Highlights: Navigating UAE Employment: Overview of 13 Official Work Permit Types
- The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) now offers 13 types of work permits for diverse employment categories.
- The Work Bundle, a new digital platform, reduces hiring steps from 15 to 5 and cuts processing time from 30 to just 5 working days.
- Permits cover options for full-time, freelance, part-time, student, and project-based employment.
- Employers must meet conditions like valid trade licences, age criteria, and activity alignment to obtain permits.
- Violations such as false documentation or non-compliance can lead to permit suspension or cancellation.
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Working in the UAE Made Simple: Explore These 13 Work Permit Types
Whether you’re a full-time employee, freelancer, or trainee, the UAE has a dedicated work permit tailored to your employment type. These permits are issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) and regulate legal employment across the private sector and free zones.
Here’s a breakdown of the 13 official work permits, who they’re for, and how long they are typically valid:
|
Permit Type
|
Who It’s For / Purpose
|
Validity
|
|
Recruitment from Outside UAE
|
Hiring workers from overseas
|
2 years
|
|
Transfer Permit
|
For employees shifting to another UAE-based employer
|
2 years
|
|
Family Sponsorship Permit
|
Allows residents on family sponsorship to take up employment
|
2 years
|
|
Temporary Work Permit
|
Short-term assignment with another company
|
Short-term
|
|
Mission Work Permit
|
Project-based work for foreign nationals
|
Project duration
|
|
Part-Time Work Permit
|
For those working limited hours or for multiple employers
|
As per contract
|
|
Juvenile Work Permit
|
For youth aged 15–18 under regulated conditions
|
1 year
|
|
Student Training & Employment Permit
|
For students aged 15+ in internships or training roles
|
3 months
|
|
UAE/GCC National Work Permit
|
For hiring UAE or GCC nationals in private sector roles
|
2 years
|
|
Golden Visa Holder Work Permit
|
For Golden Visa residents working for UAE companies
|
2 years
|
|
National Trainee Work Permit
|
For training UAE citizens in line with qualifications
|
12 months, renewable
|
|
Freelance Work Permit
|
For self-employed professionals without employer sponsorship
|
Varies
|
|
Private Teacher Work Permit
|
For qualified private tutors
|
2 years (free of charge)
|
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UAE Work Permits: Conditions, Renewals, and Compliance Guidelines
To ensure regulatory compliance and uphold labour standards, the UAE has established specific conditions for the issuance, renewal, and cancellation of work permits under the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).
Issuance Requirements:
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old, except for student or juvenile permits.
- The job role must align with the employer’s licensed business activity.
- Employers must hold a valid trade licence and comply with UAE labour laws.
- Regulated professions require the necessary qualifications.
- An authorised company representative must submit the application.
- Permits may be denied or revoked in cases involving false documentation, inactivity, or violations of systems such as the Wages Protection System.
Renewals and Cancellations:
- Work permits can be renewed under the same conditions as initial issuance.
- Fees range from AED 250 to AED 3,450, depending on the employer’s compliance classification (Category A, B, or C).
- Cancellations require formal employer requests, complete documentation, and confirmation that all dues have been paid to the employee.
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