UAE Work Permit: Types, Documents and Fees
A UAE Work Permit is a document provided by the Government that allows anyone inside the UAE to work legally. It is a must-have permit that ensures that you are employed legally.
It is an important document as only individuals with a legal work permit can file a complaint with the authorities if there is a problem with their employment contract or employer.
And, if you are looking forward to working in the UAE or employing someone in the UAE, you must possess a UAE work permit. The process for getting a UAE work permit can be confusing at first, but worry not. In this article, we will guide you through the process of getting a work permit.
Work Permit Type in UAE
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has issued 12 different kinds of work permits that allow organizations registered with MoHRE to hire employees. Such permits include
| Permit Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Foreign Worker Permit | For Employees outside of the UAE |
| Transfer Work Permit | For Foreign Employees shifting from one employer to another |
| Temporary Work Permit | To hire some in UAE for a Temporary Project |
| One-Mission Work Permit | To hire a Foreign national for a specified short term task |
| Juvenile Work permit | To hire an individual between 15 – 18 for internship /mentorship |
| Student Training Work Permit | For Students 15 and above for Training purposes |
| National Apprentice Work Permit | For Emirati National seeking Apprentice |
| Freelance Work Permit | For Self Employed Foreign Nationals inside the UAE |
| Sponsored Work Permit | Work permit sponsored by relatives |
| Part Time Work Permit | For Part Time job workers |
| Golden Visa Permit | For Workers holding UAE’s Golden Residence Visa |
| Private Teacher Work Permit | For private Teaching profession Workers |
Identify which work permit best suits your situation, consult with your Employer, and then your Employer will apply for you.
Documents Required
You must prepare the documents listed below to apply for UAE Work Permit:
- Recently taken passport-size photo ( * White background required).
- Photocopy of your Passport ( * At least valid for the next 6 months).
- Formal Employment form, signed by you and your employer.
- Academic Qualification document.
- Professional License issued by the UAE authority for professions such as Doctors and Nurses.
Pakistani, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Iran Nationals must provide a readable, clear photocopy of both sides of their current national card.
You must present the correct documents for your Work Permit Application. Failure to do so can result in the denial of your permit request.
UAE Work Permit Fees and Costs
The amount you have to pay for your work permit depends upon the class of your Company. The company may deduct permit fees from your initial salary.
In most cases, however, it is the company that covers your work permit.
Permit Fee for Skilled Workers
| Company Class | Inside Country | Outside Country |
|---|---|---|
| Class 2A | AED 250 | AED 500 |
| Class 2B | AED 500 | AED 1000 |
| Class 2C | AED 750 | AED 1,500 |
| Class 2D | AED 1,000 | AED 2,000 |
Permit Fee for Unskilled Workers
| Inside Country | Outside Country | |
|---|---|---|
| Class 2A | AED 500 | AED 1,200 |
| Class 2B | AED 1,000 | AED 2,200 |
| Class 2C | AED 1,250 | AED 2,700 |
| Class 2D | AED 1,500 | AED 3,200 |
FAQs
Who can work in UAE?
Anyone who has a residency visa and work permit can live and work in the United Arab Emirates.
What are Company Classes?
In the UAE mainland, Companies are grouped into three different classes. The classes are based on the percentage of diversity and skilled workers in the company. The Class 1 Companies in UAE do not have to pay any work permit for their workers. For more detailed information on Company Classes.
How long can it take for my UAE Work Permit Process?
It usually takes about a week after the application has been filed for your permit to get approved if the submitted documents are correct.
How can I Cancel my Work Permit?
You can cancel your Work Permit by requesting your employer. Your Employer will have to fill up a permit cancellation form and your signature needs to be on it. The employer must also pay any of your remaining entitlements.
Before you go . . .
It is illegal for someone to work without a Work permit in the United Arab Emirates. The work permit is filed by the employer and, in most cases, also covered by them.
The process can be fairly simple if you present your documents correctly and your employer does the application part correctly.
We suggest you check your documents properly before leaving for Work in the UAE to save yourself from legal or other troubles.
