Whether you're a fresh graduate, freelancer, or seasoned professional, UAE offers 13 tailored work permit options for different employment situations—from full-time roles and part-time jobs to student training and golden visa holders.
Dubai : Plotting a career move to the UAE? Your first step is identifying the correct work permit. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) issues 13 different types, each crafted for unique job-seeker scenarios. Understanding each option is crucial for legal compliance and maximising opportunities.
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Here's a breakdown of the full lineup, designed to simplify your path to employment in the UAE:
Standard Permit (International Recruitment)
For professionals hired from abroad. Companies manage the visa, medical tests, Emirates ID, and visa stamping.
Transfer Work Permit
Enables UAE-based expats to switch jobs between registered employers while staying compliant.
Family-Sponsored Work Permit
Allows residents on family visas to work without changing their visa sponsorship.
Temporary Work Permit
Valid for up to six months, ideal for project-based assignments for residents already inside the UAE.
One-Mission Permit
Tailored for short-term, task-specific assignments where the timeframe aligns with a specific project.
Part-Time Work Permit
Enables legally sanctioned part-time work (min. 20 hours/week) across different employers without needing consent from the primary employer.
Juvenile Work Permit
For youths aged 15–18, requiring parental consent, capped at six hours per day, and limited to non-hazardous roles.
Student Training & Employment Permit
Grants students (15+) a three-month window to train and work within licensed private-sector organisations.
UAE & GCC National Permit
Dedicated to UAE and GCC citizens, facilitating their entry into private sector roles.
Golden Visa Work Permit
Golden Visa holders still require this permit under three scenarios: a new job, renewals, or switching employers.
National Trainee Permit
Supports UAE nationals undergoing workplace training that matches their academic qualifications.
Freelance Work Permit
Designed for self-employed professionals who wish to work independently without employer sponsorship.
Private Teacher Permit
Allows qualified individuals—including students (15+), unemployed jobseekers, or registered teachers—to offer private tuition legally.
Navigating the UAE job market starts with understanding your permit category. Whether you're transitioning from student life, working multiple jobs, training, or freelancing—each permit type aligns with specific legal structures and application pathways, ensuring smoother onboarding and residency processes.
Employer-driven vs Individual Applications: Only the freelance permit is applied for by individuals; most others must be processed by hiring companies.
Youth & Student Options: Specialized permits support minors and students entering the workforce safely.
Flexibility Options: Part-time and temporary permits open doors for flexible work models without full-time commitments.
Merit-Based Categories: Golden Visa, trainee, and freelance permits incentivize local talent and high-skilled international workers.
| Scenario | Permit Type |
|---|---|
| International job offer | Standard, One-Mission |
| Moving between roles in UAE | Transfer |
| On family visa | Family-Sponsored |
| Short project (≤6 months) | Temporary, One-Mission |
| Multiple part-time roles | Part-Time |
| Student or Minor | Juvenile, Training |
| UAE/GCC national | National Permit, Trainee |
| Freelance or Golden Visa holder | Freelance, Golden Visa Permit |
| Private Tutor | Private Teacher |
Choosing the right UAE work permit can make your career transition smoother—whether you're pursuing full-time roles, project-based gigs, freelance work, or exploring structured internships. Each permit caters to different working styles, from traditional employment to flexible or developmental opportunities.
Start by identifying your scenario, and follow through with the appropriate permit—then you’ll be legally positioned to explore everything the UAE job market has to offer.
