence visa.
Tax and Compliance Considerations
Freelancers operating in the UAE should understand their tax and compliance responsibilities.
Depending on their activities, income, and circumstances, freelancers may need to consider:
- VAT registration requirements
- Corporate Tax rules
- Proper invoicing
- Accounting records
- Client contracts
- Business documentation
- Annual permit renewal
Having a freelance permit does not automatically mean that the individual is exempt from every UAE tax or compliance obligation.
Professional advice may be appropriate when freelance income reaches relevant thresholds or when the freelancer provides services to businesses in different countries.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Choosing the Wrong Activity
Your selected activity should accurately describe the services you provide.
Assuming Every Profession Is Eligible
The RAKEZ Freelancer Permit has specific eligibility criteria. Always confirm your profession before applying.
Confusing a Permit with a Company Licence
A Freelancer Permit does not provide the same corporate structure as a company licence.
Ignoring Visa Costs
If you need UAE residence sponsorship, include visa-related expenses in your overall budget.
Expecting to Hire Employees
The Freelancer Permit is designed for individual professionals and does not provide the same employee sponsorship options as a company.
Assuming You Can Open a Corporate Bank Account
RAKEZ specifically states that Freelancer Permit holders are not eligible for a corporate bank account.
Who Should Choose a RAKEZ Freelance License?
A RAKEZ Freelancer Permit may be appropriate for an eligible professional who:
- Wants to work independently
- Provides professional services personally
- Does not need employees
- Needs a simple freelance structure
- Wants to operate from Ras Al Khaimah
- Does not require a corporate bank account
- Wants to keep initial setup requirements relatively simple
A full RAKEZ company setup may be more suitable if the entrepreneur wants to build a team, add shareholders, obtain multiple employee visas, operate under a company name, or establish a larger business.
Final Thoughts
The RAKEZ freelance license UAE is commonly used to describe the RAKEZ Freelancer Permit, which provides an individual-based structure for eligible professionals who want to work independently in the UAE.
With the current package starting from AED 6,100, RAKEZ offers a potentially cost-effective option for eligible freelancers. However, the right choice depends on your profession, activity, visa requirements, banking needs, and long-term business plans.
Before applying, confirm your eligibility, select the correct activity, understand the limitations of the Freelancer Permit, and calculate the complete setup and renewal costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the RAKEZ freelance license in UAE?
RAKEZ officially refers to its freelance offering as a Freelancer Permit. It allows eligible individuals to operate independently under an approved activity. The permit is issued to the individual rather than creating a conventional company structure.
2. How much does a RAKEZ Freelancer Permit cost?
The current RAKEZ Freelancer Permit package starts from AED 6,100. The final cost can vary depending on the selected package, duration, visa requirements, and additional services.
3. Can I get a UAE visa with a RAKEZ Freelancer Permit?
Eligible Freelancer Permit holders can apply for UAE residence visa sponsorship through RAKEZ. Visa-related requirements and costs should be considered separately when calculating the total setup budget.
4. Can I hire employees with a RAKEZ Freelancer Permit?
No. A Freelancer Permit is designed for individual professionals and does not provide employee sponsorship under the permit. A conventional company structure may be more appropriate if you plan to hire staff.
5. Can I open a corporate bank account with a RAKEZ Freelancer Permit?
No. RAKEZ states that Freelancer Permit holders are not eligible to open a corporate bank account. Entrepreneurs who need corporate banking should consider a company formation option.
6. Is the RAKEZ Freelancer Permit available for everyone?
No. Eligibility depends on the professional activity and RAKEZ’s applicable requirements. RAKEZ currently promotes the Freelancer Permit particularly for eligible media and education professionals.
