You wish to work in the UAE and you need to know that how to get work permit in UAE. Thus are forced to do one of the most important things that you need to do. One of them is to have a work permit. The process appears so complex initially, but if you possess a proper guide, you will be able to understand it so easily and move forward to achieve it. Here we guide you through everything that you want to know about getting a work permit in the UAE, from the kind of permits to apply for to whom to apply and where to apply, and the legislation.
| Visa / Permit Component | Typical Cost (AED) | Notes |
|---|
| Work Permit Fee | 250 – 3,450 | Varies by company category and skill level |
| Entry Permit | 300 – 1,200 | Required to enter UAE for work |
| Medical Test | 300 – 750 | Basic to VIP screening options |
| Emirates ID (2 years) | 270 – 600 | Based on validity and processing speed |
| Visa Stamping & Admin Fees | 500 – 1,000 | Includes residency stamping and admin work |
| Total (Mainland) | 3,000 – 6,000 | Full 2-year employment visa cost |
| Free Zone Visa Package | 6,000 – 8,000+ | Generally higher due to zone-specific fees |
What is a UAE Work Permit?
An employment visa or work visa is a permit to enable foreigners to work in the UAE. There is no law to pursue any form of remuneration-based business in the UAE without a permit. It is mandatory if you are ready to work and live in the UAE, whatever your activity is you are looking for, working on someone else’s payroll, freelancing, or working in a specific free zone.
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Why Foreign Workers Need It?
A work permit keeps foreign workers in line with the UAE labor and immigration law. You get your wages, and otherwise, you get teeny-tiny level benefits like medical cover and opportunities for residence status. And for context, illegal working will catch up with you in the form of fines, deportation, and even outright prohibition of your future entrance into the country.
Knowledge of the UAE Labour Market
Summary of the UAE Job Market
UAE is a robust job economy, and there are employment opportunities in nearly all industries, such as construction, healthcare, information technology, finance, and tourism. UAE needs professionals on an enormous scale and predominantly in areas of engineering, information and communications technologies, and business development. You have sufficient chances to be an expat employee, but for this, you require a work permit.
Who Requires a Work Permit?
Any visitor who is ready to work within the UAE would need a work permit if the visitor is working in a permanent or contractual job. This also includes blue-collar workers and specialists who have more complicated things to do.
Work Permits within the UAE
Employment Visa (Work Visa)
The most commonly used form of work visa is the employment visa. It involves the recruitment of a foreigner by a UAE employer. It is renewable and valid for 2 or 3 years.
Freelancer Permit
If you are a freelance worker or an independent, you would need to have a freelancer permit. It is most suitable for writers, designers, IT professionals, and marketers. With it, you could potentially get many customers in the UAE with the advantage of being able to do it on your own schedule.
Temporary Work Permit
A temporary work permit is used for part-time work for a short tenure of 1 to 6 months. It is used for employees with special projects or short-term or seasonal employment.
Part-time Work Permit
Part-time permits give one the luxury of working part-time with greater freedom. The visa is used by one who is working or as a student to work part-time as a sideline for his/her main profession.
| Item | Details |
|---|
| Validity | 6 months to 1 year |
| Eligibility | UAE residents (18–65 years) |
| Fee | ~AED 600 (application + approval) |
| NOC Required? | Yes, from full-time employer |
| Renewable? | Yes |
Most Appropriate Conditions under Which One Can Qualify to Apply for a Work Permit
Education Qualifications
Your educational qualification would most probably be the deciding factor on whether or not you would be eligible to undertake some work in the UAE. In commerce, you would require a diploma or a degree. Part of the work may entail attesting documents to serve in authenticating your education.
Conditions under an Employment Contract
For you to be eligible for a work permit, you must have a UAE employer company under which you are presently employed under an employment contract. The employment contract is the articulation of the employment, compensation, and terms of employment.
Medical Check and Health Insurance
As part of the work permit process, you’ll be required to undergo a medical check-up to ensure you’re free from contagious diseases. Health insurance is also a requirement for foreign workers in the UAE, and your employer may assist in providing coverage.
Age and Other Demographic Considerations
There are no such age limits, though 21 to 60 would be the best for the employers. There are more restricted controls by age in certain industries, like the construction industry.
