Request for a permit to transfer and employ a worker between establishments of the same owner

Requests a MOHRE permit to transfer and employ a worker between establishments belonging to the same owner.

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.
  • The worker must not already hold an active work permit.
  • The new permit must be applied for within 90 days of the cancellation of the previous work permit.
  • The new employer must respect Article 9 (3) and (4) of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021.
  • Both establishments must belong to the same owner, as shown in their MOHRE files (staff check).
Processing time
MOHRE: 2 working days once the application is complete.
Validity of the result
Two years.
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. Previous employer cancels the old work permit (or it is already cancelled).
  2. New employer and worker sign the MOHRE job offer.
  3. Type and submit the transfer permit within 90 days of cancellation.
  4. Pay fees; MOHRE issues the permit; contract and residence follow.

Tips that save you a trip

  • Bring both establishment numbers; the system checks the common owner.
  • 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

  • More than 90 days since cancellation of the old permit.
  • The worker still has an active work permit with another establishment.
  • The occupation does not match the licence activity, or the certificate does not match the skill level.
  • Missing national ID card copy for Iranian, Pakistani, Afghan or Iraqi workers.

Questions and answers

Do I need my old employer's NOC to transfer?

MOHRE's transfer card does not list an NOC; the old permit must be cancelled and the new one applied for within 90 days. Contract-specific restrictions (Article 10 non-compete) are checked by staff.

How much does a transfer permit cost?

MOHRE: AED 50 application plus AED 250, 1,200 or 3,450 for two years, depending on the new employer's category; the centre's charges are extra.

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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