The UAE work permit is the official work permit that proves your right to work in the UAE. It is issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE ) or a free zone authority and is directly linked to your UAE ID card and employment history. Without a valid work permit, you cannot legally work in the UAE, and employers face heavy fines if they hire someone without one.

This guide explains why a work permit is important, what it includes, who needs it, and how to apply for, check, renew, and comply with the rules in 2025.

What is a work permit in the United Arab Emirates?

A work card, also known as a work permit, is a digital proof of your legal employment in the United Arab Emirates. It contains important information about you and your work, such as your name, nationality, employer, job title, work permit number, and expiration date.

Previously, a physical plastic card was issued. Today, the system is fully digital and integrated into the UAE passport and Emirates ID. You no longer need to carry a card in your wallet, but your details are always available through official portals.

The legal obligation to present a work permit stems from Federal Law No. 33 of 2021. Article 6 stipulates that no one may work without a valid license and that no employer may employ anyone without such a permit.

What information must be included on a work permit?

The work permit file contains the following information:

• Full name and nationality.
• Job title (activity).
• Name of employer (sponsor).
• Work permit number and work card number.
• Personal identification number.
• Issue and expiration dates.

The work permit number is a unique 14-digit identification code. It plays a crucial role in wage payments through the Wage Guarantee System (WPS), in administration and in renewals.

Although the Emirates ID card is the primary physical means of identification, the information on the employment card is still important and must always be kept up to date.

Emirates ID vs. Work Card: How They Work Together

Although closely related, Emirates ID cards and employment cards serve different purposes:

Work Permit: Issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Education (MoHRE) or a free zone authority, it confirms your right to work legally and contains information about your working conditions.

Emirates ID: Issued by the Federal Agency for Identity and Citizenship (ICP). Serves as your official ID for banking, healthcare and all government services.

They are not interchangeable, but your work permit is directly linked to your UAE ID number. You need both to comply with UAE law.

Why a work permit is important?

A work permit is much more than a purely administrative matter. It protects both employers and employees by ensuring the following:

• Legal right to work in the United Arab Emirates.
• Timely salary payments via the Wage Guarantee System (WPS).
• Entitlement to vacation, sick leave and benefits upon termination of employment.
• The employer provides health insurance.
• Protection under the UAE labor law, including working hours and overtime compensation.

Access to government services and visa applications

A valid work permit protects employees’ rights while proving that employers are complying with UAE regulations. Therefore, every employment relationship in the country begins and ends with a work permit.

Who needs a work permit in the United Arab Emirates?

Every worker working in the UAE needs a work permit, regardless of whether they work on the mainland or in a free zone. It applies to:

• Foreigners working for private companies.
• UAE nationals employed in government and semi-government positions.
• Free zone workers are supported by their zone authorities (e.g., JAFZA, DMCC, DIFC).

Example:

• Family member as an employee: A partner with a family visa needs a work permit to work.
• Change of workplace: The old work permit must be cancelled; a new one is issued in the name of the new employer.
• Part-time employees: Employment with multiple employers requires a permit for a part-time workplace.
• Golden Visa holders still need a work permit from their employer.
• Free zone worker: Work card issued by the zone authority.

Main Admission Requirements

• Age: Between 18 and 60 years. Permits can also be granted after the age of 60, but must be renewed annually.
• Valid job offers and employment contracts.
• Educational or professional qualifications (for specialized roles).
• Medical certificate from a recognized medical centre in the United Arab Emirates.
• Employers are required to apply for a work permit for their employees. Employees may never work without a valid work permit.

Types of work cards and work Permits

The United Arab Emirates issues different types of work permits depending on the employment situation:

Standard work permit

This permit is issued to newly hired employees from abroad. It gives companies the right to bring foreign workers to the UAE and is generally valid for two years.

Work permit for the free zone

The free trade zone authorities, such as JAFZA, DMCC or DIFC, issue these permits. Their validity period can vary from one to three years, depending on the free trade zone regulations.

Transfer of work permit

It is for employees already working in the UAE who are changing employers, so they don’t have to leave the country and go through the whole process again.

Temporary work permit

It is used for short-term projects or assignments that often last up to six months. It is common in project-based industries where employment contracts are not permanent.

Work permit for the assignment

A short-term permit valid for up to 90 days, intended for specialists or consultants hired for a specific task or project.

Part-time work permit

It allows qualified workers to legally work for multiple employers at the same time. The Ministry must approve each part-time employment agreement of Human Resources and Education (MoHRE).

