United Arab Emirates · work · guide
UAE Work Permits: requirements and rules
This guide explains how to get, renew, and cancel a work permit in the United Arab Emirates.
MIGRAGENT wrote this from 13 requirements on the official page, each checked against the government's own wording. Updated 2026-10-02. Source: https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/jobs/Sector-of-employment/employment-in-the-private-sector/work-permits
Who can apply
To get a work permit, you must be at least 18 years old. This age limit does not apply if you are getting a juvenile work permit or a student training or employment permit.[1]
You must meet the conditions in the laws for specialized professions or roles that require a license.[2]
Your assigned job must align with the business activity of the company.[3]
What you need to show
You must get a valid work permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) to work in the UAE.[4]
An authorized representative of the company must submit the application for your work permit.[5]
Employers must not recruit or employ any worker without a permit issued through MoHRE procedures.[6]
Documents
To renew your work permit, you must meet the same conditions required for its initial issuance. You must also provide all required documents, certificates, and qualifications.[7][8]
To cancel a work permit, you must submit a formal request and complete all required data and attachments. You must also confirm that the worker has received all due entitlements.[9][10][11]
Costs and money
The private teacher work permit is free of charge. This permit is valid for two years.[12]
To cancel a work permit, you must pay any outstanding fines for late issuance or non-renewal of the permit.[13]
Checklist
- Be at least 18 years old, unless applying for a juvenile or student permit.[1]
- Ensure your job matches the business activity of the company.[3]
- Have an authorized company representative submit the application.[5]
- Obtain a valid permit from MoHRE before starting work.[4]
Questions people ask
How old do I need to be to get a UAE work permit?
You must be at least 18 years old. This does not apply if you are getting a juvenile work permit or a student training or employment permit.[1]
Who must submit the work permit application?
An authorized representative of the company must submit the application.[5]
How much does a private teacher work permit cost?
The private teacher work permit is free of charge for two years.[12]
What is required to cancel a work permit?
You must submit a formal request, complete all required data and attachments, pay any outstanding fines for late issuance or non-renewal, and confirm the worker has received all due entitlements.[9][10][13][11]
What do I need to renew my work permit?
You must meet the conditions required for the initial issuance and provide all required documents, certificates, and qualifications.[7][8]
This explains what one official page says. It is not legal advice, and the page itself is the authority. Rules change; the wire reports it when they do.