Types of UAE Work Permits | Your 2025 Guide to Legal Employment

There are 13 types of work permits in the UAE. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) is the authority issuing these permits. They include work permits for professionals, freelance permits for self-employed workers, golden visa permits for long-term residents and temporary permits for short-term work. All these visas are in line with UAE labour law, guard workers, and promote Emiratisation. Whether you’re an employer, expat or contractor, there are different permits you need to be aware of to work legally in the UAE.

Working in the UAE does not need to be hard and complicated, especially with the new 2023 rules and 2025 rules. New options include remote work permits and green visas. As a business setup service in Dubai, I have assisted lots of companies and individuals with this. The right permit can simplify your setup.

What Is a UAE Work Permit?

A UAE work permit is a form of official permission from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) to work in the UAE private sector as a foreign national. It is a necessity for employment visas and residency visas, in order to be compliant with Federal Decree Law No. 33/2021. The permit is usually applied for by your employer, and the details include your position, employer and duration of your contract. Because without it, you risk fines, deportation and or legal action.

When I helped a tech startup with the business setup in Dubai, regular work permits for their developers were the preliminary step to commence the operations legally. The permit is linked to the Emirates ID and medical fitness check, providing the skeleton for the UAE’s labour regulatory mechanism. It’s not just paperwork  it’s your ticket to working in the UAE’s dynamic economy.

Why Are Work Permits Important in the UAE?

Work permissions keep the UAE labour market in order and legal. Here’s why they matter:

• Compliance: They meet UAE labour laws and prevent fines as high as AED 50,000.
• Labour Rights: Visas ensure workers have a right to fair pay, safety, and legal rights under MoHRE supervision.
• Workforce regulation: They assist with the oversight of how foreign workers are hired, working to achieve the right mix of securing Emiratisation targets and meeting the local market’s demand for skills from around the world.
• Economic Growth: In addition to providing a meaningful base for the tech, healthcare, and construction industries, skilled migration further empowers these industries.
• Flexibility: Options, such as part-time work permits and freelance permits, serve various labour demands.

Without a permit, there are risks for both employers and workers, from the revocation of a business license to deportation. The UAE’s system, supported by Cabinet Resolution No. 1/2022, simplifies the hiring process and secures all sides.

13 Types of UAE Work Permits in 2025

The UAE provides 13 categories of work permits for different types of roles, including full-time professionals and freelancers. Here is a more in-depth breakdown, answering questions such as “What are the different types of work permits in the UAE 2025?”

1. Standard Work Permit

Most common is the standard work permit, which allows UAE firms to employ foreign workers. Employers arrange for the work permit application, employment visa and resident visa.

• Issuance: Job offer, qualification relevancy, and medical fitness.
• Duration: Up to 2 years, renewable.
• Use Case: Perfect for the tech, finance or hospitality professional.

2. Transfer Work Permit

The transfer work permit allows foreign workers to change jobs within the UAE without departing.

• Requirement: Completion of a valid contract with the former employer, new job offer.
• Process: The New company applies through MoHRE and transfers sponsorship.
• Use Case: Ideal for people switching jobs between companies in Dubai/Abu Dhabi.

3. Family Sponsored Work Permit Residency

This visa authorises residence in the United States for family-based (e.g., spouses, children) and employment-based (e.g., Fiancé or employees) applicants who can demonstrate a financial need.

• Eligibility: Residence visa under family sponsorship, job offer.
• Pro: Flexibility for dependents to find a job.
• Use Case: Lav Sharma’s wife (on family visa) joining as a part-time employee at a Dubai startup.

4. Temporary Work Permit

The temporary work authorisation is for undertaking temporary short-term projects, generally for 6 months.

• Qualifications: Specific project or task, employer’s sponsorship.
• Use Case: Seasonal work, like for events or in construction.
• 2025 Update: New rules could extend the time limits of remote work permission.

5. One-Mission Work Permit

The other permit type, a one-mission work permit, is for people working in Denmark for a foreign employer on a one-time, short-term contract.

• Eligibility: Short-term (eg, consulting, clinician work) employer sponsorship.
• Use Case: A consultant on a 3-month project in Abu Dhabi.
• Duration: Depends on project timeline, but generally less than 6 months.

6. Part-Time Work Permit

Under the part-time work permit, multi-employment is possible, subject to approval by MoHRE.

• Requirements: Freelance contract, part-time work available.
• Use Case: A digital marketer juggling gigs in Dubai.
• Pros: Flexibility for creative and tech pros.

7. Juvenile Work Permit

It is for teenagers between 15 and 18 years old and is regulated by strict safety standards.

• Qualifications: 15-18 years of age, employer compliance with wage and hour laws.
• Restrictions: Limited hours and job types.
• Use Case: A 16-year-old working part-time in a retail store.

8. Student Training and Employment Permit

This visa enables students who are 15 and up to get hands-on experience in the UAE.

• Eligibility: UAE student, employer sponsorship.
• Case Study: A university student interning at a Dubai-based tech company.
• Advantage: Promote the training of its workforce and Emiratisation.

