Work Permit Dubai — MOHRE Employment Authorisation

A work permit is the MOHRE authorisation to employ someone — it must be obtained before the employee enters the UAE. The labour card is issued after the employee arrives, completes medical fitness, and finishes Tawjeeh orientation. The work permit comes first; the labour card follows.

Typing and submission take the same day. MOHRE approval typically takes 2–5 business days. Total time from application to entry permit issuance is usually 3–7 business days.

Your employer needs: active MOHRE establishment file, valid trade licence, establishment card, available quota, and the employee's passport copy and photo. The offer letter is typed through Tasheel.

Yes. Since the 2021 labour law reforms, employees can transfer their work permit to a new employer after their contract ends or with the current employer's agreement. The new employer applies for a transfer work permit through MOHRE.

GCC nationals (from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman) have a simplified work permit process with lower fees and fewer requirements. They do not need entry permits or visa stamping.

If rejected, MOHRE provides a reason. Common reasons include incorrect documents, company quota issues, or profession mismatch. We review the rejection reason and advise on next steps — most cases can be resolved and resubmitted.