UAE Work Permits: Complete Guide for Employers and Employees (2025)

The United Arab Emirates offers diverse employment opportunities for expatriates from around the world. Whether you’re planning to work in the UAE or you’re an employer looking to hire foreign talent, understanding the work permit process is crucial for legal compliance and smooth operations.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about UAE work permits in 2025, including types, application procedures, requirements, and recent regulatory updates.

What is a UAE Work Permit?

A UAE work permit is an official document issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) that legally authorizes a foreigner to work in the UAE. According to Article 6 of the Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations in the Private Sector, it is illegal for any person to work in the UAE without a valid work permit.

Landing his first job in the UAE filled him with joy, but things eventually got complicated.

In this video, Samuel tells us how his company deducted a monthly fee from his salary for his visa and work permit, which is considered a violation of the labour law.

How did he deal… pic.twitter.com/kadjUX0vq1

— وزارة الموارد البشرية والتوطين (@MOHRE_UAE) January 11, 2024

Work permits are distinct from residence visas, though they are often processed together. While a work permit allows you to legally work, a residence visa allows you to live in the UAE. Both are typically required for expatriate workers.

Types of Work Permits in the UAE

The UAE offers 12 different types of work permits to accommodate various employment scenarios. Each type is designed for specific employment situations and comes with its own set of requirements and benefits.

1. Work Permit for Recruiting Workers from Outside the UAE

This is the standard permit for bringing in foreign workers who are currently residing outside the UAE. The employer applies for this permit to officially sponsor an employee’s entry into the country (read detail article).

Key features:

• Allows establishments to bring workers from abroad
• Requires the employer to complete all hiring procedures including visa, medical testing, and Emirates ID
• Employer bears all associated costs

2. Transfer Work Permit

This permit facilitates the transfer of an expatriate worker from one UAE-registered establishment to another without the need to leave the country.

Key features:

• Allows seamless job transitions within the UAE
• Preserves the employee’s legal status
• Streamlines the hiring process for employers

3. Family-Sponsored Work Permit

For those who are in the UAE under family sponsorship (such as spouses or dependents), this permit allows them to work legally without changing their residence visa status.

Key features:

• Allows family-sponsored residents to work legally
• Employer does not need to sponsor the visa
• Maintains the original family sponsorship

4. Temporary Work Permit

This permit is for short-term employment lasting up to six months, suitable for specific projects or seasonal work.

Key features:

• Valid for up to six months
• Designed for temporary roles or projects
• Simpler application process than full work permits

5. One-Mission Permit

This is issued for workers coming from abroad to complete a specific project or mission within a fixed timeframe.

Key features:

• Project-specific authorization
• Defined time period
• Suitable for specialized consultants or experts

6. Part-Time Work Permit

This permit allows employees to work under a part-time contract with reduced working hours compared to full-time positions. It enables legally working for multiple employers simultaneously.

Key features:

• Minimum 20 working hours weekly
• Allows working for multiple employers
• No approval needed from original employer

7. Juvenile Work Permit

Specifically designed for young workers aged 15-18 years, this permit comes with additional protections and restrictions.

Key features:

• Maximum six working hours per day
• Requires parental/guardian consent
• Prohibits hazardous or difficult work

8. Student Training and Employment Permit

This permit allows students aged 15 and above to gain work experience through training or employment while studying.

Key features:

• Designed for educational purposes
• Valid for three months for training
• Requires parental/guardian consent for minors

9. UAE and GCC National Permit

This permit is specifically for employers hiring UAE or Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals.

Key features:

• Streamlined process for hiring nationals
• Part of Emiratization initiatives
• Different fee structure than foreign worker permits

10. Golden Visa Work Permit

For Golden Visa holders who wish to work in the UAE private sector, this special permit acknowledges their privileged residence status.

Key features:

• Specific to Golden Visa holders
• Applies when taking employment with UAE companies
• Maintains the benefits of Golden Visa status

11. National Trainee Permit

This permit is for establishments that wish to train UAE nationals according to their academic qualifications.

Key features:

• Supports Emiratization and national skills development
• Based on academic qualifications
• Focuses on professional development

12. Freelance Permit

This permit allows individuals to work independently without employer sponsorship, offering flexibility for self-employed professionals.

Key features:

• Self-sponsorship option
• No employment contract required
• Available for specific professional categories

13. Private Teacher Work Permit

Introduced more recently, this permit allows qualified individuals to offer private tuition lessons.

Key features:

• Free of charge
• Valid for two years
• Available to teachers, employees, students, and unemployed individuals

Eligibility Requirements

General eligibility requirements for obtaining a UAE work permit include:

• Age requirement: Applicants must be at least 18 years old (except for juvenile permits)
• Educational qualifications: Minimum high school diploma for most positions
• Employer requirements: The employer must have:
  • A valid operating license
  • No outstanding violations
  • Available electronic quota for hiring
  • Business activities that match the employee’s role

For specialized professions, additional qualifications and licenses may be required. Workers above 65 years require an additional fee payment by the employer.

How to Obtain a Work Permit from Outside the UAE

The process of obtaining a UAE work permit from outside the country involves several key steps:

Step 1: Secure a Job Offer

First, you need a formal job offer from a UAE-based employer. The employer initiates the work permit process on your behalf.

