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Labour & MOHRE

MOHRE Work Permit Guide for UAE Companies

Last updated: 13 June 2026

For any UAE mainland company, hiring starts with a MOHRE work permit. Get the company file and employee data right, and it moves quickly; miss a detail and it bounces. This guide explains the process and the rejection traps.

Our MOHRE work permit service checks your file before applying.

What a work permit is

The work permit is MOHRE's approval for your company to employ a named worker in a specific role. It is the foundation of the mainland employment visa — everything else (entry permit, medical, contract, stamping) follows it.

Official source: Always confirm the latest requirements on the official website: MOHRE mohre.gov.ae.

The main types

  • New permit for a worker recruited from abroad
  • New permit for a worker already inside the UAE (followed by status change)
  • Transfer permit when moving between employers
  • Part-time and other specialised categories under current rules

The process

  1. Company file check — licence, establishment card, quota
  2. Offer letter typed and signed
  3. Work permit application typed and submitted
  4. Approval and fee payment
  5. Handover to the visa stage

Why applications get rejected

  • Expiring or expired trade licence or establishment card
  • Quota or Emiratisation requirements not met
  • Job title not matching the employee's attested qualification
  • Mismatched passport or personal data

Conclusion

A MOHRE work permit is simple when the company file is healthy and the employee data is accurate. Check those first, and approval usually follows fast. For a file check and clean application, message our MOHRE work permit service.

Related guides: How to Apply for a Work Permit · UAE Labour Contract Guide · UAE Labour Card Guide

Frequently asked questions

What is a MOHRE work permit?
It is the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation's approval allowing a mainland company to employ a specific worker. It is the first step of the employment visa.
What types of work permits are there?
Common types include new permits for hires from abroad or inside the UAE, transfers between employers, and part-time permits, under current rules.
Why are work permits rejected?
Frequent causes include expired company documents, quota limits, mismatched employee data, or qualifications that do not match the job category.
Do free zone companies use MOHRE?
No. Free zone companies hire through their own free zone authority, not MOHRE.
What comes after the work permit?
The entry permit or status change, then medical, Emirates ID, labour contract registration, and visa stamping.
Disclaimer: Bab Al Zahiah Typing Center is an independent professional service provider. We are not a government authority. Information on this website is provided for general guidance only and should be verified with the relevant UAE government authority before making decisions. Approval, rejection, timelines, fees, and requirements are controlled by the relevant authority.

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