This article has been reviewed by Wego‘s editorial team to ensure that the content is up to date & accurate.

Updated September 2024

Key Takeaways

You can transfer your UAE work permit if you meet the eligibility requirements set by MOHRE.

The process involves submitting required documents and paying transfer fees.

The processing time for the permit transfer is 2 working days.

Table of Contents

Can you transfer your UAE work permit?

Yes, you can transfer your UAE work permit to a new employer if you meet the requirements. The permit, which is valid for two years, can be transferred across various types of employment contracts, such as full-time, part-time, temporary, flexible, job-sharing, and remote work.

The process involves obtaining a new work permit through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) while complying with federal regulations. Transfer fees are determined by the employment category and other government-specified conditions.

For more information, visit our dedicated article on UAE work visas and permits.

Book Cheap Flights to UAE

How to transfer your UAE work permit?

To successfully transfer your UAE work permit, you must adhere to the guidelines set forth by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE). This process involves several steps to ensure a seamless transition between employers.

Below is a detailed outline of the necessary steps to successfully complete your work permit transfer.

Eligibility

To transfer your UAE work permit, you must fulfill specific eligibility criteria:

The employee must be at least 18 years old
Employees in specialized professions or those requiring licenses must meet the criteria specified by relevant laws.
Occupation must align with the establishment’s activities
The establishment must have a valid license and be in good standing, without any operational suspensions due to violations
The application must be submitted by an authorized representative of the establishment
Candidates must not have an active work permit
If a previous work permit has been canceled, a new application must be submitted within 90 days.
A work permit can be replaced or a change of nationality within six months of issuance, up to two times, provided the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security cancels the entry permit for the replaced worker.

Required documents

The following documents are required for the transfer of your UAE work permits:

A clear, colored photo with a white background.
A passport copy with a minimum validity of six months.
An official job offer form issued by the Ministry, signed by both the employer and employee.
Academic Certificates:
- Skill Levels 1 & 2: A bachelor’s degree or higher is required.
- Skill Levels 3 & 4: A diploma or higher is required.
- Skill Level 5: A high school certificate is required.
- Skill Levels 6 to 9: No academic certificate is required.
- Workers earning less than AED 4,000 monthly or without a degree are not considered skilled.
A professional license issued by the relevant authority, such as:
- Doctors and nurses: Ministry of Health or Department of Health.
- Teachers and teacher assistants: Ministry of Education, Knowledge Authority (Dubai), Abu Dhabi Education Council, or Sharjah Education Council.
- Fitness trainers: Youth and Sports Authority.
- Advocates: Ministry of Justice.
Workers from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Iran must provide a clear and legible copy of both sides of their valid national ID cards issued by their home countries.

Application process

To transfer a UAE work permit, follow the steps given below:

Visit the MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization) website
Log in with your username and password, or use UAE Pass
Click on “Pre-Approvals”
Select “Transfer Work Permit Application for Worker from One Establishment to Another”
Enter your company code and the reference number from your new offer letter
Provide the requested information
Upload the required documents
Review your information carefully and click “Save” to submit your application
Proceed to payment by clicking on “Pay”

Processing time

The processing time for transferring your UAE work visa is 2 working days. Once your request has been processed, you will receive a notification of the outcome.

To track your application, visit the MOHRE website or the MOHRE Smart App (Android or iOS) for real-time updates. For further assistance, contact the MOHRE call center at 600590000.

Fees

The cost of transferring a work permit ranges from AED 250 to AED 3,450, depending on the company’s classification.

Below are the fees associated with issuing UAE work transfer:

Permit for the transfer of an employee from one establishment to another

Categories (1), (2), and (3): AED 50

Issuance of a permit for the transfer of an employee from one establishment to another

Category (1): AED 250
Category (2): AED 1,200
Category (3): AED 3,450

The permit package, which includes printing the job offer, job contract, and permit application, costs a maximum of AED 72 per service. Apart from the federal fees, the service is free of charge when using the MOHRE website or smart app.

Please note that the above fees do not include taxes or collection charges.