UAE Work Permit Types Explained 2025 – Complete Guide

UAE Work Permit Types Explained 2025 – Complete Guide for Employees & Employers

The UAE uses a work permit system (also known as the labour card or MoHRE work permit) to legally allow foreigners to work inside the country. In 2025, the UAE introduced multiple categories of work permits to support skilled professionals, freelancers, part-time workers, temporary contract workers, and Golden Visa holders.

This guide explains all UAE work permit types, eligibility, validity, costs, and the complete application process for 2025.

What You Will Learn

• What is a UAE work permit?

• All 2025 work permit types (MoHRE & Free Zone)

• Eligibility & required documents

• Work permit fees

• Difference between work permit vs visa

• Step-by-step application process

• FAQs

1. What Is a UAE Work Permit?

A UAE Work Permit is an official authorization issued by:

• MoHRE (Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation) for private-sector companies

• Free Zone authorities for free zone companies

The work permit allows a foreign employee to:

✔ Legally work in UAE
✔ Obtain a UAE residence visa
✔ Apply for Emirates ID
✔ Access employment benefits

2. UAE Work Permit Types (2025 Updated)

Here are all the work permit types currently available in the UAE:

1️⃣ Standard Work Permit (Regular Employment Visa)

Issued when a company hires a foreign employee.

✔ Full-time job
✔ Sponsored by company
✔ Validity: 2 years
✔ Most common permit in UAE

2️⃣ Work Permit for Family-Sponsored Residents

For individuals who already live in UAE under family visa and want to legally work.

✔ No need to cancel family visa
✔ Employer only issues work permit
✔ Validity: 1–2 years
✔ Ideal for wives, sons, daughters aged 18+

3️⃣ Freelance Work Permit

Allows individuals to work independently as freelancers.

✔ No company required
✔ Can work with multiple clients
✔ Common for: IT, media, digital marketing, design, consultants
✔ Issued by Free Zones (DIFC, ADGM, RAKEZ, Dubai Media City, TwoFour54, etc.)

4️⃣ Temporary Work Permit

Used for:

✔ Short-term jobs
✔ Project-based work
✔ Replacement workers
✔ Trial period workers

Validity: 6 months or project duration

5️⃣ Part-Time Work Permit

Allows an employee to work for more than one employer at the same time.

✔ Ideal for skilled professionals
✔ Requires approval from main employer
✔ Validity: 1 year

6️⃣ Golden Visa Work Authorization

Golden Visa holders can work for any employer without needing a standard work permit.

✔ Employer just needs to sign a labour contract
✔ No additional permit needed
✔ More flexibility

7️⃣ Work Permit for Mission / Project Work

For employees visiting UAE temporarily for:

✔ Project installation
✔ Repairs
✔ Training
✔ Short-term company assignments

Validity: 60–90 days

8️⃣ Juvenile Work Permit (Age 15–18)

Allows teenagers to work part-time legally.

✔ Parent/guardian consent required
✔ Specific job types only
✔ Strict safety rules

9️⃣ Student Work Permit

For university students who want to work while studying.

✔ For part-time jobs
✔ Internship programs
✔ On-campus and off-campus allowed

Issued by MoHRE or Free Zones depending on employer.

🔟 Domestic Worker Work Permit

For job roles like:

• Housemaid

• Cook

• Nanny

• Driver

• Private tutor

Issued through Tadbeer centers.

3. Work Permit vs Residence Visa (Difference)

You must have BOTH to legally live and work in UAE (except Golden Visa).

4. Work Permit Requirements (2025)

Employee Requirements

✔ Passport (valid 6+ months)
✔ Photo (white background)
✔ Attested degree (for skilled professions)
✔ Previous visa cancellation (if applicable)

Employer Requirements

✔ Valid company trade license
✔ Labour quota availability
✔ Establishment card
✔ Labour contract
✔ Fees payment

5. UAE Work Permit Fees (2025)

Fees vary depending on skill level, company category & permit type.

6. How to Apply for a Work Permit (Step-by-Step)

Step 1 — Employer Applies for Work Permit

Through MoHRE or free zone portal.

Step 2 — Approval of Work Permit

Applicant receives an entry permit (if outside UAE) or status change (inside UAE).

Step 3 — Medical Fitness Test

Required for all new visas for ages 18+.

Step 4 — Emirates ID Biometrics

Fingerprint + photo.

Step 5 — Visa Stamping (Digital Residence Permit)

Linked to Emirates ID.

Step 6 — Labour Contract Signing

Employer and employee sign contract digitally.

7. Work Permit Renewal 2025

✔ Apply 30 days before expiry
✔ No need to exit the country
✔ Medical test required for some cases
✔ Fees same as new work permit

8. FAQs – UAE Work Permit 2025

1. Can I work in UAE without a work permit?

No — it is illegal.

2. How long does a work permit take?

Usually 3–7 days.

3. Can a family visa holder work?

Yes — with a family-sponsored work permit.

4. Do freelancers need a residence visa?

Yes, freelance permit + freelancer visa are both required.

5. Can I work for two companies?

Yes — using a part-time work permit.

6. Do Golden Visa holders need a work permit?

No, only a labour contract is required.

Conclusion

The UAE offers multiple work permit types in 2025 to support a dynamic workforce — including full-time workers, freelancers, students, domestic workers, part-timers, and Golden Visa holders. Understanding the correct permit type ensures legal employment, smooth visa processing, and a successful career in the UAE.

Whether you're an employer hiring staff or an expat planning to work in UAE, this guide provides a complete overview of the work permit system for 2025.

Internal Links

Popular UAE Visa Guides

• UAE Entry Permit Status Check 2025

• UAE Medical Test for Visa 2025

• UAE Visa Stamping to Emirates ID System 2025

• UAE Visa Cancellation Process 2025

• UAE Child Visa Guide 2025

• UAE Family Visa Requirements 2025

• UAE Residence Visa Renewal Guide 2025

• UAE Employment Visa Guide 2025

Useful Expat Guides

• UAE Salary Guide 2025

• UAE Job Seeker Visa 2025

• UAE Overstay Fine Checker & Reduction Rules 2025

• UAE Transit Visa Guide (48/96 Hours)

• UAE Visit Visa Guide 2025