9. UAE/GCC National Work Permit

National UAE/GCC work permit for Emirati and GCC nationals (without visas).

• Qualification: UAE or GCC national, offer of employment.
• Use Case: An Emirati is going to work for a private-sector company.
• Benefit: Aligns with Emiratisation policies.

10. Golden Visa Work Permit

The golden visa job work permit is for golden visa holders looking for a job.

• Eligibility: A Golden visa, a job offer, and the MoHRE’s approval.
• Scenario: An investor consultant in Dubai.
• 2025 Update: More business people and skilled people are now eligible.

11. National Trainee Work Permit

The national trainee permit trains UAE nationals with academic qualifications.

• National trainee permit: This is for the training of UAE nationals with academic qualifications.
• Eligibility: Emirati educated in the relevant subject, with company sponsorship.
• Sofar use case: A graduate trainee at a business in the UAE.
• Benefit: Boosts Emiratisation goals.

12. Freelance Work Permit

The freelance permit allows autonomous workers to freelance.

• Qualification: Not employer-sponsored, valid residency visa.
• Case study: A programmer providing services in Dubai.
• 2025 Updated: Slimmed down for tech and creative fields.

13. Private Teacher Work Permit

The private tutor work permit is free for tutors to offer private lessons.

• Eligibility: Teaching qualifications, MoHRE approval.
• Duration: 2 years, renewable.
• Example: A tutor who gives lessons in Abu Dhabi.

Sector-Specific and Free Zone Permits

In addition to the 13 permits, industry-specific permits for fields such as health care, education, and construction have separate certification requirements. Free Zone licenses in regions such as HFZA, DMCC, and twofour54 provide efficient setup for tech, finance and media industries.

• Requirements: Industry-specific qualifications (eg healthcare license for medical professionals), job offer in a free zone.
• Visa Quotas: Based on office space (e.g. DMCC: 1 visa per 9 sqm).
• Use Case: A software developer at Dubai Internet City.
• 2025 Update: New remote work authorisations for free zones to encourage hybrid work.

How to Apply for a UAE Work Permit in 2025

The process of obtaining a UAE work permit is a transparent process handled by MoHRE. Here’s how:

Step 1: Job Offer and Contract:

Obtain a job offer and create an employment contract.

Step 2: Employer Application:

The employer fills out the work permit application on the MoHRE online portal or the Tasheel centres and provides:

• Passport copy
• Academic certificates
• Photographs
• Medical fitness certificate

Step 3: Medical Test and Emirates ID:

Schedule a Medical Fitness test at a UAE clinic. Get your Emirates ID processed by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP).

Step 4: The Permit Issuing:

MoHRE issues the permit (5–10 days) and the Residency Visa.

Step 5: Contract Registration:

Sign and register the final labor contract with MoHRE.

Tip: Use PRO services in UAE for business setup in UAE to streamline documentation and ensure compliance.

What Are the Costs of UAE Work Permits?

Work permit costs range from AED 250 to AED 3,450, depending on the company’s classification (A, B, or C), reflecting compliance with Wages Protection System and labor laws.

Permit Type	Cost (AED)	Company Classification
Standard Work Permit	250-3,450	A, B, C
Freelance Permit	Varies	N/A
Private Teacher Permit	Free	N/A
Temporary Work Permit	500-2,000	A, B, C

What Are the Risks of Working Without a Valid Permit?

It is also illegal to work without a proper work permit under the aforementioned Federal Decree Law No. 33/2021. Risks include:

For Employers:

• Fines up to AED 50,000.
• Business license revocation.
• Reputational damage and hiring restrictions.

For Employees:

• Deportation and blacklisting.
• No labour protections for wages or safety.
• Limited health care and services.

FAQs on UAE Work Permits

Q1: What is a UAE work permit?

An official authorisation from MoHRE allowing foreign workers to work legally, tied to employment visas and residency permits.

Q2: How to get a UAE work permit in 2025?

Secure a job offer, let your employer apply via MoHRE, complete a medical fitness test, and register for an Emirates ID.

Q3: What are the eligibility criteria for a freelance permit?

A valid residency visa, no employer sponsorship, and relevant skills (e.g., tech, creative).

Q4: How do free zone permits differ from mainland permits?

Free zone permits (e.g., DMCC, HFZA) are tied to specific zones, offering tax benefits and visa quotas based on office size.

Q5: What are the latest MoHRE regulations for 2025?

New remote work permits and green visa work permits support flexible work and economic diversification.

Conclusion: Simplify Your UAE Work Permit Process

Getting a UAE work permit in 2025 is easier when you know what to do. Whether you’re applying for a work permit as a professional or as a freelancer, the UAE system is flexible and follows the law. If you’re starting a business in Dubai or applying for a UAE  golden visa, it’s important to understand the costs, rules, and steps. MoHRE  sharik.ae platform also invites feedback to improve policies.

To make things easier, you can hire PRO services in UAE or business setup consultants in Dubai. They can help with the paperwork and make sure everything is done right. Stay informed, stay legal, and succeed in the UAE’s growing economy.