UAE Work Permit Types Explained: Which One Does Your Employee Need? (2026)
A complete breakdown of all 13 MOHRE work permit types — who each is designed for, validity periods, fees by company classification, the step-by-step application process, and what happens at renewal and cancellation.
Work Permit ≠ Residence Visa
A work permit is the MOHRE labour approval that must come first. The residence visa, medical fitness test, and Emirates ID follow after. Both are required for legal employment in the UAE.
In This Guide
What Is a UAE Work Permit?
A UAE work permit is an official authorisation issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) that allows a foreign national to legally work for a registered employer in the UAE.
Under Article 6 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 (the UAE Labour Law), it is illegal for any person to work in the UAE without a valid MOHRE work permit. Equally, employers may not recruit or employ any worker without one.
Who Issues Work Permits?
MOHRE issues work permits exclusively to establishments registered with the Ministry. Your company must have all of the following in good standing:
If your company has WPS violations or is classified as non-compliant, MOHRE can refuse to issue or renew work permits until compliance is fully restored.
All 13 UAE Work Permit Types (2026)
MOHRE currently recognises 13 distinct work permit categories. Each serves a specific employment scenario — choosing the wrong type is a common cause of application delays.
Work Permit to Recruit from Outside the UAE
The most common permit type. Issued when an employer wants to bring in a foreign national currently outside the UAE.
- Employee must enter on a 60-day entry permit (counted from issue date, not arrival)
- Medical fitness test and Emirates ID required after entry
- Employer bears 100% of costs by law
Work Permit to Transfer Between Establishments
Issued when a non-UAE worker transfers from one MOHRE-registered company to another inside the UAE. No need to exit the country.
- Requires approval from both current and new employer
- Previous employer must have no outstanding labour disputes with the employee
- Work permit and residence visa are updated to reflect the new sponsor
Work Permit for a Resident on Family Sponsorship
Allows UAE residents living on a family (sponsored) residency visa to take up employment without changing their visa type.
- Requires a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the family sponsor
- Employee can work for one employer without changing residency status
Temporary Work Permit
Issued for employees hired to complete a specific job within a defined period. Suited for seasonal workers, temporary roles, or staff on unpaid leave from another employer.
- Applicant must be 18+ with a valid UAE residence visa (minimum 6 months remaining)
- NOC from primary sponsor required
- Processing: typically 3–5 working days
- Cost: AED 400 – AED 4,300 depending on MOHRE company classification
One-Mission Work Permit
Issued to a worker recruited from outside the UAE to complete a temporary job or specific project. The worker returns home upon completion.
- Suitable for consultants, technical specialists, and event crews
- No intention of long-term UAE residency required
Part-Time Work Permit
Allows skilled professionals to work for more than one employer simultaneously. Working hours must be fewer than 8 hours/day per employer.
- Valid for university degree holders or technical diploma graduates (2–3 year programmes)
- NOC from primary employer required (for work visa holders)
- Application submitted by the secondary employer
- Cost: AED 100 (processing) + AED 500 (approval fee)
Juvenile Work Permit
Allows establishments to hire young workers within strict legal controls to ensure an appropriate working environment.
- Cannot work in hazardous roles or night shifts
- Strict MOHRE conditions apply to protect the worker
Student Training / Employment Permit
Issued to UAE students aged 15+ enrolled in educational institutions who wish to work or train part-time with a private sector employer.
- Linked to the student's active enrolment status
- Suitable for internship programmes and vocational training
UAE / GCC National Work Permit
Issued to UAE nationals and citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council member states employed in MOHRE-registered private sector establishments.
- Supports Emiratisation targets for qualifying companies
- Different fee structure from standard expatriate work permits
Golden Visa Holder Work Permit
Allows Golden Visa holders to work in the private sector under their long-term residency, without requiring standard employer residency sponsorship.
- Self-sponsored residency remains unaffected
- Employer still applies for the work permit through MOHRE
National Trainee Work Permit
Issued specifically to UAE nationals participating in approved training and Emiratisation programmes within private sector companies.
- Tied to the company's Emiratisation and NAFIS programme commitments
Private Teacher Work Permit
Allows teachers registered in government or private schools, and eligible individuals, to legally offer private tuition. Introduced under Ministerial Resolution No. 710 of 2023.
