For aspiring freelancers and solo entrepreneurs, the Intelaq licence in Dubai, UAE offers a unique chance to launch a business in the Dubai mainland without a local partner. Perfect for consultants, creative professionals, and small-business operators, this licence empowers you with legitimacy, freedom, and growth potential.
What Is the Intelaq Licence in Dubai?
An Intelaq licence is a freelance permit set up by Dubai’s Department of Economy & Tourism. It enables individuals to operate legally under their own name, offering up to two business activities. This flexibility makes it ideal for freelancers and small service providers.
Who Should Apply for Intelaq?
If you’re a consultant, trainer, designer, writer, or freelance marketer, this licence fits perfectly. It’s also great for entrepreneurs testing an idea before fully investing in a company setup.
Benefits of an Intelaq Licence in Dubai
The Intelaq licence offers full ownership without needing a sponsor, low costs, and mainland market access. It’s designed for solo operators who want legal recognition, visa eligibility, and the freedom to work across Dubai’s emirates.
Cost-Effective and Efficient Setup
You pay a one-time licence fee, optional visa charges, and can officially begin working—no rent, no complicated hierarchy, no local partner required.
Choosing Activities and Licence Types
Intelaq supports up to two business activities from a list of professional or service options. Choose carefully—your chosen activities define your services and growth potential.
Professional vs Service Categories
Professional activities cover coaching, consulting, tech services. Service activities include event support, graphic design, photography, and more. Align your licence with your skillset for best market fit.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Applying for the licence involves simple steps: select your activity, reserve a trade name, complete an online form, upload documents, pay the fee, and receive your licence electronically.
Securing Visa and Bank Access
Once licensed, apply for your resident visa, open a corporate bank account, and start serving clients across the UAE—fully above board.
Maintaining Your Licence – Compliance & Renewal
Your Intelaq licence must be renewed annually. Stay compliant with updated visa documents and fees. You can also adjust your business activities if your services evolve.
Modifying or Expanding Services
If you expand beyond two services or need staff, upgrading to a full company licence or free zone entity will be necessary.
Scaling Up from Intelaq to Full Business
As your business grows, you may want to add staff, rent an office, or bid for bigger contracts. Transitioning into an LLC or free zone company is a logical next step.
When to Upgrade Your Licence
Think about upgrading when you’re ready to hire, build a team, or expand infrastructure—Intelaq gives you a smooth starting point until that time.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Operating solo means balancing all business tasks—marketing, tech, finance—by yourself. Overcome this with time management tools, clear pricing, and networking with fellow freelancers.
Cost of an Intelaq License in Dubai, UAE
The Intelaq license offers an affordable and straightforward business solution. The annual permit fee typically ranges from AED 1,000 to AED 1,500, depending on the activity type and any additional administrative fees. Optional extras include:
- Brand protection for about AED 300
- Health insurance starting around AED 600 per year
- Resident visa issuance approximately AED 3,500 (includes medical screening and Emirates ID)
- Professional consulting or PRO services, ranging from AED 1,500–2,500
Overall, initial setup (licence + visa + insurance) can come in under AED 6,000–8,000, offering a cost-effective path to launch your legal freelance business in Dubai.
Success Tips for Intelaq Freelancers
- Focus on branding and visibility—create a website and portfolio.
- Network regularly in Dubai business communities.
- Use client testimonials to build trust.
- Keep your licence and visa current to avoid disruption.
Conclusion
The Intelaq licence in Dubai, UAE offers a fast, affordable, and fully legal way to operate as a freelancer. With full ownership, visa access, and market reach, you can launch confidently and scale later. For anyone ready to take the leap, this is your business setup in Dubai, UAE made easy.
FAQs
What types of activities can I operate under Intelaq?
You can select two professional or service-based activities like consultancy, design, coaching, training, or web services.
Can I hire employees with Intelaq?
No—Intelaq allows only a single visa holder. To hire staff, you’ll need to upgrade to an LLC or free zone licence.
Do I need a local sponsor?
No, Intelaq grants 100% ownership without requiring a UAE sponsor or partner.
How long does it take to get the licence?
Typically you can complete the process within 5–7 working days if documents are ready.
Can I sponsor my family?
Once you receive your UAE residency visa, you can sponsor eligible dependents under your licence.