Work permit for minors

This program is aimed at employees aged 15 to 18. Strict rules regarding working hours and the type of work apply to protect these young employees.

Internship/training permit for students

It allows students to gain work experience through internships or training programs. The program is usually valid for three months and requires parental consent.

National internship permit

This program is aimed at Emirati citizens seeking vocational training. It promotes Emirati integration by providing UAE citizens with practical work experience.

Approval of Golden Visa holders

For holders of a long-term ten-year Golden Visa who wish to work. It allows companies to employ Golden Visa holders legally.

Work permit for freelancers

Offers freelancers the opportunity to work independently in the United Arab Emirates. Freelancers can accept projects for multiple clients without being tied to a single employer.

Permit for private tuition.

It allows qualified professionals to offer private tutoring in the UAE legally. It regulates the education sector and protects both teachers and students.

Most permits are valid for two years. Government jobs often have three-year terms, while licenses for employees over 60 are renewed annually.

Required documents for a work permit application

For Employees

• Copy of your passport (valid for at least 6 months).
• Current passport photos.
• Educational qualifications (certified if required).
• An entry permit or a copy of your current visa.
• Medical certificate of fitness.

For Employers

• Copy of the marketing authorisation.
• Settlement map.
• Employment contract signed.
• The application form was submitted through the MoHRE or the free zone system.

How to apply for a work permit in the United Arab Emirates?

For employment in the mainland (Procedure from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization)

1. Job Offer and Contract: A formal offer will be signed through the Ministry of Human Resources and Education (MoHRE).
2. Application for work permit: The employer applies for a quota and work permit.
3. Entry permit granted: Foreign workers receive a pink visa.
4. Medical Examination and Emirates ID: The employee will undergo a medical examination and biometric registration.
5. Residence permit: The visa is issued digitally or stamped in the passport.
6. Issuance of Work Permit: The Ministry of Human Resources and Education (MoHRE) usually issues the electronic work permit within 5 working days.

Tawjeeh centers may be involved in the onboarding and training of specific employees, especially those with a qualification level of 3 or below. Tas’heel centers also support the management of job applications.

For employment in the free zone

Each free trade zone has its own system. For example:

• JAFZA: Digital employee ID cards via the JAFZA app.
• DIFC: Access via the DIFC customer portal or the Authority’s service desk.
• DMCC: Employer card issued via DMCC’s member portal.
• Employees in free trade zones are not subject to federal labor laws, but must still follow the rules of their zone.

How to check your work permit online

Employees can view their work permit details through various official channels:

• The MOHRE app
• Download “MOHRE United Arab Emirates”.
• Your passport in the United Arab Emirates.
• Tap Employees > Timecard.
• View, download or print.
• UAE Pass app
• Download ” UAE Passport “.
• Log in and go to Documents.
• Select MoHRE > Work card.
• See the link to the Emirates ID and details.

Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization website

• Visit mohre.gov.ae.
• Go to Services > New Service Request.
• Select “Print electronic work permit”.
• Enter your work permit number, personal identification number and date of birth.
• View and print the PDF copy.

Tas’heel Center

• Please come in person with your Emirates ID card and passport to print or verify the information.
• Freezone portals
• Check your system for information on free trade zones (e.g., JAFZA, DIFC, DMCC).

Extension of work permit in the United Arab Emirates

• Work permits must be renewed before the expiration date to remain valid.
• Validity period: 2 years on the mainland (3 years in certain government positions). 1–3 years in free zones. 1 year for employees over 60 years of age.
• Extension period: 50 days before the expiration date to 50 days after.
• Required documents: valid passport, UAE ID card, medical certificate (if needed), and employer’s business license.
• Procedure: The employer must submit the extension application through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE) portal or the free zone. Tas’heel centers can also process extensions for mainland companies.
• Failure to renew a work permit on time may result in fines and revocation of the license.

Fees and costs for work permits in 2025

The cost of a work permit in the UAE depends on the employer’s classification within the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE) system. This tiered system rewards companies that comply with labor laws and penalizes those that do not.

Mainland Price Categories (MOHRE)

Category

• Costs (2 years)
• Level of compliance
• Example criteria

Category 1

• 250 AED
• High compliance

Salaries are paid on time through WPS, Emiratization goals are achieved, suitable housing is provided, and more qualified workers are hired.

