UAE Work Permit
A UAE Work Permit (labour card) is the authorisation from MOHRE that lets a foreign national legally work in the UAE. Required BEFORE the Employment Visa — issued in 3-5 days as the first step in any UAE work setup.
What Is the UAE Work Permit?
The UAE Work Permit (also called Labour Card or MOHRE Work Permit) is issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) authorising a specific foreign worker to be employed by a specific UAE-licensed employer. It is the prerequisite step before the Employment Visa — without an approved Work Permit, no Employment Visa can be issued. Validity matches the employment contract (typically 2 years, renewable).
The Work Permit is tied to your employment contract and one specific employer. Changing jobs requires either: (1) cancellation of current permit + new permit from new employer, or (2) transfer process where some categories allow direct transfer. The permit is the foundation document that triggers the entire chain of UAE work residency: Work Permit → Entry Permit → Medical → Status Change → Visa Stamping → Emirates ID.
Who Can Apply
- Valid job offer from MOHRE-registered UAE employer
- Signed employment contract (Arabic + English)
- Passport with 6+ months validity
- Educational certificates legalised (for skilled positions)
- Age 18-60 (some exceptions for senior management)
- Clean criminal record
- Specific skill / classification approved by MOHRE
Cost Breakdown
Government fees + Insight service fee. No hidden costs.
Estimates only. Final quote depends on dependents, urgency and current government fees. We confirm in writing within 24 hours.
Step-by-step Application
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01
Job offer + contract
Employer issues offer letter. Both parties sign employment contract. Salary, position, hours documented.
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02
MOHRE work permit application
Employer files via MOHRE portal — typically 3-5 working days for issuance.
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03
Permit issuance
MOHRE issues approved Work Permit (labour card). PDF + portal record. Valid 60 days for visa application.
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04
Visa application chain
With Work Permit issued, employer applies for Entry Permit / Employment Visa. Standard 10-14 day timeline.
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05
Medical + Emirates ID + visa stamp
Standard process: medical fitness, biometrics, residency visa, Emirates ID. Total 10-15 days.
What You Need to Provide
- Passport copy (6+ months validity)
- Passport-size photo (white background)
- Signed employment contract (Arabic + English)
- Job offer letter on employer letterhead
- Legalised education certificate (skill 1-3)
- Employer trade license + MOHRE Establishment Card
UAE Work Permit vs Other UAE Visas
UAE Work Permit — Frequently Asked Questions
Work Permit (labour card) is MOHRE's authorisation for the employer to hire YOU specifically. Employment Visa is GDRFA's residency permit that lets you legally LIVE in the UAE. Work Permit comes first (3-5 days), Employment Visa follows (10-15 days). Both are required.
MOHRE fees range AED 250-3,750 depending on skill classification (1-9 levels). Skill levels 1-3 (high-skilled) pay less than 4-9 (low-skilled). Employer's establishment classification (A/B/C) also affects pricing. Insight processing fees AED 1,500-2,000.
Per UAE labour law, the EMPLOYER must pay all visa-related fees including Work Permit. The employee is not legally required to contribute. If asked to pay, that's a violation of MOHRE rules — file a complaint via MOHRE app.
3-5 working days under normal circumstances. Express processing available (1-2 days) at higher cost. Issues like missing documents, education certificate problems, or background checks can extend to 2-3 weeks.
Yes, in many cases. Direct transfer requires a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from current employer + new employer's offer. Some categories allow transfer without NOC after completing minimum service period (typically 6 months). We help with transfer logistics.
Apply for UAE Work Permit
