Work Permit and Labor Card Process in UAE (2026)

Working in UAE without a permit is illegal. Every foreign national employed in the UAE must hold a valid work permit issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) and a labor card (also called a work card) confirming their employment registration. The system changed significantly with the introduction of the new employment law (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021) and its implementing regulations, which standardized contracts, eliminated unlimited-term employment, and introduced new categories of work permits. This guide covers the entire process from entry permit through labor card issuance, the different permit types, employer obligations, and when a labor lawyer needs to get involved.

What Is a Work Permit in UAE?

A work permit (تصريح عمل — tasreeh amal) is an authorization issued by MOHRE that allows a foreign national to work legally for a specific employer in the UAE. The labor card is the physical/digital proof of registration in the MOHRE system. Together, they constitute legal employment status. The work permit is tied to a specific employer — you cannot work for a different employer without a new permit. The permit must be obtained before the employee starts working, and the employer (not the employee) is responsible for securing it.

The UAE work authorization system has several components:

• Entry permit (pink visa) — allows the employee to enter the UAE for the purpose of employment. Valid for 60 days.
• Work permit — MOHRE authorization to work for the sponsoring employer.
• Labor card — registration document confirming employment terms (job title, salary, employer).
• Residence visa — issued by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), allows the employee to reside in the UAE. Valid for 2-3 years.
• Emirates ID — national identity card, required for all residents.

All five documents are interconnected. The work permit and labor card are issued by MOHRE, while the residence visa and Emirates ID are issued by immigration and identity authorities. The employer must obtain all of them — it is not the employee's responsibility.

What Types of Work Permits Exist?

MOHRE issues several categories of work permits: (1) standard work permit for new employees entering the UAE, (2) transfer work permit for employees moving between employers within the UAE, (3) temporary work permit for project-based or seasonal work (up to 6 months), (4) part-time work permit allowing employment with multiple employers, (5) freelance work permit for independent professionals, and (6) golden visa work permit linked to the long-term residency scheme. Each has different requirements, fees, and processing times.

Detailed breakdown of permit types:

Standard work permit fees depend on the employer's classification. MOHRE classifies companies into three categories based on their Emiratisation rates and compliance history:

• Category 1 (highest compliance): AED 300 per permit.
• Category 2 (standard): AED 2,100 per permit.
• Category 3 (non-compliant): AED 5,300 per permit.

This tiered system incentivizes employers to meet Emiratisation targets and maintain MOHRE compliance. Companies that fail to hire the required percentage of UAE nationals face significantly higher permit costs.

What Is the Step-by-Step Process to Get a Work Permit?

The full process from job offer to labor card takes 2-4 weeks in standard cases: (1) employer submits work permit application via MOHRE portal, (2) MOHRE approves and issues the work permit, (3) employer applies for entry permit from GDRFA, (4) employee enters UAE on entry permit, (5) employee completes medical fitness test, (6) employer submits residence visa application, (7) Emirates ID biometrics appointment, (8) visa stamped in passport, (9) labor card issued. Delays are common at the medical fitness and Emirates ID stages.

Week 1: Application and approval.

Step 1 — Employer submits work permit application. Via the MOHRE portal or through a Tasheel service center. Required documents:

• Signed employment offer letter.
• Employee's passport copy (valid for at least 6 months).
• Employee's educational certificates (attested and equivalency-verified for certain professions).
• Employee's photograph.
• Company trade license copy.
• Company immigration card.

Step 2 — MOHRE review. MOHRE verifies the application, checks the employer's classification and quota status, and reviews the job title against the employee's qualifications. Approval: 2-5 business days. If rejected, the employer receives the reason and can reapply.

Step 3 — Entry permit application. Upon work permit approval, the employer applies to GDRFA for the entry permit (pink visa). Processing: 2-3 business days.

Week 2: Entry and medical.

Step 4 — Employee enters UAE. The employee travels to the UAE on the entry permit. The 60-day validity starts from the date of entry.

Step 5 — Medical fitness test. The employee visits an approved medical center for a health screening (blood test for communicable diseases + chest X-ray for tuberculosis). Results: 1-3 business days. If the employee fails the medical (e.g., positive for HIV, hepatitis B, or TB), the work permit is cancelled and the employee must leave the UAE.

Week 3-4: Visa and ID.

Step 6 — Residence visa application. The employer submits the residence visa application to GDRFA, along with the medical fitness certificate, Emirates ID application, and a stamped tenancy contract (proof of accommodation).

Step 7 — Emirates ID biometrics. The employee attends an ICP center for biometric data capture (fingerprints, photo, signature). Processing: 3-7 business days for the physical card.

Step 8 — Visa stamping. The residence visa is stamped in the employee's passport (or issued as an e-visa).

Step 9 — Labor card issuance. MOHRE issues the labor card confirming the employee's registration. The labor card can be downloaded from the MOHRE app.

What Are the Employer's Obligations?

The employer bears full responsibility for work permit costs, visa fees, medical test fees, and Emirates ID fees. Under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, employers cannot charge employees for recruitment or visa costs. The employer must also provide health insurance, register the employee in the Wage Protection System (WPS), issue a MOHRE-standard employment contract, and maintain the work permit's validity throughout the employment period.

