UAE: In the UAE, individuals wishing to offer private tutoring—either online or in person, to individuals or groups—must now apply for an official private tutor permit. This regulation was introduced in 2023 jointly by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) in order to regulate the sector and curb unlicensed tutoring.
Who’s Eligible to Apply
The permit is available to several categories of people:
- Teachers currently employed in government or private schools
- Employees in non-education sectors
- Unemployed individuals
- School students aged 15-18
- University students
There are special rules for those already teaching: if you are a teacher in a formal school, public or private, you may apply— but you cannot provide tutoring to students from your own school.
Key Rules & Code of Conduct
Applicants must sign a Code of Conduct, agreeing to a number of conditions. Among the main stipulations:
- Teachers are prohibited from tutoring students from their own schools.
- They must disclose any conflicts of interest in their application.
- Tutors must maintain confidentiality regarding students and parents.
- Physical or verbal violence is forbidden.
- All tutors must refrain from inappropriate behaviour.
In addition, public school employees are subject to guidelines that categorize unauthorised private tutoring as a “red line” violation. This applies not only to teachers but also to school staff or administrators who facilitate private lessons. Because of this, teachers must obtain permission and a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from their school’s administration before engaging in private tutoring.
Required Documents – Different Categories
Depending on the applicant’s category (student, unemployed person, teacher, or employee in another sector), documentation slightly differs, though many requirements overlap. Below are the main required documents grouped by applicant type:
- Students (either at primary/secondary level aged 15-18, or university students)
- Proof of current enrollment (latest certificate for school students)
- Written consent from a guardian or custodian
- Certificate of good conduct (police clearance or similar)
- Medical fitness certificate
- Valid identity documents (e.g. passport + residency visa, or Emirates ID)
- Private Tuition Agreement approval
- A clear passport-style photo (white background)
- Unemployed individuals
- Recent educational certificate
- Certificate of good conduct
- Identity documents
- Medical fitness certificate
- Experience certificate, if available
- Private Tuition Agreement approval
- Photo as above
- Employees in other sectors
- Latest educational certificate
- Certificate of good conduct
- No-objection letter from employer
- Medical fitness certificate
- Experience certificate, if available
- Valid identity documents
- Private Tuition Agreement approval
- Passport-style photo
- Teachers in public or private schools
- All of the above in many ways: educational certificate, good conduct, medical fitness, identity documents, experience certificate (if any), Private Tuition Agreement, photo
- Plus, a No-Objection Certificate from their employer (school administration)
How to Apply
The application process is handled via MOHRE. Steps include:
- Visit MOHRE’s service portal and locate the “Private Tutor Licensing” service.
- Enter your Emirates ID number and verify via OTP (one-time password) sent to your registered mobile.
- Select the category that applies to you and upload all required documentation.
- Download the Code of Conduct, sign it, and upload the signed copy.
- Submit the application.
If any issues arise, applicants can use MOHRE’s support system or contact them via provided channels.
Timeline, Validity & Fees
- Processing of a permit application typically takes 1 to 5 working days.
- Once granted, the permit is valid for two years and can be renewed thereafter.
- The application itself does not have a fee. However, the required supporting documents, such as the certificate of good conduct (police clearance) and medical fitness test, do involve governmental service charges.
