UAE work permits : types, conditions and procedures (MoHRE)

In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) issues work permits to companies registered with it, depending on the nature of the job. This guide sets out the permit requirement, available types, the Work Bundle, issuance/renewal/cancellation conditions and indicative fees.

Legal requirement

Under Article 6 of the Labour Law (Federal DecreeLaw No. 33/2021), it is illegal to employ a person without a valid MoHRE work permit. Employers may not recruit or employ any worker without a permit issued in accordance with MoHRE procedures.

Work Bundle : integrated gateway

The Work Bundle (workinuae.ae) streamlines onboarding: it consolidates platforms/services (work permits, residency visas, medicals, biometrics for the Emirates ID). It reduces steps, documents, visits and timelines (from ~30 working days to ~5 working days).

Types of permits

MoHRE lists 13 categories, including :

• Recruiting from outside the UAE (2 years);
• Transfer of a non UAE worker between establishments (2 years);
• Resident on family sponsorship (2 years);
• Temporary; Mission (time bound project);
• Part time (multiple employers with approval);
• Juvenile (15–18) (1 year); Student training/employment (3 months);
• UAE/GCC national (2 years); Golden Visa holder (2 years);
• National trainee (12 months);
• Freelance (independent work without a sponsor);
• Private teacher (2 years, free).

Issuance conditions

• Worker must be at least 18 (except juvenile/student permits);
• Role must align with the company’s licensed activity (valid licence, no violations);
• Compliance with professional requirements (regulated professions);
• Compliance with professional requirements (regulated professions);

Permits may be refused/cancelled where documents are incorrect, the establishment is fictitious/inactive, or where it breaches systems (e.g., Wages Protection System).

Renewal and cancellation

• Renewal : the same conditions as issuance (documents, qualifications, fees per establishment class A/B/C).
• Cancellation : formal request, settlement of fines (late issuance/renewal), confirmation that all dues have been paid to the worker.

Fees and sanctions

Issuance/renewal ranges from AED 250 to AED 3,450, depending on the company’s classification (A/B/C) and compliance history (labour law, WPS, demographic policy). Suspensions (denial of new permits) apply for serious violations (inadequate accommodation, fraud, human trafficking, system abuse), with durations set by ministerial resolution.

The MoHRE framework structures private sector employment around targeted permits (international/local recruitment, mission, part time, freelance), under compliance oversight (WPS, classification). Using the Work Bundle and submitting coherent files (valid licence, up-to-date documentation, role requirements) enables companies to secure hires within expected timelines.

Our lawyers, who are experts in immigration law, are available to answer all your questions and provide advice. We offer face-to-face meetings or videoconferencing. You can make an appointment directly online at https://www.agn-avocats.fr/.

AGN AVOCATS – Immigration Law
contact@agn-avocats.fr
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