The General Pension and Social Security Authority has called on business owners, self-employed individuals, and freelance professionals who meet the conditions set out in the Minister of Finance's decision on implementing rules to register and take advantage of the insurance benefits provided by the decision.
The authority noted that the decision regulates the mechanism and conditions under which these categories may benefit from social insurance provisions, in accordance with Federal Decree-Law No. 57 of 2023 on Pensions and Social Security.
The authority confirmed that extending insurance protection to business owners, freelancers, and the self-employed reflects the state's direction towards broadening access to social insurance systems, in a manner that enhances professional and social stability and supports the sustainability of various work pathways.
It also contributes to the targets of the state's vision, We the UAE 2031, and the national economic agenda, by enhancing labour market flexibility and providing insurance benefits to freelance and entrepreneurial workers, thereby increasing the appeal of this professional pathway for citizens and keeping pace with rapid developments in the labour market.
The decision achieves a range of economic and social objectives and benefits for citizens, most notably encouraging entrepreneurs and young people to enter the freelance labour market while ensuring future retirement protection, and supporting the sustainability of small and medium-sized enterprises.
It also enhances the financial stability of Emirati families in the face of economic changes, and helps freelance professionals access financing and credit facilities thanks to a guaranteed future retirement income. Additionally, it enables citizens to move between government, private, and freelance work without losing the insurance entitlements accumulated over their years of service.
The benefits provided by the decision include payment of a monthly pension guaranteeing sustainable income upon reaching retirement age, or an end-of-service gratuity for subscribers who do not meet the conditions for pension entitlement. It also provides comprehensive insurance coverage against total disability and death.
Subscribers to the system may choose the income bracket subject to subscription in accordance with their income levels, with the additional option of adding previous service periods and benefiting from the transfer of entitlements to eligible beneficiaries in accordance with the law.
The authority clarified that the decision allows UAE nationals aged between 18 and 55 to subscribe, provided they hold a valid commercial or professional licence along with documentation of the type of activity and the incorporation contract, with registration to be completed electronically via the Maashi platform.
It confirmed that subscription is optional for Emirati business owners who own establishments and employ workers, as well as for self-employed individuals who carry out an activity requiring registration in the commercial register or any other official register.
It also covers freelance professionals whose work depends on their personal expertise and who practise it under a licence or permit from the relevant authorities. Employees working for others and existing pension recipients are excluded from its application.
The subscription rate is 26% of the subscription calculation salary across all brackets. Subscribers have been divided into age groups and different income brackets, allowing them to select the appropriate bracket according to their age and income, with the option to amend the subscription bracket in accordance with approved controls.
Subscribers benefit from a system of benefit reciprocity, whereby the provisions and agreements adopted by the authority regarding the exchange of benefits with other entities applying pension and social security systems in the country apply to them.