Explore the 13 Types of UAE Work Permits and Their Eligibility Requirements for Jobseekers.
Dubai: Whether you are a recent graduate entering the workforce, an experienced professional seeking new opportunities or a student planning to take up your first job, obtaining the appropriate work permit is a key requirement for legal employment in the UAE.
For private sector employment, work permits are issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
The UAE Labour Law, Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, and its executive regulations provide for different categories of work permits designed to meet the requirements of employers and employees.
These permits enable businesses to recruit workers from within the UAE and overseas, while providing jobseekers with various employment arrangements, including temporary assignments, part-time jobs and freelance opportunities.
Who applies for a UAE work permit?
With the exception of freelance permits, which eligible individuals can apply for themselves, applications for other work permit categories must be submitted by the employer or establishment recruiting the worker.
Here is a guide to the different work permit categories and their eligibility requirements.
1. Work permit for recruiting employees from outside the UAE
This permit enables establishments registered with MOHRE to recruit employees from overseas.
If you have secured employment with a UAE-based company while living abroad, your prospective employer must apply for this category of work permit.
Under UAE Labour Law, employers are responsible for completing the necessary employment and residency procedures for workers recruited from outside the country.
These include arranging the employee’s residence visa, medical fitness examination, Emirates ID and labour card, as well as completing the relevant residency formalities within 60 days of arrival.
The employer must bear the associated recruitment and employment processing costs.
Companies that employ workers without obtaining the required work permit may face fines ranging from Dh50,000 to Dh200,000.
2. Transfer work permit
A transfer work permit allows an expatriate employee to move between establishments registered with MOHRE.
This permit is generally required when a worker changes employers within the UAE and the new company needs to complete the necessary employment authorisation procedures.
The hiring establishment is responsible for submitting the application.
3. Work permit for residents sponsored by family members
Individuals whose UAE residence visas are sponsored by relatives can also legally work in the private sector.
Under this category, the employer applies for a work permit without having to sponsor the employee’s residence visa.
This arrangement is relevant to residents who already hold valid family-sponsored residency and wish to take up employment with a registered company.
4. Temporary work permit
A temporary work permit enables an employer to recruit a worker already residing in the UAE for a specific assignment or limited period.
According to MOHRE, the permit allows employment for a duration not exceeding six months.
It provides an option for companies requiring additional staff for short-term assignments or temporary operational needs.
5. One-mission work permit
The one-mission permit is intended for establishments seeking to recruit an employee from outside the UAE for a temporary assignment or a particular project.
MOHRE issues this permit to registered businesses that need overseas workers to complete specific tasks within a defined period.
This category is particularly relevant when employment is linked to a particular project rather than an ongoing position.
6. Part-time work permit
A part-time work permit allows employees to work under a part-time employment contract.
It also enables eligible workers to take up employment with more than one company without obtaining approval from their original employer, subject to the applicable requirements.
Under the conditions outlined, the working arrangement must involve at least 20 hours per week.
This permit offers flexibility to employees seeking additional employment opportunities and businesses requiring part-time staff.
7. Juvenile work permit
The juvenile work permit allows young people aged between 15 and 18 to work legally at establishments registered with MOHRE.
Teenagers seeking employment in the UAE private sector must obtain written permission from a parent or legal guardian.
Employers must also comply with special protections established under UAE Labour Law for young workers.
These include limiting working hours to a maximum of six hours per day and prohibiting juveniles from performing hazardous or physically demanding work.
Additional conditions apply to ensure that employment does not compromise the safety and well-being of younger workers.
For more information about the rules governing the employment of teenagers under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, read the detailed guide here.
8. Student training and employment permit
Students residing in the UAE who are aged 15 or older may undertake training or employment with establishments registered with MOHRE.
According to the UAE Government’s official portal, u.ae, this permit is designed to allow students to participate in private sector training programmes.
The student training permit is valid for three months.
Where the applicant is a juvenile, written consent from a parent or legal guardian is required before the training or employment arrangement can proceed.
This category provides students with an opportunity to gain workplace experience and develop practical skills while continuing their education.
9. Work permit for UAE and GCC nationals
This permit allows private sector establishments registered with MOHRE to recruit citizens of the UAE and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
Employers seeking to hire eligible UAE or GCC nationals must apply for the appropriate permit through the ministry.
The category facilitates the legal employment of Gulf nationals within UAE private sector organisations.
10. Golden Visa work permit
Holding a UAE Golden Visa does not automatically authorise an individual to work for a company in the country. Golden Visa holders who wish to take up employment with a UAE-based establishment must obtain the appropriate work permit.
On July 1, 2021, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) announced the introduction of dedicated work permits for Golden Visa holders.
According to the ministry, these permits are issued in three circumstances.
The first applies to individuals who were unemployed when they received their Golden Visa and subsequently decide to accept a job with a UAE employer.
The second covers Golden Visa holders whose existing employer wishes to renew their employment contract and work permit after the previous permit expires.
The third applies when a Golden Visa holder changes jobs and joins a different employer.
The permit enables eligible Golden Visa holders to undertake employment while retaining their long-term residency status.
11. National trainee permit
The national trainee permit is designed for establishments registered with MOHRE that wish to provide professional training opportunities to Emirati citizens.
Under this category, companies can recruit UAE nationals for training programmes that correspond to their educational qualifications.
The permit supports the development of practical workplace skills and provides Emirati trainees with opportunities to gain professional experience relevant to their academic backgrounds.
12. Freelance work permit
Individuals who want to work independently in the UAE can apply for a freelance work permit.
Unlike most other work permit categories, which require an employer to submit the application, eligible individuals can apply for this permit themselves.
According to MOHRE, the freelance permit is intended for people who wish to engage in self-employment without being sponsored by a specific employer or holding a conventional employment contract.
This arrangement provides an option for professionals who prefer to offer their services independently rather than work exclusively for one company.
13. Private teacher work permit
The private teacher work permit allows eligible individuals to provide private tuition legally in the UAE.
Applications can be submitted free of charge through the official MOHRE website at mohre.gov.ae.
The permit is available to several categories of applicants, including:
- Registered schoolteachers: Educators working in government or private schools.
- Government and private sector employees: Individuals who wish to offer private tutoring alongside their existing employment.
- Unemployed individuals: Eligible applicants who are not currently employed.
- School students: Students aged between 15 and 18 who meet the applicable requirements.
- University students: Eligible university students interested in providing private lessons.
Applicants must meet the relevant eligibility conditions and complete the required application procedures before offering private tuition.
For detailed instructions on submitting an application, along with the eligibility requirements and supporting documents needed to obtain a private teacher work permit in the UAE, read the step-by-step guide here.