Category 2

• 1,200 AED
• Moderate compliance

The requirements are generally met, but not all criteria for Category 1 classification (A, B, C) are met, based on the ratio of skilled to unskilled workers.

Category 3

• 3,450 AED
• Low compliance

Repeated violations of labor laws, delays in wage payments from WPS, employment without permits, and a heavy reliance on low-skilled workers.

Other costs

• Replacement of lost or damaged card: approximately 200 AED.
• Hiring employees over 65 years of age: a bonus of AED 5,000.

This system makes it clear:

Companies that follow the rules and invest in qualified personnel pay the lowest prices, while those that take shortcuts face higher costs. Failure to pay the correct price or taking shortcuts leads to sanctions, which are strictly enforced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Education (MoHRE).

Fines for not having a valid work permit

The sanctions are severe for both employees and employers. Inspectors from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE) conduct regular on-site inspections in accordance with Article 166 of the UAE Labor Law to ensure that companies are complying with the regulations.

• Attack
• Punishment
• Who is responsible?

Details

• Late application or extension
• 500 AED

Employer

If the work permit is not issued within 60 days of starting work or is not extended within the grace period, a fine will be imposed.

Working without permission

Up to a maximum amount of AED 50,000 per employee

Employers and employees

Employers will be fined per employee; employees risk deportation or work bans.

Repeated violations

Higher fines and revocation of permits

Employer

Companies may be prevented from obtaining new work permits until they restore compliance with the regulations.

Difficult cases

AED 100,000–1,000,000

Employers (and in extreme cases, employees)

In the event of serious violations such as illegal recruitment, fraud or systematic non-compliance with rules.

What to do if the work permit is missing, incorrect or cannot be found?

To avoid these penalties, you can do the following if your work permit is missing or incorrect.

Mainland Staff:

• Check the information you have entered: Make sure the work permit number and date of birth are correct.
• Check the processing status: It may take a few days for new approvals to become visible.
• Contact the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE): Call 600-590000 for assistance.
• Visit a Tas’heel center: Bring your Emirates ID card and passport to request or correct information.

Employees in the Free Zone:

• Contact your company’s PR or HR department.
• Use the customer service channels in the free zone.
• Go to the Free Zone Authority office with your ID and documents.

Contact JustBusinessBlog

Compliance with applicable work permit regulations is crucial for the smooth running of business in the UAE. Missing a deadline or submitting incorrect documents can lead to hefty fines and unnecessary stress.

At JustBusinessBlog, we handle the entire process for you. Whether you need a new work permit, an extension, or support with work permits for free trade zones and WPS compliance, our PRO team ensures that everything is processed quickly and accurately.

If you want to save time and meet all legal requirements, contact us today. One of our experts will guide you through the entire process, answer your questions, and ensure your employees are optimally protected so you can focus on expanding your business.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. How long does it take after I receive my work permit?

Once the work permit is approved and all documents have been submitted, the Ministry of Education and Human Resources (MoHRE) usually issues the work permit within five working days. In free zones, the processing time may vary slightly, but in most cases, the permit is issued within a week.

Q2. How do I get a replacement permit for a lost work permit?

If your digital file cannot be restored or you require an official replacement, your employer can request one through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE) or a Tas’heel center. A fee of approximately AED 200 is usually charged for this service.

Q3. What happens if my work permit contains false information?

Contact your employer immediately. Employers can submit an amendment request through the Ministry of Human Resources and Education (MoHRE) to correct errors, such as errors in job titles, spelling of names, or passport numbers. Supporting documentation may be required.

Q4. Will my work permit be automatically extended along with my visa?

No. Although the visa and work permit are linked, they must be renewed separately. Your employer must submit both applications to ensure you continue to meet the requirements.

Q5. Can I have two work permits at the same time?

No. You cannot hold two active work permits at the same time. If you want to work for multiple employers, your company must apply for a part-time work permit for you.

Q6. What happens if I change jobs?

Your old work permit must be cancelled, and a new one applied for with your new employer. This process may require a No Objection Certificate (NOC) and your current employment contract to be terminated before the new application can be submitted.

Q7. Can I check the status of my work permit with my Emirates ID?

Yes. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE) can request information about your work permit using your Emirati ID number. It is useful if you do not know your work permit number.

Q8. Is health insurance included in the work permit?

No. Although health insurance is mandatory in the UAE, the details are handled separately. A valid work permit is required for your employer to enroll you in a health insurance plan.