Book an Appointment
Planning to work in the UAE? Discover the 13 work permit types available in 2025, covering everything from full-time jobs to freelance opportunities. Learn about eligibility, validity, and application requirements.
The UAE continues to be a top destination for job seekers, freelancers, and professionals looking to build a career in a dynamic, tax-free economy. To streamline employment, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) offers various work permits catering to different job categories and residency statuses.
Understanding UAE Work Permits
Working in the UAE without a valid permit is illegal. Each permit is designed for a specific role, making it easier for employees to secure jobs while complying with labour laws. Whether you are a full-time professional, part-time worker, or freelancer, here’s a detailed breakdown of the 13 work permit options available in 2025.
13 UAE Work Permits
The UAE’s work permit system is designed to streamline employment, ensuring legality and fairness. Let’s explore the options:
1. Standard Work Permit
The most common work permit for expatriates, allows UAE companies to hire skilled professionals from abroad. Employers handle visa processing, ensuring legal employment and residency for workers.
• Best for: Expats recruited from abroad by UAE-based companies
• Requirements: Employment contract, valid passport, medical fitness test, and employer sponsorship
• Validity: Typically 2 years, renewable
2. Transfer Work Permit
Designed for employees switching jobs within the UAE, this permit eliminates the need to exit the country when changing employers, ensuring a smooth transition between jobs.
• Best for: Employees switching jobs within the UAE
• Requirements: NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the previous employer, new employment contract
• Validity: Duration of new employment contract
3. Work Permit for Residents with Family Sponsorship
This permit allows individuals on a family-sponsored visa to work legally without requiring separate sponsorship from an employer, making it easier for dependents to find jobs.
• Best for: Expats sponsored by family members who want to work
• Requirements: Family residency visa, job offer, employer approval
• Validity: Linked to family visa validity
4. Temporary Work Permit
Ideal for short-term employment, this permit allows companies to hire professionals for specific projects without committing to long-term contracts.
• Best for: Short-term employees and project-based workers
• Requirements: Employer contract specifying project duration, medical fitness test
• Validity: Typically 6 months or project duration
5. One-Mission Work Permit
This permit is for foreign workers hired for specific short-term assignments or urgent business needs, ensuring a fast and legal recruitment process.
• Best for: Professionals hired for specific short-term assignments
• Requirements: Contract outlining job duration, employer approval
• Validity: Project completion period
6. Part-Time Work Permit
A flexible option for professionals who want to work multiple jobs legally, ensuring compliance with UAE labor laws while allowing varied employment.
• Best for: Workers seeking multiple part-time jobs
• Requirements: Employer approval, compliance with work hour limits
• Validity: As per employment contract
7. Juvenile Work Permit
Created for teenagers aged 15-18, this permit provides young workers with valuable job experience while ensuring compliance with UAE labour safety laws.
• Best for: Teenagers aged 15-18 seeking work experience
• Requirements: Parental consent, medical clearance, employment contract
• Validity: 1 year, renewable
8. Student Training and Employment Permit
This permit allows students to gain hands-on experience while studying, preparing them for the workforce through internships and training programs.
• Best for: Students aged 15 and above already residing in the UAE
• Requirements: School approval, employer contract, MoHRE authorization
• Validity: As per internship or training duration
9. UAE, GCC National Work Permit
A simplified employment process for Emiratis and GCC nationals, eliminating the need for additional work permits and expediting recruitment.
• Best for: Emiratis and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals
• Requirements: Employment contract, UAE or GCC citizenship proof
• Validity: Duration of employment contract
10. Golden Visa Work Permit
Designed for Golden Visa holders, this permit allows long-term residents to work legally in the UAE without requiring traditional employer sponsorship.
• Best for: Golden Visa holders seeking employment
• Requirements: Valid Golden Visa, employer sponsorship
• Validity: Based on employment contract
11. National Trainee Work Permit
Aimed at Emirati job seekers, this permit supports professional development by providing hands-on training opportunities in various industries.
• Best for: Emirati trainees gaining work experience
• Requirements: Employer sponsorship, proof of academic qualifications
• Validity: As per training duration
12. Freelance Work Permit
A popular option for independent professionals, the Freelance Work Permit allows self-employed individuals to work legally in the UAE without an employer.
• Best for: Self-employed professionals and independent contractors
• Requirements: Portfolio, proof of expertise, freelance license
• Validity: 1 year, renewable
13. Private Teacher Work Permit
The Private Teacher Work Permit allows qualified educators to legally provide private tutoring services in the UAE, ensuring compliance with labour regulations.
• Best for: Qualified professionals providing private tuition
• Requirements: Educational certification, background check, employer approval
• Validity: 2 years
Final Thoughts
With 13 different work permits, the UAE offers diverse employment options for job seekers, freelancers, and students. Whether you’re moving to the UAE for a full-time job or looking for short-term opportunities, choosing the right permit ensures a smooth and legal work experience.
Source: https://travelobiz.com/13-uae-work-permits-explained-find-the-right-one-for-you/
