UAE labour law: 13 types of work permits to hire employees in private sector
The UAE labour law is vital in ensuring a balance and thriving workforce within the private sector. The legislation establishes the baseline for potential employer in hiring foreign and local manpower and continues to cover the essentials of employment.
The MoHRE offers different work permits for private sector firms that are tailored to accommodate various employment schemes, be it a professional, student, freelancer or part-time job holder.
It is an offence to work in the Emirates without the appropriate visa. And every different type of permit is for a specific purpose, thus making it easier for people to work and help in the economy booming of the nation. Below are the 13 work permit streams to be used in 2025.
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Regular work visa: It enables the organisations based in UAE to hire staff from the foreign countries. It is the responsibility of employers to get the visas, work permits and residence paperwork sorted.
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Transferring work permit: enabling expat workers change their jobs from within the UAE without the need of exiting, a work permit to transfer from establishment to another.
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Family sponsored residents visa work permit: This is for people who are on family sponsorship in the UAE and want to work but do not have to get visa for work through their employer.
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Temporary work authorization: These are available for temporary projects or particular assignments providing flexibility for companies to engage workers for limited time durations without having to commit to professional contracts.
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Single-Mission Permit: Its award is issued to hire an overseas professional to perform a temporary function, or other specific project for a fixed-term.
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Part-time work permit: This issued to employ a worker under part time contract in-which his hours or days of work shall be less than the full time contract. More than one employer is entitled to employ employees after obtaining a permit from the ministry.
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Teen work permit: For youth ages 15–18, there are limitations on the type and hours of work allowed.
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Student Training, Employment permit: Intended for a 15-year old student who is already in the UAE, based on regulations and conditions that guarantee a proper training and work environment.
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UAE, GCC national work visa: Enables Emiratis and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals to work.
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Golden Visa work permit: This is a must-have for holders of a Golden Visa who have found a job in the UAE.
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National trainee permit: A national trainee national work permit is issued to institutions registered at the Mohre that want to train national holders with verified scientific backgrounds.
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Freelance permit: The UAE freelance permit is given to foreigners intending to be self-sponsored, meaning they will be providing services or work to individuals or companies, but are not tied to one specific employer and do not have an employment contract.
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Private teacher work permit: This helps experienced people to provide private tuition in the UAE legally. ITP is a free permit that is a valid for the time span of two years
Such varied permits offer companies the ease of bringing in specialists or tailoring their employee numbers as per demand; thereby reinforcing UAE, as a global business centre.
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