A UAE work permit (also called a labour card or work card) is required for all expatriates who work in the UAE. Here is the complete 2025 guide to UAE work permits.
What is a UAE Work Permit?
A UAE work permit (issued by MOHRE — Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation) authorises a specific expatriate worker to work for a specific UAE employer in a specified role. The work permit is different from the UAE residence visa: the visa is issued by UAE immigration (GDRFA/ICP), the work permit is issued by MOHRE. Both are required for legal employment in the UAE. The employer is responsible for obtaining both documents for each employee.
Types of UAE Work Permits
Standard work permit: for employees sponsored by a UAE mainland employer. Valid for 2 years. Tied to one employer (changing jobs requires cancelling the old permit and issuing a new one). Free zone work permit: free zone companies issue a free zone-specific permit (not from MOHRE, from the free zone authority). Free zone employees can only work within the free zone company — they cannot work for or at a UAE mainland entity without a separate mainland permit. Part-time work permit: MOHRE allows part-time work permits for certain categories (students, housewives with a resident visa, and workers who want to work part-time for multiple employers under the UAE part-time working system).
UAE Work Permit Cost and Process
Cost: AED 500-1,000 for the MOHRE work permit (varies by nationality and job classification). Employer pays: all work permit and visa costs must be borne by the employer under UAE Labour Law (the employer cannot legally deduct these from the employee’s salary). Process: employer submits employment contract to MOHRE, MOHRE approves the permit, employee enters UAE on entry permit, completes medical fitness test, Emirates ID issued, and work permit activated. Timeline: 7-21 business days from application to final permit activation.