How it works
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Documents
You
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Reviewed by MARIO E.G.S.H AI
MARIO E.G.S.H AI
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Submitted at Tasheel
Runner at MOHRE
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Permit issued
MOHRE
Documents required
Clear colour photo of the worker with a white background
copyPassport copy of the worker
copyAt least six months' validityOfficial MOHRE job offer form signed by the employer and the worker
copyAcademic 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 onlyValid 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
- Previous employer cancels the old work permit (or it is already cancelled).
- New employer and worker sign the MOHRE job offer.
- Type and submit the transfer permit within 90 days of cancellation.
- 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.
Official sources
- MOHRE - Issuance of a New Work Permit - Transfer Work Permit
- u.ae - Work permits (updated 24 Sep 2026)
- MyBayut (secondary) - List of UAE work permit fees
- UAE Legislations: Cabinet Resolution No. (37) of 2022 amending Cabinet Resolution No. (21) of 2020 on MOHRE service fees (official fee tables, in force from 1 June 2022)
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
Related services
Establishment fine
Settles fines recorded against your establishment with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation through Tasheel.
Injury and accident register renewal
Renews your establishment's work injury and accident register with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
Receiving a UAE national work permit
Receives and processes a work permit application for a UAE national employee with MOHRE.
Work permit request for a UAE or GCC national
Applies for a work permit for a UAE national or GCC citizen with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.