Employer obligations in detail:

1. Bear all costs. The employer pays:

• Work permit fee: AED 300-5,300.
• Entry permit: AED 200-350.
• Medical fitness test: AED 200-350.
• Residence visa: AED 500-700.
• Emirates ID: AED 370 (3-year validity).
• Health insurance: AED 600-5,000+ annually.
• Total first-year cost: approximately AED 3,000-12,000 per employee.

2. Wage Protection System (WPS). All salaries must be paid through the banking system via WPS. Cash payments are non-compliant. MOHRE monitors WPS compliance and can suspend work permit issuance for non-compliant employers.

3. Standard employment contract. All employment contracts must be registered with MOHRE and follow the standard template. The contract specifies: job title, salary, probation period, working hours, leave entitlements, and termination terms.

4. Health insurance. Mandatory in Dubai (DIHC requirements) and Abu Dhabi (HAAD requirements). Federal health insurance requirements apply in other emirates.

5. Accommodation. The employer must ensure the employee has adequate housing. For labor categories, specific accommodation standards apply (minimum space per person, facilities, etc.).

6. No passport retention. It is illegal for employers to retain employees' passports. This is a specific provision of the anti-trafficking law and the employment law. Violation carries fines and criminal penalties.

What If Your Work Permit Is Denied or Delayed?

Common reasons for work permit denial: (1) the employer's MOHRE classification does not allow new permits, (2) the employee's qualifications do not match the job title, (3) the employee failed the medical fitness test, (4) there is an existing labor complaint against the employer, (5) the employee has a previous labor ban, or (6) the job title requires professional licensing that the employee lacks. A labor lawyer can appeal most denials and resolve complications within 2-4 weeks.

Troubleshooting common issues:

Employer quota exhausted. MOHRE limits the number of permits per company based on its Emiratisation rate and business activity. If the quota is full, the employer must either hire a UAE national, wait for an existing permit to expire, or upgrade their MOHRE classification.

Qualification mismatch. Certain job titles (engineer, doctor, lawyer, accountant, teacher) require attested educational certificates verified through the Ministry of Education's equivalency process. If the employee's degree does not match the job title, MOHRE rejects the application.

Previous labor ban. If the employee left a previous employer without completing the notice period and was reported for "absconding," a labor ban may exist. The ban prevents issuance of a new work permit. The ban can be challenged through MOHRE or the labor court if it was unjustly imposed.

Medical failure. Failing the medical fitness test (positive for HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or tuberculosis) results in automatic denial and a requirement to leave the UAE. Limited appeal options exist for false positives — a retest can be requested.

A labor lawyer in Dubai can intervene to resolve these issues, file appeals, and ensure the employee's rights are protected throughout the process.

For related employment topics, see our guides on Golden Visa for Skilled Workers and maternity and paternity leave in UAE.

How Do You Transfer a Work Permit to a New Employer?

Since the 2022 labor law reforms, employees can transfer to a new employer after completing their notice period without requiring the current employer's consent. The employee serves notice (30-90 days depending on contract terms), obtains a new job offer, and the new employer applies for a transfer work permit through MOHRE. The entire process takes 1-3 weeks. The old employer cannot block the transfer if the employee has complied with their contractual notice obligations.

The transfer process:

1. Employee resigns and serves notice period.
2. Current employer processes the cancellation.
3. Employee receives a 30-day grace period to find new employment or leave the UAE.
4. New employer submits transfer work permit application to MOHRE.
5. MOHRE processes the transfer (3-5 business days).
6. New labor card and residence visa are issued under the new sponsor.

Key change from old system: Under the previous law, the employer could impose a 6-month or 1-year labor ban if the employee resigned before completing 2 years. The new law eliminated this ban for employees who resign after serving their notice period. The ban only applies if the employee abandons their job without notice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while my work permit is being processed?

No. Working before the work permit is issued is illegal and subjects both the employee and employer to penalties. The employee must wait until the work permit and labor card are issued before starting work. Some employers allow the employee to attend orientation or training on the entry permit, but actual paid work requires the permit.

What happens if my employer delays my work permit application?

If the employer has made a job offer and the employee has entered the UAE on an entry permit but the employer fails to process the work permit, the employee can file a complaint with MOHRE. The employer has a legal obligation to complete the visa process within the 60-day entry permit validity. If the entry permit expires without a visa, the employee faces overstay fines.

Can I work for two employers simultaneously in UAE?

Yes, with a part-time work permit. The primary employer must issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC), and the secondary employer must apply for a part-time work permit from MOHRE. Freelance permit holders can work for multiple clients without needing separate permits. Working for two employers without proper permits is a violation that can result in fines and deportation.

Does my work permit expire if I leave the UAE temporarily?

No. The work permit and residence visa remain valid during temporary absences. However, if you remain outside the UAE for more than 6 consecutive months, the residence visa may be cancelled automatically. Golden visa holders have longer absence allowances.

What is the cost of renewing a work permit?

Renewal costs are similar to initial issuance: AED 300-5,300 for the work permit (depending on employer classification) plus residence visa renewal (AED 500-700) and Emirates ID renewal (AED 370). The employer pays all costs. Renewal should be initiated 30 days before expiry to avoid gaps in legal status.

Keep Reading

• Golden Visa for Skilled Workers
• Maternity and Paternity Leave in UAE
• Overtime Laws in UAE
• Complete Guide to Labor Lawyers in UAE

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