Looking to start your career in the UAE or hire top international talent? You’re not alone. Every year, thousands of professionals and businesses turn to the UAE for its thriving industries, tax-free salaries, and global career opportunities. But there is one essential requirement for legal employment — obtaining a UAE Work Permit.
Whether you’re a jobseeker moving to Dubai or an employer expanding your team, the work permit process can seem complex. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll simplify the process so you can apply for a UAE Work Permit confidently.
Why the UAE Work Permit Process Matters
The UAE’s fast-growing economy creates constant demand for skilled workers in sectors like construction, tech, healthcare, logistics, and finance. While the government has made the visa process easier in recent years, strict compliance with UAE Labour Law and immigration rules is essential.
Knowing the process in the right order will help you avoid unnecessary delays, rejections, and legal risks.
What Is a UAE Work Permit?
A UAE Work Permit is an official document issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). It legally authorizes a foreign national to work in the country.
⚠️ Important: A work permit is not the same as a residency visa. Both are required for legal employment in the UAE.
Step 1: Secure a Job Offer
Before you can apply for a UAE Work Permit, you need a job offer from a licensed UAE-based company. The job offer should include:
- Job title and responsibilities
- Salary and benefits
- Contract duration
- Work location
- Company details
➡️ Many companies use HR consultancies in the UAE to handle the paperwork, ensuring full compliance.
Step 2: Employer Applies for Work Permit Pre-Approval
The employer submits a pre-approval application to MOHRE, which includes:
- Labour contract (in Arabic and English)
- MOHRE employment approval
- Payment of relevant fees
Recruitment agencies in Dubai often assist with these steps to ensure smooth processing.
Step 3: Receive an Employment Entry Visa
Once pre-approved, the employer obtains an employment entry visa (pink visa). This temporary visa is valid for 60 days, allowing the employee to enter the UAE.
Additional steps include:
- Medical tests (blood work, X-rays)
- Background checks
- Biometric registration
Step 4: Complete Medical Fitness Test and Emirates ID
After arriving in the UAE, the employee must:
- Pass a medical fitness test at an authorized health center
- Register for an Emirates ID through the ICP (Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship)
- Provide fingerprints and photos
The Emirates ID is essential for completing the work permit and residency visa process.
Step 5: Apply for Labour Card and Residency Visa
Once the medical and Emirates ID are complete, the employer applies for:
- Labour Card: Proof of legal employment in the UAE
- Residency Visa: Allows the employee to live and work legally (typically valid for 2 years)
The employee’s passport is stamped, and they can officially begin working.
Required Documents for a UAE Work Permit
Make sure these documents are ready (translated and attested where necessary):
- Passport copy (valid for at least 6 months)
- Passport-sized photos (white background)
- Educational certificates (attested)
- Previous employment references
- Signed job offer letter
- Employment contract
- Medical fitness report
- Emirates ID registration receipt
Employers must also submit:
- Trade license copy
- Establishment card
- MOHRE company card
- Proof of company activity and location
How Long Does It Take? What Are the Costs?
- Processing time: 2–4 weeks, depending on document accuracy and approvals.
- Fees: Vary by company classification (A/B/C), job role, and whether a recruitment agency is involved.
Employers typically cover the costs. Some may deduct fees from salaries, but this must be clearly stated in the employment contract.
Key Legal Points to Remember
- A UAE Work Permit is valid only if your job contract is active. If the job ends, the permit must be canceled.
- You cannot legally work for any company except the one listed on your Labour Card.
- Working without a valid work permit or overstaying your visa can lead to heavy fines and deportation.
👉 HR consultancies in the UAE help both employers and workers stay compliant with these legal requirements.
Work Permit Renewal and Cancellation
Renewal
Work permits must be renewed before they expire. Renewal requires new medical tests, an Emirates ID update, and a fresh employment contract.
Cancellation
When an employee resigns or is terminated, the employer must cancel both the labour card and residency visa. The cancellation process includes:
- Final salary settlement
- Canceling health insurance
- Ensuring the employee leaves the UAE or transfers to another company
Recruitment agencies and HR consultants help manage offboarding smoothly and legally.
Why Businesses Use HR Consultancies and Recruitment Agencies
UAE businesses often outsource work permit processing to reduce risks and save time. HR consultancies and recruitment agencies in Dubai help by:
- Ensuring legal compliance
- Managing Emiratisation quotas
- Speeding up onboarding
- Handling employment documentation accurately
They also connect companies with top talent from global markets.
FAQs About UAE Work Permits
Q1: Can freelancers apply for a UAE Work Permit?
Yes. Freelancers can apply for permits through Free Zones or government portals like GoFreelance. This process is separate from standard work permits linked to companies.
Q2: What happens if a work permit is rejected?
MOHRE typically provides reasons for rejection. The employer can reapply after fixing issues like incomplete documents or non-compliance.
Q3: Can I change jobs on a UAE Work Permit?
Yes. You need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your current employer and a new work permit from the new company.
Q4: How long is a UAE Work Permit valid?
Most permits are valid for 2 years. Renewals are required before expiration.
Final Thoughts on the UAE Work Permit Process
Applying for a UAE Work Permit can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, it’s a smooth and straightforward process. Whether you’re a professional moving to the UAE or an employer building a global team, knowing the steps helps avoid costly mistakes.
Partnering with a recruitment agency or HR consultancy in the UAE ensures legal compliance, faster processing, and peace of mind.
Take the first step today — your UAE career journey or your next great hire is just a work permit away.
