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How to Get a Work Permit in UAE?

If you are looking to work in the United Arab Emirates, you will need to obtain a work permit. This document allows you to legally work in the country.

The process of obtaining a work permit can be complicated, but this guide will walk you through the steps necessary to get one. Keep in mind that there are specific requirements that must be met before you can apply for a work permit.

So, make sure you meet all the criteria before applying. With that said, let’s get started!

What is UAE Work Permit

What is a Work Permit?

A work permit is an official document that allows a foreign national to take up employment in a particular country. In order to obtain a work permit, the applicant must first secure a job offer from a local employer.

Once the employer has obtained the necessary approvals from the relevant government authorities, they will be able to sponsor the foreign worker for a work permit.

How Many Types of Work Permits Are in the UAE?

If you want to work in the United Arab Emirates, you will need to obtain a work permit. The process of obtaining a work permit can be confusing, as there are many different types of permits available. To be specific, there are 10 different work permit options to choose from.

Let’s take a look at each of those options:

1. A work permit under the residence of a relative permit

This type of work permit is available to those who have a relative that is a resident of the UAE. The relative must sponsor the applicant for the work permit.

2. Juvenile work permit

This type of work permit is available to those under the age of 18. The applicant must have parental consent in order to apply for this type of work permit.

3. Student training and employment permit

This type of work permit is available to students who are enrolled in an educational institution in the UAE. The permit allows the student to enroll themselves in the private sector for training purposes or they can work part-time through consent from their guardian.

4. Work permit (recruiting a worker from outside the State)

This type of work permit is available to employers who wish to recruit a worker from outside of the UAE. The employer must sponsor the applicant for the work permit.

5. Transfer work permits

This type of work permit is available to those expatriates who can transfer from one company to another. The company that is involved should be registered by MOHRE

6. Freelance permit

The freelance permit is available to freelancers who wish to work in the UAE. This permit is granted to those who want to engage in self-employment. The applicant must provide evidence of their freelance status, such as a portfolio of previous work.

7. Golden visa work permit

This type of work permit is available to those who have a valid UAE residence visa. The applicant must provide evidence of their UAE residencies, such as a copy of their passport or residency card. On July 1st, 2021, MOHRE started issuing work permits for holders of Golden Visa.

8. Temporary work permit

This type of work permit is available for a specific project or task that is of a temporary nature. The employer must sponsor the applicant for the work permit, who can be a national or an expatriate for a certain period not exceeding 6 months.

9. One-mission permit

If you are coming to the UAE on a specific mission or project, you can apply for a one-mission permit. This type of work permit is usually valid for the duration of the project, up to 3 months after renewal. You will need a no-objection letter from your sponsor in order to apply for this type of work permit

10. Part-time work permit

This type of work permit is available to those who wish to work part-time in the UAE. The employee can work under a part-time labor contract. This permit allows employees to work for more than 1 employer without any approval.

If you are unsure which type of work permit is right for you, it is advisable to consult with an experienced employment consultant in the UAE. They will be able to assess your individual situation and advise you on the best course of action.

New Work Permit for Skilled Workers

The UAE has a highly skilled workforce, with many jobs requiring specific skills and training. Jobs that need a skill level of 1 are classed as ‘highly skilled’ by the UAE government.

Some examples of jobs that would fall into this category include engineers, doctors, lawyers, and accountants. These professions usually require a university degree or equivalent qualification.

There are also skill levels 2 and 3 that come under the labor law resolution. Individuals under the level 2 category must have a Diploma in any field. Individuals falling in this category can have mechanical and technical jobs. If you have a high school diploma or a higher secondary education, you will be classified as a Skill Level 3 person. Individuals who fall under this category can work as Sales Executive, Sales Representative, Sales Supervisor, etc.

To work in the UAE, you will need a work permit from the ministry of labor. If you are employed by a company, they will usually apply for this on your behalf.

