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Work permit initial approval notice

Obtains the initial approval notice for an employee's work permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.

Start this request processing: 2 days

How it works

  1. 1

    Documents

    You

  2. 2

    Reviewed by MARIO E.G.S.H AI

    MARIO E.G.S.H AI

  3. 3

    Submitted at Tasheel

    Runner at MOHRE

  4. 4

    Permit issued

    MOHRE

Documents required

  • Clear colour photo of the worker with a white background

    copy

  • Passport copy of the worker

    copyAt least six months' validity

  • Official MOHRE job offer form signed by the employer and the worker

    copy

  • Academic certificate in the worker's name, according to the skill level (levels 1-2 bachelor or higher; 3-4 diploma or higher; 5 high school; none for 6-9)

    in some casescopyattestedOnly if: Skill levels 1-5 only. MOHRE's Arabic page asks for the certificate attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs; a foreign certificate is usually attested in the home country and the UAE embassy first (staff confirm)

  • Professional licence from the competent authority (e.g. health authority for doctors and nurses, education authority for teachers, Ministry of Justice for advocates)

    in some casescopyOnly if: Licensed professions only

  • Valid national ID card of the home country, both sides

    in some casescopyOnly if: Workers of Iranian, Pakistani, Afghan or Iraqi nationalityValid and legible

Conditions, time and validity

  • The worker must be 18 years of age or older.
  • Licensed or specialised professions must meet the licensing rules of the competent authority.
  • The occupation must match the establishment's licensed activity.
  • The establishment's licence must be valid, with no violation that suspends its file.
  • The application is submitted by the establishment's authorised signatory.
  • For recruitment from abroad the establishment needs an available electronic quota.
Processing time
MOHRE: 2 working days once the application is complete.
Validity of the result
Not stated by MOHRE for the notice; the entry permit issued on it is valid for a limited time (staff confirm).
Where it is applied for
MOHRE business service centres (Tasheel / Tawseel), the MOHRE website and the MOHRE app (UAE PASS of the authorised signatory). In Dubai the permit is often processed with the residence visa through the Work Bundle.

Steps at the authority

  1. Sign the MOHRE job offer with the worker.
  2. Submit the work permit application; MOHRE gives initial approval.
  3. Print the initial approval notice and use it for the entry permit / status change with immigration.
  4. After entry: medical test, Emirates ID, employment contract within 60 days and the permit fee.

Tips that save you a trip

  • Keep the notice number: immigration and the centre need it for the entry permit.
  • Iranian workers: bring a clear copy of both sides of a valid Iranian national card (kart-e melli) for permits that ask for it.

Common reasons for rejection or delay

  • No electronic quota, or the establishment's file is suspended for violations (for example WPS non-compliance).
  • The occupation does not match the licence activity, or the certificate does not match the skill level.
  • Passport valid for less than six months, unclear photo or missing signature on the job offer.

Questions and answers

Is the initial approval the work permit itself?

No. It is the first stage; the permit is completed after the worker enters (or changes status) and the contract and fees are done.

Checked by the MARIO E.G.S.H team on 2026-10-08. Rules can change at any time; our consultant confirms the details for your case.

Eligibility

  • How old is the worker?

    This permit needs a worker aged 18 or over. Workers aged 15-18 need a juvenile or student permit; our staff will advise.

Legal basis

Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (Article 6); Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022 (Executive Regulations, Articles 6-7); Ministerial Resolution No. 46 of 2022 on work permits, job offers and employment contract forms; Cabinet Resolution No. 21 of 2020 on MOHRE service fees and fines, as amended by Cabinet Resolution No. 37 of 2022

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