UAE Work Permit 2024: A Guide To Get A Work Permit in UAE
So, you’re planning to stay in UAE for a long time, and in order to earn your living there, you’ll need to work in UAE. It’s worth noting that you’ll need a UAE Work Permit in order to work there. According to the UAE Government, working in the UAE without a work permit is illegal. So, you must apply for a work permit first. Today, we’ll guide you on the importance of an Emirates Work permit and how you can get a work permit.
Let’s get started without any further delay.
Getting A UAE Work Permit
According to UAE Labour Law, it’s illegal to work in UAE without a work permit. So, you must have a valid work permit to work. A Work Permit is a document that licenses an individual to work in the UAE. A work permit is provided by a company registered in UAE, and its employer is responsible for providing you with the work permit.
The company’s employer processes the work permit application, and once the whole process is completed and accepted, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) issues the work permit.
A work permit was initially valid for 2 years, but UAE’s Federal National Council (FNC) has extended the validity from 2 to 3 years. This step was taken to lower the employees’ financial burden. Also, FNC has lifted the work permit fees for workers while switching jobs.
FNC has approved another recommendation that an employee should work under the same employer for at least 1 year after the probation period, and this condition can be lifted if the employee and employer mutually agree. An extension of the work permit was made in order to ease the working conditions and increase the potential savings of UAE employees.
MoHRE issues various types of work permits. Let’s have a look at the types of work permits.
Now, you can easily check your Ratibi, FAB, NBAD Balance and Salary at Salary Check NBAD Inquiry.
Types of UAE Work Permit
MoHRE issues 12 types of work permits to UAE residents. Let’s have a look at them.
Explore everything you need know about insurance at Health Insurance in Dubai.
Difference Between UAE Work Permit and UAE Work Visa
Although both are important in order to live in UAE, let’s have a look at what’s the difference between them.
A work visa is issued by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFAD), while a UAE work permit is issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).
A work permit allows you to work in the UAE legally, while a work visa allows you to enter and leave the UAE for work purposes. You can get complete information about work visas at UAE Work Visa Guide.
Now, you can easily fix your Emirates ID Returned for Modification Issue.
Applying For A UAE Work Permit
Before applying for a Dubai work permit, the establishment must fulfill the criteria of MoHRE. It should have:
The above conditions must be fulfilled as MoHRE can cancel or reject the application if:
The company hiring you is responsible for applying for the work permit on your behalf. Once you reach UAE, the employer will handle your work permit and work visa application procedure.
Want to check the status of your Emirates ID? You can chheck it easily at Emirates ID Status.
Cancelling A Work Permit
When canceling a work permit, it’s worth noting that the establishments must have cleared all of the dues and entitlements for the employee. The work permit will not be considered canceled as long as the employee hasn’t signed the agreement. So, the permit will be canceled upon mutual agreement only.
More information can be found on MoHRE official website about the labour laws.
If you're living in Ras Al Khaimah, then you can also get this information from the Typing Centers in Ras Al Khaimah.
Cost of UAE Work Permits
Issuance and renewal of work permits can cost anywhere between 250 AED to 3450 AED, and it varies with the company’s classifications as companies are classified as A, B, and C.
The classification of the companies reflects their extent with UAE labour laws, MoHRE directives and regulations, Wage Protection Systems, Policies Promoting Demographic and Cultural Diversity, and Workers’ Rights Laws. C-Category companies show that they lack commitment and have a history of violations of UAE laws.
You can see how much it costs for a work permit for different categories below.
Schedule (1)
Work Permit From Inside The Country (Valid Residence Visa Holders)
Sr. No. | Service Type | Fee |
---|---|---|
1 | Juvenile Work Permit | 50 AED |
2 | Temporary Work Permit | 50 AED |
3 | Part-Time Work Permit | 50 AED |
4 | Training Permit | 50 AED |
5 | Worker Testing Permit | 50 AED |
6 | Residence Visa Holder Work Permit | 50 AED |
7 | Golden Visa Holder or Freelance Work Permit for Two Years | 250 AED |
Schedule (2)
Work Permits From Outside The Country (All Employment Types)
Sr. No. | Service Type | Fee in AED | ||
Category 1 | Category 2 | Category 3 | ||
1 | Work Permit Application | 50 | 50 | 50 |
2 | Issuance of Work Permit – Two Years | 250 | 1200 | 3450 |
3 | Issuance of Work Mission Permit | 250 | 250 | 250 |
Schedule (3)
Renewal of Work Permits, Modification of Employment Contracts, Transfer of Employees from One Establishment to Another (All Contract Types)
Sr. No. | Service Type | Fee in AED | ||
Category 1 | Category 2 | Category 3 | ||
1 | Work Permit Renewal – Two Years | 250 | 1200 | 3450 |
2 | Modification of Employment Contract | 50 | 50 | 50 |
3 | Transfer From One Establishment to Another Permit | 50 | 50 | 50 |
4 | Permit for Transfer and Employment of Workers from One Establishment to another | 250 | 1200 | 3450 |
Schedule (4)
Licensing of Meditation and Employment Agencies
Sr. No. | Service Type | Fee in AED | |
Issuance | Renewal | ||
1 | Meditation Agency License – One Year | 25,000 | 12.500 |
2 | Employment Agency License – One Year | 50,000 | 25,000 |
Suspension of New Work Permits for Firms’ Violation
Firms should take utter care not to violate the MoHRE’s laws, as upon violating these four terms, MoHRE will stop issuing any work permits to the firms. The four violations that firms should never commit are:
Now, you can easily check your Dubai fines at Dubai Fine Check Guide.
FAQs
Summary
A complete guide on UAE work permits has been shared above. You can go through the article to understand the importance of a work permit and how you can apply for one. Do let us know if you still need to ask anything.
About Author
Sheikh Faisal is a Legal Services Consultant residing in UAE since 2018. He’s providing services related to Emirates ID, Emirates Visa, and other Emirates Services. He’s sharing his knowledge to benefit people seeking Emirates ID and other information.