If you want to work in a highly skilled job, you will need to obtain a ‘skill certification’ from the ministry of human resources and Emiratisation. This will prove that you have the necessary skills and experience for the job.

You can find out more about applying for a work permit on the ministry of labor website.

New Work Permit for Unskilled Workers

There are many jobs in the UAE that do not require any specific skills or qualifications. These jobs are typically entry-level positions that can be easily learned on the job. General laborers, housekeepers, construction laborers, helpers, cleaners, loading, and unloading employees, and office boys are all examples of these occupations. The jobs that require the skill of level 5 are for the lower-skilled employees.

To work in the UAE, most unskilled jobs will require a work permit from the ministry of labor. This process is typically straightforward and can be completed online. Once you have your work permit, you will be able to apply for jobs at any company that is hiring.

Work Permit UAE Application Requirements

If you wish to work in the United Arab Emirates, you will need to obtain a work permit. Acquiring a UAE work permit can be broken down into three steps: obtaining an employment entrance visa, an Emirates ID card (also known as a Resident Identity Card), and obtaining a resident visa and work permit.

Required Documents

  • A valid passport and a photocopy
  • Passport photos
  • Emirates ID
  • An entry permit from the Ministry of Labor
  • The results of a medical screening
  • A copy of a company card from the employer
  • A copy of the company’s commercial license

Once you have gathered all of the required documents, you will need to submit them to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. The processing time for work permit applications is typically two to four weeks. If your application is approved, you will receive a work permit card, which must be renewed every two years.

While the process of applying for a work permit may seem daunting, it is relatively straightforward as long as you have all of the required documents. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that your application is processed smoothly and efficiently.

Eligibility Criteria

The United Arab Emirates is a country that welcomes visitors from all over the world. The standard requirements to work there are set by MOHRE, but if you’re an older citizen looking for employment opportunities in this wonderful place then it’s important to know about what they have available before applying! People over the age of 65 will need to pay higher fees than younger workers because their settlement process takes longer. So consider your age before going to the UAE permanently or just visiting.

If you’re looking to work in the UAE as either an employer or employee, there are three different categories that determine how qualified your workforce will be.

The first category is for applicants who hold at least a bachelor’s degree. The second category is for those with post-secondary diplomas. Lastly, those without formal education but instead possess skills to work as Receptionists, Cashiers, Store Keepers, Tourist Guides, etc.

UAE Work Permit Fees for Different Categories

The work permit fees in the UAE vary depending on the category of worker and their nationality.

Workers from certain countries are exempt from paying the work permit fee, while others have to pay a reduced fee. The following is a breakdown of the various work permit fees:

Work Permit Fees For Unskilled Employees

Inside country (new work permit)Outside county (new or renewal work permit) 
Class 2AAED 500AED 1,200
Class 2BAED 1,000AED 2,200
Class 2CAED 1,250AED 2,700
Class 2DAED 1,500AED 3,200    
Work Permit Fees For Skilled Employees
 Inside country (new work permit)Outside county (new or renewal work permit)
Class 2AAED 250AED 500
Class 2BAED 500AED 1,000
Class 2CAED 750AED 1,500
Class 2DAED 1,000AED 2,000

How to Apply for a Work Permit in the UAE?

The employer has to obtain the work permit on their own. It is the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) that’s in charge of issuing work permits in the UAE. The application process for a UAE work permit is:

The employer prints the application for the work permit at the Tasheel website, the Ministry of Labor’s online system. They submit the required documents. The approval is issued by the Ministry and can be downloaded from the Ministry’s website by the employer.

How to Get a UAE Work Visa from Offshore?

The process of getting a work visa in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) can be complex, and it is often necessary to engage the services of a professional immigration consultant to ensure everything is done correctly. However, if you are planning to work in the UAE from offshore, there are a few things you need to know about the process.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has set up centers outside of UAE borders to expedite work visas. All employees will be able to know the terms and conditions of their employment, as well as any privileges they are entitled to. This includes knowing your rights at work in a language that makes sense to you. With this mechanism, employers can be sure that the employee has been vetted and will not attempt to work elsewhere.

