Whether you’re a fresh graduate, an experienced professional, or a student hunting for a first job, you need the right work permit to work legally in the UAE. In the private sector, these permits come from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
The UAE Labour Law, Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021, and its rules brought in several permit types. They let companies hire talent from inside or outside the country, and they give job seekers more flexible options, from freelance work to short contracts.
One important point: apart from the freelance permit, which you can apply for yourself, the hiring company usually has to request the permit. Here are all 13.
1. Work Permit for Recruiting From Outside the UAE
This lets a registered company hire a worker from abroad. If you’re moving to the UAE for a job, your employer applies for this one.
The employer also handles the rest of the process, including your residence visa, medical test, Emirates ID, labour card, and the visa stamp in your passport within 60 days of arrival. The employer pays for all of it. A company that skips the work permit can face a fine of Dh50,000 to Dh200,000.
2. Transfer Work Permit
You’ll need this when you move from one job to another inside the UAE. It transfers an expatriate worker to or from a company registered with MOHRE.
3. Work Permit Under a Relative’s Residence
If your residence visa is sponsored by a family member, this is the permit for you. The employer only applies for the work permit and doesn’t sponsor your visa.
4. Temporary Work Permit
This lets a company hire a worker already living in the UAE for a short job. The work can last up to six months.
5. One Mission Permit
MOHRE says this is for a registered company that wants to bring in a worker from abroad for temporary work or one specific project over a set period.
6. Part-Time Work Permit
With this permit, you can work under a part-time contract. You may also work for more than one employer without your first employer’s approval, as long as the hours meet the rule listed by MOHRE. The source puts that at no less than 20 hours a week.
7. Juvenile Work Permit
This allows people aged 15 to 18 to work at a registered company. The teen needs written consent from a parent or guardian.
The law also adds protections. Juveniles can work a maximum of six hours a day, which is less than adults, and they can’t be given hazardous or hard work.
8. Student Training and Employment Permit
A UAE resident aged 15 or older can train or work at a registered company under this permit. It’s meant for students who want private sector training, and the training permit lasts three months. As with the juvenile permit, written consent from a parent or guardian is needed.
9. UAE and GCC National Permit
This allows a registered company to hire citizens of the UAE or other Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
10. Golden Visa Work Permit
Having a golden visa doesn’t mean you can skip a work permit. If you work for a UAE company, you still need one. MOHRE began issuing these specific permits on July 1, 2021.
It covers three cases. First, a golden visa holder who wasn’t working when they got the visa but now wants a job. Second, a current employer renewing the permit and contract after it expires. Third, a golden visa holder who joins a new employer.
11. National Trainee Permit
Companies registered with MOHRE can use this to train Emiratis according to their academic qualifications.
12. Freelance Permit
This is the one you can apply for on your own. MOHRE issues it to people who want to work independently, with no sponsorship from one employer and no job contract required.
13. Private Teacher Work Permit
This allows qualified people to offer private tuition. It’s free to apply for through the MOHRE website. The list of people who can apply includes teachers in government or private schools, government and private sector employees, unemployed individuals, school students aged 15 to 18 and university students.
Which Permit Should You Look For?
If you’re coming from abroad for a job, your employer should apply for the first permit on the list. If you’re switching jobs inside the country, it’s the transfer permit. If you’re a student, the training permit or juvenile permit may apply, depending on your age.
And if you’d like to work for yourself, the freelance permit is the one that lets you apply directly. Before you sign a contract, ask your employer which permit they’re applying for. It’s a simple question, and it can help you avoid problems later.
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With 13 permit types, the UAE offers options for almost every kind of worker, from full-time employees to freelancers, teachers, and students. The key is knowing which one fits your situation, and who is responsible for applying. When in doubt, check directly with MOHRE before you start.