The Freelancer ID Card is issued by the National Freelancer Registration and Information Center (NFRIC), a government body dedicated to supporting and regulating the freelance industry in Bangladesh. This card is more than just an identification document; it’s a gateway to various services and a symbol of professional legitimacy in the freelance market. In today’s article, we’ll explain how to get a freelancer ID card in Bangladesh. Let’s begin.
What Are the Eligibility Criteria for a Freelancer ID Card
Before diving into the application process, it’s crucial to understand who can apply for a Freelancer ID Card. The eligibility criteria are straightforward:
- Citizenship: Must be a citizen of Bangladesh with a valid National ID Card (NID).
- Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
- Income: Earned a minimum of $1,000 via online work in the last 12 months.
- Source of Earnings: Income must be from foreign sources.
- Proof of Work: Able to provide proof of contracts or jobs obtained via marketplaces or direct clients.
- Legitimacy: Earnings must be obtained through legal means of service or sale of digital products.
Failure to meet any of these criteria may result in the rejection of the application.
Types of Applicants
The Freelancer ID system recognizes three types of applicants:
- Individual Freelancer: A freelancer or online worker who works independently.
- Freelancer Team Owner: An individual who owns or operates a small team (up to 15 members) of freelancers.
- Freelancer Team Member: An individual who is part of a Freelancer Team. The team owner must have an approved Freelancer ID before team members can apply.
Step-by-Step Application Process for Freelancer ID Card
1. Registration on the Official Website
The journey to obtaining your Freelancer ID Card begins on the official NFRIC website: https://app.freelancers.gov.bd/. Here’s what you need to do:
- Visit the website and look for the registration option.
- Create an account by providing basic information such as your name, email address, and phone number.
- Verify your email address or phone number as per the instructions provided.
**Remember, accuracy is key at this stage. Ensure all information you provide matches your official documents to avoid delays in the verification process.
2. Document Submission
You may be asked to provide the following documents during the assessment process:
- Payoneer or other online payment gateway account statements
- Freelancing marketplace account statements
- Bank account statements
- Remittance certificates
- Any other documents that record your freelancing earnings
Important notes about the documents:
- They must reflect the applicant’s earnings for the last 12 months
- The applicant’s identity must be visible on the documents
- Documents must have valid authorization
- Transaction ID, date, title, or description should be visible
3. Application Fee Payment
Once the application is submitted, you need to pay an application fee of 1500 BDT. Payment details will be emailed to your designated email address. If your application is rejected, you’ll receive a refund, minus a 20% administration fee.
4. Verification Process
The verification process takes 7-30 days and may include:
- Document authentication
- Potential background checks
- An assessor may contact you via email or video call for clarification or additional information
- You might be asked to share your computer screen during a video call to verify certain details
5. ID Card Issuance
Upon successful verification, you’ll be notified via email or SMS. You can then log into the www.freelancers.gov.bd portal to view or download your virtual ID card.
What Details Are Shown in the Virtual ID Card
The Freelancer ID card is entirely virtual and contains:
- Freelancer’s image
- Name
- Expertise
- FID Number
- Issue Year
- Address
- Date of Birth
- QR code linking to the Freelancer’s ID Profile
The Freelancer ID Profile contains all verified information submitted during the application process. This profile is only visible when logged into the Freelancer portal or when the QR code is scanned and an OTP (sent to the applicant’s phone) is entered.
What’s the Validity of the ID Card and How to Renew It
The Freelancer ID card is valid for 12 months. You may update your card information (e.g., income details) within this period, but any update request is treated as a new application and incurs the same processing fee.
After 12 months, you’ll be prompted to update your information. This renewal process is considered a new application and follows the same verification process and fee structure.
What Are the Benefits of Having a Freelancer ID Card
The main benefit of having a freelancer ID card is getting official recognition. It serves as government acknowledgment of your freelancer status. Furthermore, it can be useful in various applications and services where you need to procure proof of employment and income.
You can also use it to gain access to various banking services like opening accounts or applying for loans. And if in future the government of Bangladesh announces any benefits for freelancers, you can qualify for it by having a valid freelancer ID card.
Protection of Privacy and Data
Your privacy is prioritized, and you control who can access your information. The following entities can access your information under specific circumstances:
- You (the freelancer)
- Third-party entities (banks, insurance providers) only with your permission via OTP
- Government agencies for security and survey purposes (upon written request)
- Application assessors for verification purposes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Freelancer ID if I don’t work on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr?
Yes, as long as you have verifiable income from foreign sources for virtual work or services.
Does a Freelancer ID guarantee a bank loan or credit card?
No, but it serves as proof of employment and income. Banks will still conduct their own due diligence.
Is there a physical ID card option?
Currently, only virtual ID cards are available.
What if a bank doesn’t accept my Freelancer ID?
Contact [email protected] for assistance in resolving the issue with the bank.
Is the Freelancer ID a tax trap?
No. As per the National Board of Revenue, income from Information Technology Enabled Services (ITES) is tax-exempt until June 30, 2024.
To Wrap Up
The Freelancer ID Card represents a significant step in recognizing and supporting the freelance economy in Bangladesh. It provides official recognition, simplifies various administrative processes, and positions you as a recognized professional in the digital economy.
For freelancers in Bangladesh, obtaining this ID card is a valuable investment in your professional future. It not only formalizes your status but also opens doors to various opportunities and services.