Steps to Get a UAE Work Permit
Step 1: Receive a Job Offer
You will need to receive a job offer from an employer in the UAE initially to apply for a work permit. Your employer will be your sponsor during the application process.
Step 2: Obtain a Job Offer Letter
Once your employer has made the offer, they will then issue you an official offer letter. Your employment terms, including your job, salary, and period of employment, should all be stated in the letter.
Step 3: Pass the Medical Check
You will also have to undergo a check-up at any of the government clinics. You will be subjected to blood tests and a chest X-ray in the hope of determining if you are infectious diseases.
Step 4: Get Entry Permit
With your medical report and offer letter, you can now apply for and acquire an entry permit. It is this that will legalize your entry into the UAE as part of the continuation of your work permit.
Step 5: Post Employment Contract
Your employment contract shall be referred for approval to the concerned authorities. Your contract shall detail the terms of employment and conditions of employment, i.e., remuneration, duty to work, and working hours.
Step 6: Wait for Approval of Work Permit
After you have submitted all documents, your application will be considered by the UAE government. As long as everything is in the right order and to the utmost, you will receive approval for your work permit.
Step 7: Obtain Your Work Visa
Your work permit is issued to you, and your sponsor then applies for your visa. You obtain your work visa, and technically, now you can work in the UAE.
Work Permit Documents
– Passport and Visa Application: Ensure your passport is valid for 6 months beyond the date of expiration. Also, carry along a validly filled visa application form.
– Qualification and Experience Certificates in Education: Your qualification and experience will be certified and attested.
– Medical Certificates: Certificate of the medical checkup tests to ensure that you are fit as per UAE health standards.
– Confirmation of Accommodation: They will require you to submit a confirmation of accommodation where you will be staying upon arrival in the UAE.
Fees for Work Permits
Division of Cost between Employers and Employees
A work permit cost also varies depending on what you do and the visa you want to apply for. Except for half of the fees, like medical tests or verification of certificates, employers will pay all the costs.
From and Procedure
Payment of work permits may be made through the UAE official government website. Payment will be calculated depending on your occupation and visa.
| Permit Type | Category A | Category B | Category C |
|---|
| New Work Permit (2 years) | AED 250 | AED 1,200 | AED 3,450 |
| Renewal (2 years) | AED 250 | AED 1,200 | AED 3,450 |
| Company Transfer (2 years) | AED 250 | AED 1,200 | AED 3,450 |
| Part-time / Temporary / Training | AED 50 | AED 50 | AED 50 |
| Contract Modification | AED 50 | AED 50 | AED 50 |
Sponsor Role in UAE Work Permits
What is Sponsorship?
Your employer company would be your sponsor in the UAE, and your employer company would sponsor you for the work permit. Your sponsor keeps you in all the work regulatory and statutory compliances as well.
How to Get a Sponsor for a Work Permit
You would need to find employment with an employer who would sponsor your work permit visa. Employees are sponsored by working employers in most instances, but for other work (i.e., freelancers), you sponsor yourself.
Alternate Sponsorship Options
Independent contractors and freelancers can also be sponsored for a work permit under specialty sponsorship programs like free zones.
Duration and Renewal of Work Permits
How Long is a Work Permit Valid
Work permits are typically valid for 2-3 years, depending on the type of permit and your job. After this period, you’ll need to renew your permit to continue working in the UAE.
How to Renew a Work Permit
Work permit renewals require the filing of renewed documents, such as a new medical certificate or employment contract, before the due date.
| Visa Type / Category | Typical Validity | Renewal Cost (AED, Approximate) |
|---|
| Standard Work / Employment Visa | 1 to 3 years | 300 – 5,000 (plus medical, ID, stamping) |
| Residence / Family Visa | 1 to 3 years | 500 – 1,000 (plus medical, ID) |
| Tourist / Visit Visa | 30 / 60 / 90 days | ~610 for 30-day extension |
| Residence Visa (e.g. Abu Dhabi) | 1 to 5 years | 1-year: 1,100 • 3-year: 3,300 • 5-year: 5,500 |
Consequences of an Expired Work Permit
Since your work permit has expired a very long time ago and you are already working without obtaining a renewed permit, you will be sued, thus deportation or a fine.
