Planning a Career in the UAE? Know About 13 Types of Work Permits 2025

Written by

Mynaz Altaf

Fact check by

Divyansh Chaudhari

Updated on

Aug 22,2025

Planning a Career in the UAE? Know About 13 Types of Work Permits - TerraTern

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Key Highlights

Navigating the complexities of international career planning requires understanding local regulations, and for those looking at the United Arab Emirates, this journey starts with understanding its work permit system. The UAE, a global business and innovation hub, has simplified its processes to attract a wide range of talent, from seasoned professionals to students and freelancers. This blog post breaks down the different types of work permits available to help you plan your professional future in the Emirates.

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UAE’s Evolving Work Permit Framework

The UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has put in place a robust framework to regulate the labour market. This system ensures legal employment, protects employer and employee rights and supports the country’s economic goals. A recent development is the Work Bundle, a government initiative under the Zero Bureaucracy Programme. This digital platform has streamlined the hiring and visa process, consolidating many steps and documents into one workflow. This has reduced processing times and made it faster for companies to hire and for individuals to get their permits and residency.

The Foundation: General Work Permits

At the core of the system are the permits for regular employment. The Recruitment from Outside UAE permit is the standard visa for foreign workers hired from abroad, valid for 2 years. The transfer permit allows a worker to move from one UAE company to another and is also valid for 2 years. These are the most common permits for expats securing long-term positions.

Supporting a Diverse Workforce

The UAE’s approach goes beyond the traditional employer-employee relationship. The Family Sponsorship Permit is a key provision, allowing individuals who are already under family sponsorship (usually a spouse or parent) to work legally. This gives dependent family members the flexibility to contribute to the economy without needing separate company sponsorship. This permit is also valid for 2 years.

Specialised and Flexible Permits

Beyond the regular, the UAE has many specialised permits to cater to different career paths and working styles. This is a hallmark of the country’s modern labour policies.

Also Read: Job Seeker Visa UAE

Short-Term and Project-Based Work

 For those on specific short-term tasks, the temporary work permit is the way to go. This permit allows a worker to be seconded to another company for a short period and provides a legal basis for short-term projects. A related but separate permit is the mission work permit for non-UAE workers on a project for the duration of the project.

Bridging the Gap: Part-Time and Freelance Opportunities

The modern global workforce demands flexibility, and the UAE has responded. The part-time work permit allows individuals to work for multiple employers or reduced hours, legalising what was previously informal. This is complemented by the freelance work permit, a game-changer for self-employed professionals. This permit frees individuals from the need for employer sponsorship, allowing them to offer their services independently. Its validity varies depending on the specific freelance activity and sector.

Catering to Specific Sectors and Demographics

The government has also created permits for highly specific situations, showing a granular approach to workforce management. The juvenile work permit is an example of this, allowing individuals aged 15-18 to work under safe, restricted conditions, promoting early career exposure. The student training and employment permit is for students aged 15 and above who are undertaking training or internships, with a three-month validity.

Permits for High-Value Individuals and Local Talent

The Golden Visa holder work permit is a big deal for Golden Visa holders. It allows them to join any UAE company; they are valued citizens. For local talent, the UAE/GCC national work permit and national trainee work permit are designed to integrate and train UAE and GCC nationals in the private sector, in line with nationalisation goals.

The private teacher work permit is another special category for qualified tutors. This permit, valid for 2 years and often free of charge, legalises private lessons, regulating the informal education sector.

Also Read: UAE Immigration: How to Move to the United Arab Emirates?

Conclusion: A Forward-Looking Approach to Global Talent

The UAE is not just a place to work; it’s a regulated ecosystem to attract and retain global talent. The country’s work permit system, with 13 types of permits, reflects a forward-thinking approach to cater to a wide range of professionals, from long-term employees to short-term project workers and freelancers.

The government’s efforts to streamline the process, most notably through the “Work Bundle” initiative, show they are committed to making the country a frictionless environment for business and career growth. By understanding and leveraging this system, aspiring professionals can plan their next career move and unlock the many opportunities the UAE has to offer. Visit TerraTern to know more.

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Mynaz Altaf

Sr. Content Writer

I am Mynaz Altaf, an accomplished Senior Content Manager with extensive experience in the immigration industry. At TerraTern, I craft transformative content strategies, leading a dynamic team of creatives. By blending analytical precision with creative flair, I create engaging narratives that captivate and convert. Join me in exploring the art of impactful storytelling, where precision meets passion in the realm of content innovation.

At TerraTern, we adhere to a stringent editorial policy emphasizing factual accuracy, impartiality, and relevance. Our content is curated by experienced industry professionals, and reviewed by editors to ensure high standards.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements for a work permit in the UAE?

To get a work permit in the UAE, both the employer and the employee must meet the criteria set by MoHRE. The employee must be at least 18 years old, except for juvenile and student permits. The job must be suitable for the company’s registered business activity, and the trade licence must be valid and active. For regulated professions like healthcare and engineering, the applicant must have the necessary educational qualifications and professional certifications. All applications must be submitted by an authorised representative of the company. These conditions are in place to have a regulated and fair labour market, prevent illegal employment and protect the rights of both parties.

How has the “Work Bundle” made it easier?

The “Work Bundle” part of the Zero Bureaucracy Programme has revolutionised the process of hiring new employees in the UAE. Before it was introduced, getting a work permit and visa was a tedious process involving multiple visits to different government departments and submission of many documents. The Work Bundle has simplified this by creating a single digital platform where employers can do everything in one place. This includes applying for work permits and residency visas, medical tests, and Emirates ID services. The platform has reduced the number of application steps from 15 to 5 and the number of documents from 16 to 5. It has saved time and effort and reduced the processing time from up to 30 working days to 5.

Are work permits renewable, and what are the costs?

Yes, work permits in the UAE are renewable, and the renewal process is the same as the initial application. The costs of getting and renewing a work permit vary greatly. The fee structure depends on the company’s classification, which is determined by its compliance with labour laws and Emiratisation quotas. Companies are classified into A, B or C, with C companies paying higher fees for non-compliance. Fees range from AED 250 to AED 3,450. Employers must maintain a good standing with the government to manage these costs effectively.

What happens if an employer breaches the work permit terms?

Breaching work permit rules by employers can lead to severe consequences, including suspension of their ability to issue new permits. MoHRE has a strict enforcement mechanism to ensure compliance with labour laws. For example, a company’s new permit applications can be suspended if it breaches fee rules, provides substandard worker accommodation, is accused of human trafficking or abuses the ministry’s digital systems. These measures are to protect the rights and well-being of workers and have a fair and ethical labour market. The government’s proactive approach to enforcement shows its commitment to having a safe and compliant working environment for all.

How do freelance and private teacher permits differ from standard permits?

Freelance and private teacher permits represent a significant shift in the UAE's labour policy towards greater flexibility and self-employment. Unlike standard permits, which are tied to a specific employer, these permits allow individuals to work without a traditional sponsorship arrangement. The freelance permit is designed for self-employed individuals who offer their services on a project basis, and its validity can vary. The private teacher permit, on the other hand, is specifically for qualified tutors providing private lessons. This permit is often free and has a two-year validity. These specialised permits are part of a broader strategy to formalise and regulate unconventional work arrangements, ensuring that all forms of employment operate within a legal framework.