Did you know? The UAE offers 13 types of work permits – find out which one is best for you!

Highlights: Navigating UAE Employment: Overview of 13 Official Work Permit Types

• The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) now offers 13 types of work permits for diverse employment categories.
• The Work Bundle, a new digital platform, reduces hiring steps from 15 to 5 and cuts processing time from 30 to just 5 working days.
• Permits cover options for full-time, freelance, part-time, student, and project-based employment.
• Employers must meet conditions like valid trade licences, age criteria, and activity alignment to obtain permits.
• Violations such as false documentation or non-compliance can lead to permit suspension or cancellation.

*Want to work in the UAE? Let Y-Axis assist you with the process.
 

Working in the UAE Made Simple: Explore These 13 Work Permit Types

Whether you're a full-time employee, freelancer, or trainee, the UAE has a dedicated work permit tailored to your employment type. These permits are issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) and regulate legal employment across the private sector and free zones.
 

Here’s a breakdown of the 13 official work permits, who they’re for, and how long they are typically valid:
 

Permit Type	Who It’s For / Purpose	Validity
Recruitment from Outside UAE	Hiring workers from overseas	2 years
Transfer Permit	For employees shifting to another UAE-based employer	2 years
Family Sponsorship Permit	Allows residents on family sponsorship to take up employment	2 years
Temporary Work Permit	Short-term assignment with another company	Short-term
Mission Work Permit	Project-based work for foreign nationals	Project duration
Part-Time Work Permit	For those working limited hours or for multiple employers	As per contract
Juvenile Work Permit	For youth aged 15–18 under regulated conditions	1 year
Student Training & Employment Permit	For students aged 15+ in internships or training roles	3 months
UAE/GCC National Work Permit	For hiring UAE or GCC nationals in private sector roles	2 years
Golden Visa Holder Work Permit	For Golden Visa residents working for UAE companies	2 years
National Trainee Work Permit	For training UAE citizens in line with qualifications	12 months, renewable
Freelance Work Permit	For self-employed professionals without employer sponsorship	Varies
Private Teacher Work Permit	For qualified private tutors	2 years (free of charge)

*Looking for jobs in the UAE? Avail the Y-Axis Job search services to find the right one.
 

UAE Work Permits: Conditions, Renewals, and Compliance Guidelines

To ensure regulatory compliance and uphold labour standards, the UAE has established specific conditions for the issuance, renewal, and cancellation of work permits under the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).
 

Issuance Requirements:

• Applicants must be at least 18 years old, except for student or juvenile permits.
• The job role must align with the employer’s licensed business activity.
• Employers must hold a valid trade licence and comply with UAE labour laws.
• Regulated professions require the necessary qualifications.
• An authorised company representative must submit the application.
• Permits may be denied or revoked in cases involving false documentation, inactivity, or violations of systems such as the Wages Protection System.

Renewals and Cancellations:

• Work permits can be renewed under the same conditions as initial issuance.
• Fees range from AED 250 to AED 3,450, depending on the employer’s compliance classification (Category A, B, or C).
• Cancellations require formal employer requests, complete documentation, and confirmation that all dues have been paid to the employee.
   

*Are you looking for step-by-step assistance with UAE immigration? Contact Y-Axis, the world’s No. 1 overseas immigration consultancy!
 

For recent immigration updates, check out Y-Axis News Page!