Difference Between Permits of Work and Residence Visas
Permits of Work and Residence Visas
A work permit legally permits you to work in the UAE, and a residence visa allows you to live in the UAE for an extended period of time, usually in tandem with work. Occasionally, the two converge simultaneously.
Do You Need a Residence Visa to Work
If you are employed in the UAE, then you would require a residence visa. But in some situations, if you are employed on freelance contracts or are employed in free zone companies, the work permit would be enough.
Special Requirements for Specific Professions
Highly Qualified Personnel
Very professional individuals in fields like technology and healthcare may have special kinds of work permits depending on the kind of qualification they have, i.e., the Green Visa.
Domestic Workers
Domestic workers (maids, nannies) also have their own work permits, and the procedure may require more documents with more rules.
Freelancers and Entrepreneurs
The entrepreneurs and freelancers may be given work permits as an attempt to work in the UAE either as freelancers or entrepreneurs.
Free Zone Employment vs Mainland UAE
What are the Free Zones
The free zones are the incentive and tax-friendly regions for enterprises. The employees in the free zones usually have separate work permits and visa conditions.
Mainland Employment
The employees in the free zones work outside of the free zones and other labor protocols and regulations. These are document-intensive work permits.
Free Zone vs Mainland: The Main Differences
Free zone work permits are corporate business-to-business work, while mainland permits are business-oriented.
Current Problems and Challenges with the Work Permit Process
Work Permit Delay
There may be a delay in the work permits since there is pending documentation or an administrative hold. Confirm your documents so that there is no delay.
Rejection of Work Permit Applications
If the work permit application is rejected, then likely due to incorrect or incomplete information. Check the application and submit all the documents required.
Disagreements Between Employees and Employers
Disagreement among the employers and employees may make a valid work permit complicated. Disagreement must be settled.
Exiting the UAE with an Invalid Work Permit
As soon as you leave the UAE, you will be liable for canceling your work permit to avert being charged or fined. Your employer will cancel your work permit and charge the country exit procedure cost. Failing to cancel your work permit when exiting is an offense punishable.
It will fine you, refuse to let you in, or prohibit you for life from entering the UAE on subsequent visa applications if you depart without canceling your work permit. You must cancel your work permit in writing before you leave the country.
Benefits of Having a Work Permit in the UA
A UAE work permit also gives you legal employment, medical cover, and the right to bring your family to live with you. It even gives you long-term residency in the future.
Alternatives to a Traditional Work Permit in the UA
If you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or freelancer, there are alternatives to a traditional work permit, such as the Investor Visa or a Freelancer Permit. These allow for self-employment and business ventures in the UAE, often with fewer restrictions.
The Role of Recruitment Agencies in the Process
The work permit agencies also help to get the work permit by getting most of the documents and papers ready. It is recommended to hire a good agency so that the application process is smooth.
Key Laws and Regulations for Foreign Workers
The UAE is very strict when it comes to immigration and work laws. As a foreign worker, it would be best to understand both your duties as well as your rights. Read through the UAE Labor Law as well as the Immigration Law so that there is never any confusion. Always keep in mind that policies are negotiable and it is necessary to stay abreast of any new updates in work permits.
Conclusion
In general, it is simple to acquire your work permit in the UAE, but it is a bit tricky to recall. From acquiring your papers to asserting your rights as a matter of law, counselling will make entering the UAE labour force child’s play. Exits should not be ignored and the work permit should be cancelled to avoid penalties.
How To Get Work Permit in UAE FAQs
How many days for cancelling the work permit?
Cancellation of work permit within three or seven days, depending on your company and status.
Can one change companies without canceling the work permit?
Yes, you are transferring your work permit to the new company. The new company makes it easy.
Do I also have the right to apply for a work permit if I am already in the UAE on a tourist visa?
Yes, you can switch work permit to a tourist visa while working.
What if I am just going to use up my work permit, yet I will have some balance time remaining on it for my own use in the UAE?
You will be liable for an overstay penalty, and you will also experience issuance or renewal issues with your visa in the future.
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