Under the UAE Labour Law, nobody may work for a private-sector company in the UAE without a valid work permit, and employers may not hire anyone until one has been issued. On the mainland, work permits come from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). The right permit depends on where the worker is now and how they will work: full-time, part-time, temporary or on a short project.
This guide covers the main MOHRE work permit types, the official fees, the documents needed to hire from overseas, and the steps to get a permit issued.
Do you need a work permit?
Yes. Article 6 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 makes it illegal to work in the UAE without a valid work permit, and employers may not recruit or employ a worker until MOHRE has issued one. This applies to mainland companies registered with MOHRE. Free zone companies follow their own free zone authority’s rules.
Important: hiring someone without a valid permit, even “on trial”, is a serious violation for the company. Always get the permit first.
The main MOHRE work permit types
| Permit | Used for |
|---|---|
| Recruitment (new work permit from overseas) | Hiring a worker from outside the UAE |
| Transfer | Hiring a worker already in the UAE whose previous job has ended |
| Family sponsorship | Employing a resident who is on a family (dependent) visa |
| Temporary | Using a worker already in the UAE for a fixed period |
| Mission | Bringing a worker from abroad for a specific, time-bound task or project |
| Part-time | Reduced hours; with approval, the worker can work for more than one employer |
| Juvenile | Workers aged 15 to 18, under protective conditions |
| Student training and employment | Students aged 15 and above gaining work experience |
| UAE and GCC nationals | Employing Emiratis and GCC citizens |
| Golden Visa holders | Employing people with UAE Golden Residency |
| National trainee | Training UAE nationals in line with their qualifications |
| Private tutor | Qualified individuals giving private lessons |
Official fees for a new work permit
MOHRE charges according to the establishment’s category. The official service page lists these fees for a new two-year work permit:
| Fee | Amount (AED) |
|---|---|
| Application fee (all categories) | 50 |
| Two-year work permit, Category 1 | 250 |
| Two-year work permit, Category 2 | 1,200 |
| Two-year work permit, Category 3 | 3,450 |
Business service centres can add a commission, capped by MOHRE. Visa, Emirates ID and medical fees are separate.
Documents to hire a worker from overseas
- A clear colour photo with a white background.
- A passport copy valid for at least six months.
- The MOHRE job offer, signed by both employer and employee.
- An academic certificate in the employee’s name, depending on the job’s skill level: a bachelor’s degree or higher for skill levels 1 to 2, a diploma or higher for levels 3 to 4, and a high school certificate for level 5.
- A professional licence for regulated jobs, such as doctors, nurses, teachers and lawyers.
- For workers from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq and Iran: a copy of both sides of their national ID card.
How to get a new work permit: step by step
- Check the company is eligible. It needs a valid licence, no violations that would suspend it, and an available electronic quota.
- Agree the job offer on the MOHRE form, and make sure both sides sign it.
- Prepare the documents listed above, including an attested certificate where the skill level needs one.
- Submit the application through the company’s authorised signatory, on the MOHRE website, the app or at a service centre.
- Pay the fees for your company’s category.
- Track the application. MOHRE states a processing time of 2 working days.
- Complete the visa steps: entry permit, medical test, Emirates ID and residence visa, then register the employment contract.
Tip: the worker must be at least 18 for a standard permit and must not already hold an active work permit. Check both before paying anything.
Common mistakes employers make
- Letting someone start work before the permit is issued.
- Using the wrong permit type, for example full-time instead of part-time or temporary.
- Missing or unattested certificates for jobs at skill levels 1 to 5.
- A job title on the offer that doesn’t match the licence activity or the employee’s qualification.
- Running out of quota without planning ahead.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a MOHRE work permit valid?
A new work permit for a worker from overseas is valid for two years.
How much does a work permit cost in the UAE?
For a new two-year permit, MOHRE lists AED 250, AED 1,200 or AED 3,450 depending on the company’s category, plus a AED 50 application fee.
How long does MOHRE take to issue a work permit?
MOHRE states 2 working days for a new permit, once the application is complete.
Can someone on a family visa work in the UAE?
Yes, with a work permit for family-sponsored residents issued to the employer.
Let us handle your work permits
Bin Gohar PRO Services prepares job offers, work permit applications and the visa steps that follow, for companies in Dubai and across all seven Emirates. Message us on WhatsApp at +971 50 178 9163 before your next hire, or see our employee documentation services.
Also useful: Employment Contracts in the UAE and Degree Attestation in the UAE.
Sources: MOHRE — Issuance of a new work permit (overseas); u.ae — Work permits; Gulf News — The 12 permits MOHRE lists.
This guide gives general information. Fees and requirements can change, so confirm with MOHRE (600 590000) before applying.
