How to get a work permit in the UAE?: A complete guide

To legally work in the UAE, all individuals, including nationals, residents, and expatriates, must possess a work permit, also known as a labor card. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the application process and key information for both employees and employers regarding work permits.

What is a work permit number in the UAE?

A work permit number is a unique identifier assigned to every employee in the UAE by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE) or the relevant free zone authority. It is also referred to as a labor card number, and it is printed on the labor card. This number is required for various purposes such as filing salary complaints, applying for visa services, or verifying employment status.

What are the types of work permits in the UAE?

MOHRE offers 12 different types of work permits which are available to different business owners based on the nature and type of work:

• Foreign worker permit: Allows the hiring of employees from outside the UAE.
• Transfer work permit: Enables the transfer of a foreign employee from one employer to another.
• Temporary work permit: Allows employment of individuals in the UAE for a specific project or period.
• One-mission work permit: Permits the employment of foreign workers for short-term tasks or assignments.
• Juvenile work permit: Enables the hiring of minors between the ages of 15 and 18.
• Student training work permit: Allows the employment of existing students in the UAE who are 15 years old.
• National apprentice permit: Facilitates the training of Emirati nationals.
• Freelance work permit: Designed for self-employed foreigners in the UAE.
• Work permit for a citizen sponsored by relatives.
• Part-time work permit.
• Permit to hire an Emirati or a GCC citizen.
• Golden Visa work permit.

Can you work without a work permit in the UAE?

According to the UAE Labor Law, it is illegal to work in the UAE without a valid work permit issued by MOHRE. Working without a work permit is a serious offense and can result in deportation or a ban imposed by the government. Additionally, without proper documentation to prove employment, individuals cannot claim their rights as employees.

How can you obtain a work permit in the UAE?

MOHRE is responsible for issuing work permits, and the employer bears the responsibility for applying for the work permit and covering all associated costs. If you are an employer unfamiliar with the procedure, here is the process to apply for a work permit in the UAE on behalf of an employee:

1. Log in using UAE Pass or your username and password (applicable for smart and online platforms).

2. Submit an application through one of the designated methods for service fulfillment.

3. The application will be reviewed by the Ministry, along with the required supporting documents.

4. Any issues will be communicated to you for resolution.

5. The work permit will be granted once all criteria and paperwork have been satisfied.

6. After the Ministry approves the work permit, the associated fees must be paid.

Individuals planning to move to the UAE for a new job

For individuals planning to move to the UAE for a new job, the process of obtaining a work permit can be simplified into four steps:

1. The employer and employee sign the formal offer letter, after which the employer can apply for the work permit on behalf of the employee.

2. MOHRE grants a Pre-Approval Work Permit and issues the Employment Entry Visa, allowing the employee to travel to the UAE. This visa is valid for 60 days, during which the employee must complete all other required formalities.

3. Within 14 days of the employee’s arrival in the UAE, the employer must submit the employment contract to MOHRE, apply for the employee’s Residence Visa, and arrange for a health check. This enables the employee to obtain their Emirates ID card.

4. After completing the medical screening and obtaining the Emirates ID card, which includes details of the residence visa, the work permit can be formalized.

Read more: UAE travel ban: Complete guide on how to check the restrictions

What documents are required to obtain a UAE work permit?

The following documents are required to obtain a new UAE work permit:

1. A colored photograph with a white backdrop.

2. A photocopy of a passport valid for at least 6 months.

3. The employer-employee signed formal employment offer form provided by the Ministry.

4. Academic documentation required based on the profession’s skill level:

   – Skill levels 1 and 2: A bachelor’s degree or higher.

   – Skill levels 3 and 4: A high school diploma.

   – Skill levels 6 to 9: No certificate required.

   – Workers earning less than AED4,000/month or without a degree are not considered skilled.

5. Professional license issued by the relevant UAE authority. For example, doctors and nurses need a professional license from the Ministry of Health (DHA in Dubai and HAAD in Abu Dhabi).

6. Nationals hailing from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Iran are required to provide a legible and unambiguous photocopy of both sides of their current national identification card issued by their respective home countries.

What are the requirements for obtaining a work permit in the UAE?

To obtain initial approval for a work permit in the UAE, both the employer and employee need to fulfill certain essential criteria:

• The employee must be at least 18 years old, unless the work permit is for a juvenile, training, or student employment.
• The employee’s profession must be aligned with the activities of the employer’s establishment.
• The employer’s trade license must be valid and free from any violations.
• The employee must meet the specified requirements for specialized professions or positions that require a professional license.
• The work permit application should be submitted by the authorized signatory on behalf of the employer.

Fails to comply with labor laws and regulations

Furthermore, the MoHRE will not issue, renew, or revoke work permits if the employer:

• Submits false documentation.
• Engages in fraudulent activities or fails to carry out their registered activities.
• Violates the ‘Wages Protection System’ or any other system governing the domestic labor market.

How much does a work permit in the UAE cost?

The cost of a work permit in the UAE varies between AED250 and AED3,450, depending on the type of work permit and the classification of the company.

Additionally, the MoHRE has established a three-tier classification system to categorize companies in the UAE, based on their compliance with the new UAE labor laws. Tier 1 represents the highest level of compliance, while Tier 3 represents the lowest.

How much does a UAE work permit cost?

The cost of a work permit in the UAE ranges from AED250 to AED3,450, depending on the work permit type and the company’s classification.

In addition, MoHRE established a 3-tier classification system to categorise companies in the UAE. This classification is based on how well companies adhere to the new UAE labour laws, with tier 1 being the most compliant and tier 3 being the least.

For individuals holding residence permits, the following are the fees associated with issuing various types of work permits: (AED1 is equivalent to $0.27)

If you do not have a residency in the UAE and require a work permit to visit the Emirates or want to renew your existing permit, the expenses are outlined below in AED: 

• Work Permit, Categories 1, 2 and 3: AED50
• Work permit for two years , Category 1:  AED250
• Work permit for two years, Category 2: AED1,200
• Work permit for two years, Category 3: AED3,450
• Work assignment work permit, Categories 1, 2 and 3: AED250
• Renewal of a work permit for two years, Category 1: AED250
• Renewal of a work permit for two years, Category 2: AED1,200
• Renewal of a work permit for two years, Category 3: AED3,450
• Amendment of the employment contract, Categories 1, 2 and 3: AED50
• Permit to transfer a worker from one facility to another, Categories 1, 2 and 3: AED50

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