Can I work in the UAE? If so, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the work permit system. There are 13 permits in UAE, which encompass a variety of job situations, levels of skill and personal circumstances. All of the work permits in the UAE are categorized under six overall categories. Below are the categories:
-
Standard Work Permit: For foreign professionals engaged in full-time employment, sponsored by UAE employers.
-
Transfer Work Permit: Enables employees to change jobs among UAE companies without an exit.
-
Family-sponsored Work Permit: Allows individuals with family visas (spouse or dependents) to take employment, also for trailing spouses.
-
Temporary Work Permit: Issued for a specific time period for short-term work or projects.
-
One Mission Work Permit: For limited assignment workers employed for a specific project intended for consulting, event work, construction, etc.
-
Part-time Work Permit: Employees can hold a part-time job with multiple employers, if certain conditions are met.
-
Juvenile Work Permit: Youth aged 15-18 can work in approved, journalized categories, but minors are restricted from working certain hours.
-
Student Employment/Training Permit: Students who are aged 15 + can have experience through internships and training opportunities.
-
UAE/GCC national Permit: Legal employment of UAE Nationals or other GCC nationals.
-
Golden Visa Holder Permit: Golden visa residents (long-term residency holders) can work freely.
-
National Trainee Permit: Limited to structured training programs. For UAE nationals.
-
Freelancer Permit: For independent professionals, also allows self-sponsoring freelancers in various professions.
-
Private Teacher Permit: Newer category; legal to privately tutor students, through the framework of UAE Laws.
Familiarity with these options makes your career path much easier in the UAE. You can choose your pathway based on your preferences and situation.
This content is for informational purposes only. Visa categories, rules, and eligibility criteria may change. Always refer to the official UAE government or embassy websites for the latest and most accurate information before applying.
Vani Verma is a content writer with over 2 years of experience in lifestyle, entertainment, health and digital media. She has a knack for creating engaging and research-driven content that resonates with readers, blending creativity with clarity. Passionate about media trends, culture, and storytelling, she strives to craft content that informs, inspires, and connects.
