The United Arab Emirates is known for its vibrant economy, cutting-edge infrastructure, and global business opportunities. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, multinational employer, or skilled worker, the ability to legally work and reside in the UAE hinges on one crucial process: issuing work permits.
At Alpha Abu Dhabi, we specialize in providing end-to-end services for business setup, immigration, passport services, and labor law compliance. In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know about issue work permits in the UAE—from eligibility and age requirements to the application process and common questions.
What Is a Work Permit in the UAE?
A work permit is a legal document issued by the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) that allows foreign nationals to work in the country. It’s mandatory for all non-citizens to have a valid permit to be employed legally.
The issuance of a new work permit must be completed before an employee can begin work in any capacity, and it typically aligns with the employer’s trade license and the employee’s qualifications.
Why Issuing Work Permits Is Essential?
The process of issuing work permits is not just a formality—it ensures that both the employer and employee are operating within legal boundaries. For employers, it means compliance with labor regulations. For workers, it offers protection under UAE labor law, including:
- Access to fair wages and benefits
- Legal recourse in case of disputes
- Health insurance and labor protections
- Valid residency and visa status
At Alpha Abu Dhabi, our team ensures the accurate and timely issuance of a new work permit to avoid fines, visa cancellation, or operational delays.
Who Is Eligible for a Work Permit in the UAE?
In general, any expatriate who is legally entering the UAE for employment needs a work permit. Eligibility depends on factors such as:
- A valid job offer from a UAE-based employer
- Educational and professional qualifications relevant to the job
- Medical fitness test clearance
- Clean criminal record
- Employer’s valid trade license
Age to Issue Working Permit in UAE
One of the most common questions we receive is: What is the age to issue a working permit in UAE?
The legal minimum age to work in the UAE is 18 years. Applicants between the ages of 18 and 65 can apply for work permits under various categories. However, there are specific types of permits for younger workers (ages 15 to 18), known as juvenile work permits, which come with additional restrictions and conditions.
At Alpha Abu Dhabi, we provide complete assistance for employers looking to issue work permits for younger employees, ensuring compliance with all labor safety laws and education compatibility.
Process of Issuing Work Permits in the UAE
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the issuing work permits process:
1. Apply for a Work Permit Quota
The employer must have an approved quota from MOHRE to sponsor employees.
2. Submit Required Documents
Documents include:
- Valid passport copy of the employee
- Recent passport-sized photograph
- Academic certificates (attested if required)
- Offer letter or employment contract
- Copy of the employer’s trade license
- Health insurance documentation
- Medical fitness test results
3. Pay Applicable Fees
The cost to issue work permit varies depending on the company’s classification and employee’s skill level. Alpha Abu Dhabi helps you understand the whole fee structure and avoid unnecessary expenses.
4. Permit Approval and Visa Stamping
Once approved, the work permit is issued, and a corresponding residency visa is stamped in the employee’s passport. This completes the legal employment process.
Issuance of a New Work Permit for Different Categories
The issuance of a new work permit can vary based on the type of employment and the sector. The UAE offers different types of permits for:
- Skilled labor (e.g., engineers, doctors, executives)
- Unskilled labor (e.g., technicians, service workers)
- Temporary employment
- Part-time jobs
- Freelancers
- Domestic helpers
Each category requires a slightly different application and approval process. Alpha Abu Dhabi’s experienced team can help select the correct permit type and submit accurate documentation for faster approval.
Key Benefits of Issuing Work Permits Through Alpha Abu Dhabi
Partnering with Alpha Abu Dhabi guarantees peace of mind and full compliance. Here’s why clients across the UAE trust us with issuing work permits:
- End-to-end support: From document collection to follow-up with authorities
- Expertise in labor law: We stay updated with all legal changes
- Quick processing: Avoid unnecessary delays and application rejections
- Tailored advice: Based on industry, employee category, and business size
- Multilingual support: Serving clients from all nationalities
Our close ties with government bodies ensure a smooth and transparent permit application every time.
Related Services We Offer
In addition to issuing work permits, Alpha Abu Dhabi offers:
- Company Formation Services: Mainland, Free Zone, Offshore setups
- Immigration and Visa Services: Golden Visa, investor visa, and family sponsorship
- Labor Office Consultation: PRO services, wage protection, and compliance audits
- Passport and Identity Management: Passport renewals, Emirates ID, and attestation
Whether you’re an individual seeking a work permit or a company onboarding multiple foreign employees, we provide customized solutions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Issuing Work Permits
- Submitting expired or incorrect documents
- Applying for the wrong type of permit
- Ignoring labor law updates
- Missing payment deadlines
- Underestimating processing times
Alpha Abu Dhabi helps you prevent these pitfalls and ensures smooth, legal entry to the UAE workforce.
Conclusion
Navigating the process of issuing work permits in the UAE is essential for maintaining legal employment, avoiding fines, and enabling business growth. With proper guidance, it’s a straightforward process. But without it, it can quickly become overwhelming and risky.
At Alpha Abu Dhabi, we’ve helped thousands of individuals and companies successfully issue work permits, ensuring compliance, efficiency, and speed. Our hands-on approach, expert knowledge, and dedication to service excellence make us the go-to partner for all your labor and immigration needs in Abu Dhabi and beyond.
How long does it take to issue a work permit in the UAE?
📞 Need help with issuing work permits?
Contact Alpha Abu Dhabi today for a free consultation and let our experts handle the entire process for you.
Email: info@alphabudhabi.com
Phone: +971 561691648
Address: Abu Dhabi – Musaffah Industrial – M44 – Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed Building
FAQs
[sc_fs_multi_faq headline-0=”h2″ question-0=”How long does it take to issue a work permit in the UAE?” answer-0=”Typically, it takes 5 to 10 working days, depending on document completeness and MOHRE approval speed. ” image-0=”” headline-1=”h2″ question-1=”Q2: Can a minor get a work permit in the UAE?” answer-1=”Yes, ages 15 to 18 may apply for a juvenile work permit with parental consent and additional conditions. ” image-1=”” headline-2=”h2″ question-2=”Q3: What documents are required to issue work permit in the UAE?” answer-2=”A valid passport, photo, employment contract, academic certificates, and a medical fitness report are essential. ” image-2=”” headline-3=”h2″ question-3=”Q4: Who pays the fees for issuing work permits?” answer-3=”The employer is generally responsible for the work permit fee and associated visa costs. ” image-3=”” headline-4=”h2″ question-4=”Q5: Can Alpha Abu Dhabi assist with large-scale hiring projects?” answer-4=”Absolutely. We offer bulk work permit issuance and labor office coordination for companies of all sizes. ” image-4=”” count=”5″ html=”true” css_class=””]
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