UAE Work Visa Expiration / Renewal

As an expat, it’s important to keep track of your visa expiration date and start the renewal process as early as possible. Depending on your visa type, the renewal process can take a few weeks or longer, so it’s best not to wait until the last minute.

If you’re employed in the UAE, your employer will usually take care of renewing your work visa. But it’s still a good idea to keep track of the expiration date.

Visa validity limit

When you first acquire a work permit, it is valid for 30 days and can be extended for another 30. This allows you to stay in the nation for 60 days, during which time you and your employer must arrange for a Residence Visa, an Emirates ID, and a Labour Card.

It is the Residence Visa, as well as the Labour Card, that allows you to lawfully live and work in the UAE. UAE residence visas are granted for one, two, or three years, depending on your purpose of the trip and the UAE authorities’ discretion.

What does it mean when your work visa expires?

Before your resident visa expires, your sponsor must renew it. A renewable visa will allow you to continue living legally in the UAE without suffering fines or legal ramifications. Residents have a 30-day grace period once their visas expire, according to the appropriate General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).

What’s the process of renewal?

The first step is to check the expiration date of your visa and make sure you have enough time to renew it.

If you’re employed in the UAE, your employer will usually take care of renewing your work visa. But it’s still a good idea to keep track of the expiration date and make sure the renewal process is started as early as possible.

Depending on your visa type, the renewal process can take a few weeks or longer. So it’s best not to wait until the last minute.

  • Once you have confirmed that you need to renew your visa, the next step is to gather the required documents. This will vary depending on your visa type but may include your passport, a copy of your employment contract, and salary statements.
  • You will also need to submit a recent passport-sized photo.
  • The next step is to submit your application, either online or in person at the relevant government office. You will usually need to pay a fee for the renewal.
  • Once your application has been processed, you will be issued a new visa. You may need to collect this in person, or it may be sent to you by post.

Your new visa will usually be valid for the same period as your previous one.

FAQs About UAE Work Permit

How long will it take to get a UAE work visa?

The process of getting a work visa for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) can take two to seven working days. The first step is to obtain a work permit, which is valid for two months. After that, you can apply for a residency visa, which will allow you to stay in the country for up to three years.

Is there a maximum age limit for expatriates to get a work permit?

No, there is no maximum age limit for expatriates to get a work permit in UAE. However, the minimum age requirement is 18 years old. If you are over the age of 18 and meet all the other eligibility criteria, you can apply for a work permit. Remember that you will need to have a valid passport and a job.

How can I check my work permit status in UAE?

The easiest way to check your work permit status in UAE is online through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) website. You will need to have your work permit number handy, as well as your passport number.

If your work permit has been approved, you will be issued a residency visa which will be valid for a period of 3 years. You can check the status of your residency visa online through the GDRFA website as well.

If you are employed by a UAE company, they should also be able to check the status of your work permit and residency visa on your behalf.

Is UAE issuing new work permits?

Yes, the UAE has started issuing new work permits in February 2022. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has announced that there are 10 different types of work permits that will be issued under the new labor law.

What is the difference between a work permit and a visa in the UAE?

A work permit is a document that gives an individual the right to work in a specific country, while a visa is a document that allows an individual to enter a country. In order for an individual to obtain a work permit in the UAE, they must first obtain a visa. There are different types of visas that allow an individual to either live and work in the UAE or just visit the country.

The most common type of visa for those looking to work in the UAE is a work visa. This type of visa allows an individual to enter the UAE and work for a specific employer. Other types of visas that allow an individual to live and work in the UAE include residency visas and investor visas.

Conclusion

So, there you have it – a complete guide on how to get a work permit in UAE. Remember that the process can be quite complicated, so it’s important to seek professional help if you’re not sure about something. With the right assistance, however, you should be able to obtain your work permit without any issues.