Allows establishments to temporarily assign a worker already in the UAE to a different company for a specific task, after which the worker returns to their original employer.
Work Permit & Entry Permit
- Employers must apply to MoHRE for a work permit quota and submit a work permit application – there are 13 permit types.
Types of Work Permits
| Type of Permit | Who is it for |
| Work permit to recruit a worker from outside the UAE | Permit is issued under specific conditions and regulations and is valid for two years. |
| Work permit to transfer a non-UAE worker from one establishment to another | Permit is valid for a two-year period. |
| Work permit for a resident on a family sponsorship | Valid for two years, this permit allows companies to hire UAE residents sponsored by their family. |
| Temporary work permit | |
| Mission work permit | Allows establishments to hire a worker from outside the UAE to complete a specific temporary job or time-bound project. |
| Part-time work permit | Allows establishments to hire a worker on a part-time contract with fewer hours or days than full-time work, and the worker may work for multiple employers with Ministry approval. |
| Juvenile work permit | Allows establishments to hire juveniles aged 15–18 under specific conditions to ensure a safe working environment, and the permit is valid for one year. |
| Student training and employment permit | Allows establishments to employ a 15-year-old student already in the UAE under specific conditions, and the permit is valid for three months. |
| UAE/GCC national work permit | Allows establishments to employ a UAE or GCC national, and the permit is valid for two years. |
| Golden visa holder work permit | Allows establishments to employ individuals in the UAE who hold a Golden Residency Visa, and the permit is valid for two years. |
| National trainee work permit | Allows Ministry-registered establishments to train a UAE citizen in line with their approved academic qualifications for 12 months, renewable by mutual agreement. |
| Freelance work permit | Allows individuals (including foreign nationals on self-sponsored residence visas) to freelance in the UAE without employer sponsorship or an active employment contract. |
| Private teacher work permit | Allows qualified professionals to offer private lessons to students. |
Residence Visa for Working in the UAE
- Green Visa (self-sponsored, 5 years): For skilled individuals with a valid employment contract, bachelor’s degree and salary ≥ AED 15,000/month, or freelancers/self-employed earning ≥ AED 360,000/year.
- Golden Visa (10 years): For high-skilled professionals (doctors, scientists, investors, researchers) with special qualifications.
- Standard Work Visa: Foreign nationals can usually obtain a two-year employment residence visa if they are employed in the private sector, government sector, or a free zone, and the employer must apply for the visa.
Arriving in the UAE & Medical Screening
- The employee enters the UAE on the Entry Visa.
- They undergo mandatory medical tests (HIV, Hepatitis, TB), performed at a government-approved health centre.
Emirates ID & Residency Visa Application
- Employer applies for the Emirates ID after medical clearance.
- The labour contract is uploaded to MoHRE within 14 days of clearance
- ICP/ICA processes and issues the residency visa and work visa (valid 2 years, no longer stamped in passport)
Work Visa Issuance & Commencing Employment
- Visa is electronically linked to the Emirates ID; the employee is now authorized to work.
- Employer must register the employee on Wage Protection System (WPS) payroll within the visa validity.
- Health insurance should be active from the first day of employment.
Visa Renewal & Cancellation
- Work visas are typically renewed every 2 years, following the same process.
- Cancellation: Employer cancels via MoHRE and ICA; the employee then has a 30 to 180 days based on Profession and Visa category.
We Provide Expertise on Work Visa Applications!
Our professional team of 2,500+ has years of experience dealing with local immigration authorities and will ensure an efficient turnaround of your employee’s visa application.
Securing a work visa in the UAE requires understanding the different visa options, eligibility requirements, and application process. By following the guidelines and ensuring compliance, foreign workers and their employers can successfully navigate the visa process and build a successful career in the UAE.
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Please note that all the information listed below are to be used as a general guideline. For more detailed accounts of UAE employment laws and regulations, please visit the official governmental websites.
Updated on: February 2026
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