UAE Work Permits : types, eligibility, procedures and costs

A valid work permit is mandatory for any private sector employment in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Under the UAE Labour Law, individuals cannot work without a permit issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), and employers may not hire or engage workers without obtaining the appropriate permit. This practical guide explains the main permit categories, the eligibility conditions, how to apply, renew or cancel, as well as the applicable fees and sanctions.

Legal framework and key principle

The core rules stem from Federal DecreeLaw No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Employment Relationships and its implementing regulations. Working without a valid permit is prohibited. Several Cabinet Resolutions and Ministerial Decisions specify operational details (service fees, establishment classification, grounds for suspension, and contract/job offer templates).

Streamlined onboarding through the Work Bundle

The Work Bundle is an integrated platform that consolidates multiple procedures into a single journey: work permits, residence visas, medical tests and biometrics for Emirates ID. It reduces required documents, in-person visits and processing time, which can drop from around 30 working days to about 5 working days when dossiers are complete and the employer is compliant.

Main types of work permits

MoHRE offers a range of permits tailored to business needs and worker profiles. The most common include :

1. Permit to recruit a worker from outside the UAE (typically valid for 2 years).
2. Permit to transfer a nonUAE worker from one establishment to another (2 years).
3. Permit for residents under family sponsorship (employment from within the UAE).
4. Temporary work permit (time-limited assignment at another entity).
5. Mission work permit (bring in a worker from abroad for a specific project/task).
6. Part-time work permit (allows multiple employers, subject to MoHRE approval).
7. Juvenile work permit (ages 15–18, with protective conditions).
8. Student training and employment permit (from age 15, with safeguards).
9. UAE/GCC national work permit.
10. Golden Visa holder work permit.
11. National trainee work permit (training UAE citizens, renewable up to 12 months).
12. Freelance work permit (self sponsored professionals working independently).
13. Private teacher work permit (see focus below).

Each permit has its own purpose, duration and documentation, and must match the employer’s licensed business activity.

Focus : the private teacher work permit

This permit authorises qualified individuals to provide private lessons to students. It is available to teachers in government or private schools, employees, jobseekers, and students (15–18 and tertiary). The permit is issued free of charge for two years. Offering private tuition without a permit exposes individuals to fines and penalties. Applications are made through MoHRE’s digital channels.

Conditions for issuing a permit

Typical MoHRE checks include :

• Minimum age of 18 (except for specific juvenile/student regimes).
• Alignment between the job title and the establishment’s licensed activity.
• Valid trade licence with no unresolved violations.
• Compliance with licensing/qualification requirements for regulated professions.
• Application submitted by a duly authorised company representative.

MoHRE may refuse, decline to renew, or cancel a permit if documents are inaccurate, the establishment is fictitious or inactive, or the employer is noncompliant with the Wages Protection System (WPS) or other labour market controls.

Applying, renewing and cancelling

Initial application

File applications via MoHRE eservices or through the Work Bundle. Provide worker identity and qualification records, establishment documents and pay the prescribed fees. Medical tests and residence/Emirates ID formalities typically run in parallel.

Renewal

Renewals require that issuance conditions remain satisfied and that all certificates/qualifications are current. Fees vary by permit type and the establishment’s classification. Start early to avoid gaps in validity.

Cancellation

Submit a formal cancellation request, complete all data and attachments, clear any outstanding fines for late issuance or non-renewal, and confirm that the worker has received all due entitlements. Regulations also list limited situations in which an employer is not deemed late in issuance/renewal.

Fees and establishment classification

Issuance and renewal fees generally range from AED 250 to AED 3,450 depending on the establishment category (A, B or C). The category reflects compliance with labour law, WPS, MoHRE resolutions and the policy of promoting cultural and demographic diversity. Noncompliant companies are likely to fall into category C and face higher costs.

Sanctions: suspension of new permits

New permits may be denied where an employer commits certain violations, including administrative offences with fines, failure to provide compliant accommodation under occupational health and safety rules, allegations of human trafficking, or abuse of access to MoHRE systems. Regulations specify suspension durations and the steps required to regularise status.

Practical implications and compliance tips

For employers, document governance (valid licence, accurate offers and contracts), alignment of job roles with licensed activities, WPS compliance and early renewals reduce the risk of suspensions, fines and operational bottlenecks. For workers, securing the correct permit (e.g., part-time, transfer, freelance) protects employment status, social entitlements and mobility between employers. In complex cases, legal support can help select the right permit and avoid avoidable delays and costs.

Work permits are the foundation of lawful employment in the UAE. The breadth of permit options, from part-time and mission permits to transfers, freelance and private tutoring, allows flexible hiring aligned with business needs, provided procedures and timelines are observed. When in doubt, obtain tailored advice to ensure compliance, cost control and timely onboarding.

Our lawyers, who are experts in labour 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 – Labour Law
contact@agn-avocats.fr
09 72 34 24 72