UAE Work Permits Explained: The 13 Types Issued by MoHRE
From recruitment from abroad to part-time, freelance and private tutoring permits, here are the 13 UAE work permit types and who each one is for.
UAEIn brief
- MoHRE issues 13 types of work permit for the UAE private sector.
- Most standard permits, such as recruitment from abroad and transfer, are valid for 2 years.
- The employer applies and pays. Fees range from AED 250 to AED 3,450 depending on company classification.
- A visit visa is not a work permit. Check your permit status on MoHRE's app or website.
| Country | UAE |
|---|---|
| Organization | UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) |
| Official source | UAE Government portal (u.ae) – Work permits ✓ u.ae |
Anyone working legally in the UAE private sector needs a work permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). The ministry issues 13 types of work permit, each for a different situation. Knowing which one applies to you helps you check that your employer is doing things correctly.
In 2026 MoHRE also cut paperwork for these services under its Zero Government Bureaucracy programme, removing supporting documents and most mandatory data fields from many applications.
The 13 work permit types
- Recruitment from outside the UAE. For hiring a worker who is abroad. Valid for 2 years.
- Transfer work permit. For a worker moving from one UAE employer to another. Valid for 2 years.
- Work permit for family-sponsored residents. For people living in the UAE on a family member's visa who take a job. Valid for 2 years.
- Temporary work permit. For work of a limited period.
- Mission work permit. For temporary work on a specific project or task.
- Part-time work permit. Allows working fewer hours, including for more than one employer. Valid for 2 years.
- Juvenile work permit. For young people aged 15 to 18, under special conditions.
- Student training and employment permit. For students aged 15 and over.
- UAE and GCC national work permit. For Emirati and GCC citizens. Valid for 2 years.
- Golden residency holder work permit. For Golden Visa holders taking a job.
- Trainee UAE national work permit. For training Emirati nationals.
- Freelance work permit. For foreign nationals on self-sponsored residency who work for themselves.
- Private tutoring work permit. Lets qualified people give private lessons. It is free and valid for 2 years. Tutoring without it can lead to fines.
Important points for job seekers
- Your employer handles the permit. For standard jobs, the employer applies and pays. Fees for issuing or renewing a permit range from AED 250 to AED 3,450, depending on the company's classification.
- A visit visa is not a work permit. Working on a visit visa is illegal in the UAE. Read our guide: Can you work on a visit visa in the UAE?
- Check before you start work. You can check your work permit status through MoHRE's app or website.
- Never pay to get a permit. If anyone asks you to pay them for a work permit, treat it as a warning sign. See: 8 warning signs of a fake UAE job offer
Frequently asked questions
How many types of work permits are there in the UAE?
MoHRE issues 13 types, including recruitment from abroad, transfer, part-time, temporary, mission, freelance and private tutoring permits.
Who pays for a UAE work permit?
For standard jobs, the employer applies and pays. Issuing or renewal fees range from AED 250 to AED 3,450, depending on the company's classification.
How long is a UAE work permit valid?
Most permits, including recruitment from abroad, transfer, part-time and private tutoring permits, are valid for 2 years.
How can I check my UAE work permit?
Through MoHRE's app or website.
Apply only through the official source.
Open official notice →TheJobSeek never charges for jobs and is not a recruitment agency. If anyone asks you to pay for a job offer or visa in the name of this article, it is a scam.