- Issued free of charge
- Applications via MOHRE app, website, or digital channels
- Individuals offering private tutoring without this permit face fines
Freelance / Self-Employment Work Permit
Allows skilled professionals to work independently without being tied to a single employer, typically issued through free zones or the MOHRE freelance permit framework.
- Suitable for media, technology, consulting, and creative industries
- Benefits and protections differ from standard employment contracts
Work Permit Fees: MOHRE Company Classification
MOHRE classifies companies into Category A, B, or C based on WPS compliance, Emiratisation performance, workforce diversity, and overall labour law adherence. This classification directly determines work permit fees:
| Category | Compliance Level | Work Permit Fee Range |
|---|---|---|
| Category A | Most compliant | AED 250 – AED 1,150 |
| Category B | Average compliance | AED 500 – AED 2,300 |
| Category C | Least compliant | AED 750 – AED 3,450 |
Total cost of hiring including entry permit, medical, and Emirates ID: approximately AED 3,000 – AED 7,000 per employee for a standard 2-year work permit.
By law, the employer must pay 100% of all work permit and visa costs. Any employer who asks the employee to pay is in violation of UAE Labour Law — report it to MOHRE at 800 60.
The Work Permit Process: Step by Step
Fast-track option: MOHRE offers expedited processing for an additional AED 500 – AED 1,000, reducing the MOHRE approval timeline to 5–7 working days.
Renewal & Cancellation Rules
Renewal
- Initiate renewal at least 30 days before expiry
- Late renewal fine: AED 50 per day
- Same fees apply as initial issuance based on company category
Cancellation
- Must be cancelled within 30 days of employee's last working day
- Late cancellation fines: AED 5,000 – AED 10,000 and potential blocklisting
- Residence visa must also be cancelled through GDRFA
When Can MOHRE Refuse or Cancel a Work Permit?
MOHRE may refuse, suspend, or cancel work permits if the employer:
Frequently Asked Questions — UAE Work Permits
Can an employee work for two companies at the same time?
Yes — but only with a Part-Time Work Permit (Type 6). Working for a second employer without this permit is illegal and can result in visa cancellation for the employee and fines for both employers.
How long does it take to get a work permit in Dubai?
For compliant employers with complete documents: 2–5 working days for MOHRE approval. The full process including visa stamping and Emirates ID takes 4–6 weeks on average.
Can I apply for a work permit if I'm already inside the UAE on a visit visa?
Yes — since 2023, employees can convert a visit visa to employment residency inside the UAE without exiting, provided an approved employer applies for a change of status through MOHRE/GDRFA.
What happens if an employee works without a permit?
Both the employer and employee face penalties. Employers can be fined, banned from issuing new work permits, and have their licence suspended. Employees risk visa cancellation and deportation.
Who applies for the work permit — employer or employee?
The employer always applies. The employee provides their documents (passport copy, qualifications, photo), but the application is submitted and paid for by the employer.
Can an employer ask the employee to pay for their work permit?
No. By law, the employer must pay 100% of all work permit and visa costs. Any employer who passes these costs to the employee is in violation of UAE Labour Law and should be reported to MOHRE at 800 60.
What is the penalty for not cancelling a work permit on time?
Work permits must be cancelled within 30 days of the employee's last working day. Failure to cancel on time can result in fines of AED 5,000–AED 10,000 and potential blocklisting of the company.
Key Numbers to Remember
- 13 — total MOHRE work permit types
- 2–5 working days — MOHRE approval for compliant employers
- 60 days — validity of entry permit from issue date
- 60 days — window to register employment contract with MOHRE after hire
- 30 days — initiate renewal before expiry to avoid fines
- AED 50/day — late renewal fine
- AED 5,000–10,000 — fine for late cancellation
- 100% — employer must pay all permit and visa costs (employee cannot be charged)
This guide is for informational purposes only, based on UAE Labour Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021) and MOHRE regulations as of May 2026. Fees and procedures are subject to change — always verify current figures at mohre.gov.ae or contact a registered Tasheel centre. Oasis Typing is a private administrative centre and is not affiliated with any UAE government authority.
Need Help Processing a Work Permit in Dubai?
Oasis Typing is an accredited Tasheel centre handling MOHRE work permit applications for businesses of all sizes — new applications across all 13 types, renewals, cancellations, employment contract registration, and labour card processing.