Step 2: Four Simple Steps Process

According to MOHRE, the process involves four main steps:

1. Employer Login: The employer logs in using their UAE Pass (Digital ID)
2. Application Submission: The employer submits the application through official service channels
3. Application Review: MOHRE electronically reviews the application to verify requirements and documentation
4. Approval and Payment: Upon approval, the employer pays the required fees and guarantees

Step 3: Document Submission

The employer must submit:

• A clear colored photo with white background
• Valid passport copy (minimum six months validity)
• Signed official job offer form
• Educational certificates (authenticated for skilled positions)
• Professional licenses (if applicable)
• National ID card (for certain nationalities)

Step 4: Entry Permit Issuance

Once approved, an entry permit (pink visa) is issued, allowing the worker to legally enter the UAE. This permit is typically valid for 60 days.

Step 5: Post-Arrival Procedures

After entering the UAE, the worker must:

• Apply for an Emirates ID
• Complete a medical examination
• Finalize the work permit and residence visa process

Work Permit Application Process

The detailed work permit application process involves several stages:

Stage 1: Entry Visa Process

1. Quota Approval: Employers, especially in free zones, must first secure visa quota approval
2. Employment Contract: A signed employment contract must be submitted and approved
3. Work Visa Application: The employer submits the work visa application to MOHRE
4. Entry Visa Issuance: Upon approval, an employment entry visa is issued

Stage 2: Emirates ID Application

The worker must visit an Emirates Identity Authority center to provide biometrics and apply for an Emirates ID.

Stage 3: Work and Residence Visa Finalization

1. Medical Examination: Worker completes a mandatory health screening
2. Labor Contract: Employer uploads the labor contract to MOHRE within 14 days
3. Health Insurance: The worker must have valid health insurance coverage
4. Work Visa Issuance: Official work visa is issued, allowing legal employment
5. Residence Visa: A residence visa is issued, valid for 2-3 years

Required Documents

For the Employer:

• Valid trade license
• Company card
• Establishment labor card
• Authorization for the signatory

For the Employee:

• Clear colored personal photo with white background
• Valid passport with at least six months validity
• Signed job offer form
• Educational certificates (authenticated for skilled positions):
  • Skill Level 1 & 2: University degree
  • Skill Level 3 & 4: Diploma or higher
  • Skill Level 5: High school diploma
  • Skill Levels 6-9: Certificate not required
• Professional licenses (where applicable)
• National ID for specific nationalities (Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran)

Costs and Fees

Work permit costs vary based on:

1. Company Classification: Companies are classified as A, B, or C based on their compliance with UAE labor laws and Emiratization efforts
2. Permit Type: Different permits have varying fee structures
3. Worker’s Skill Level: Higher-skilled workers may have different fee structures

Fees typically range from AED 250 to AED 3,450, covering:

• Application fees
• Issue/renewal fees
• Bank guarantee or insurance
• Medical examination costs

Note: As per the UAE Labor Law, employers are responsible for all costs related to work permits and cannot pass these expenses to employees.

Work Permit Validity and Renewal

Most standard work permits are valid for 2-3 years, while specialized permits like the Green Visa (5 years) and Golden Visa (10 years) offer longer durations.

Renewal Process

The renewal process should begin at least 30 days before expiration and follows similar steps to the initial application:

1. Employer submits renewal request
2. Worker completes a new medical examination
3. Updated documents are provided if necessary
4. Fees are paid
5. New permit and visa are issued

Permit Cancellation

When employment terminates, the employer must:

1. Cancel the work permit
2. Acknowledge payment of all employee entitlements
3. Obtain the worker’s signature on the cancellation form
4. Submit the cancellation request to MOHRE

Read this article for detail – Click here

Special Categories and Exemptions

Golden and Green Visa Holders

Golden and Green Visa holders enjoy special privileges, including:

• Longer visa validity (5-10 years)
• Self-sponsorship options
• Ability to sponsor family members
• Extended grace periods

Freelancers and Self-Employed Individuals

The Freelance Permit offers unique benefits:

• Independence from employer sponsorship
• Freedom to work with multiple clients
• Self-sponsorship of residence visa
• Available across mainland UAE and free zones

Remote Work Visa

For digital nomads, the Remote Work Visa allows living in the UAE while working for overseas employers:

• Minimum monthly income requirement of $3,500
• Valid health insurance covering the UAE
• Proof of employment with a company outside the UAE

Recent Updates and Changes

The Work Bundle Initiative

Launched recently, this initiative aims to streamline the work permit process by:

• Reducing bureaucracy
• Simplifying procedures
• Eliminating unnecessary documents
• Enhancing digital application platforms

Private Teacher Work Permit

MOHRE introduced this free permit for qualified professionals to offer private tuition, valid for two years.

Suspension of New Work Permits for Violating Firms

As per Ministerial Resolution No. 543 of 2022, firms may have work permits suspended for violations including:

• Breaches of service fees regulations
• Failure to provide appropriate labor accommodations
• Human trafficking allegations
• Abuse of MOHRE system privileges

Frequently Asked Questions – UAE Work Permits

Conclusion

Navigating the UAE work permit process requires understanding the various types available and following the correct procedures. Whether you’re an employer looking to hire foreign talent or an individual seeking employment opportunities in the UAE, compliance with MOHRE regulations is essential for a smooth experience.

For the most up-to-date information, always consult with MOHRE or a licensed UAE legal professional, as regulations and fees may change over time.

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Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, regulations regarding UAE work permits may change. Always consult with MOHRE or a qualified legal professional for the most current guidance.