What's the difference between a work permit and an employment visa?

The Work Permit is the MOHRE labour authorisation — proves the employer can legally employ this person for this role. The Employment Visa is the GDRFA/ICP residency permit — proves the person can legally live in the UAE. You need both for legal mainland employment.

Visa & Immigration

Work Permit

MOHRE-issued authorisation that lets a foreign national work for a specific mainland employer. Best Solution covers all 13 permit types with 100% MOHRE compliance.

Also known as

Labour Card
Labour Permit
Employment Permit

What it is

A Work Permit is the MOHRE-issued (or free-zone-issued) authorisation that lets a foreign national legally work for a specific UAE employer. It pairs with an Employment Visa to form a complete employment residency. MOHRE recognises 13 permit categories including standard, part-time, juvenile, mission, freelance, temporary, and one-mission permits — each with its own eligibility, duration, and fee.

The permit is tied to the employer; switching jobs requires cancellation and a fresh permit under the new employer.

Key characteristics

Issuer: MOHRE (mainland) or Free Zone Authority
Permit categories: 13 MOHRE categories
Tied to: Specific employer
Duration: Typically 2 years (mainland), 1–3 years (free zones)

How it works

The mainland company applies for an initial approval through MOHRE's online system or an authorised Tasheel centre.
MOHRE verifies the establishment's quota, financial standing, and compliance status before approving the permit category.
The employer pays permit fees and obtains the work permit approval, which triggers the employment entry permit for the worker.
The worker enters the UAE (if abroad), undergoes medical fitness testing, and applies for Emirates ID.
The entry permit is converted to a residence visa stamped in the passport, while the work permit remains active in MOHRE's system.
The employer must maintain valid establishment card registration and renew or cancel the permit upon contract termination.

Types of Work Permit

Type	Description	When it applies
New Work Permit	Standard permit for first-time employment with a mainland company.	When hiring a foreign worker who is not currently on another UAE employer's visa.
Transfer Permit	Permit to move an existing worker from one mainland employer to another.	When a worker on a valid visa switches jobs with current employer's consent or after contract expiry.
Temporary Work Permit	Short-term permit for project-based or seasonal employment.	When work duration is limited and does not justify full residency sponsorship.
Part-Time Work Permit	Permit allowing a worker to hold multiple part-time jobs beyond the primary employer.	When a resident worker seeks additional employment with MOHRE-approved secondary employers.
Domestic Worker Permit	Specialised permit for household staff processed through Tadbeer centres.	When families or individuals employ maids, drivers, nannies, or cooks in private residences.

Examples

A Dubai-based logistics company hiring an Indian operations manager applies for a new work permit through Tasheel. The permit is approved under the standard employment category, the manager enters on an employment entry permit, and completes medical and biometrics within 60 days. A construction firm engaging Filipino labourers on a six-month project uses a temporary work permit. A retail chain transferring a sales supervisor from one branch to another files a transfer permit with the new branch's establishment number.

Why it matters

Without a Work Permit, employment in the UAE is illegal regardless of any other visa held. The permit is the labour-side authorisation; the residency visa is the immigration-side authorisation — both needed.

Common misconceptions

Misconception
A work permit and employment visa are the same document.
Reality
The work permit is the MOHRE labour authorisation; the employment visa is the GDRFA/ICP residency stamp. They are separate processes.
Misconception
Workers can start immediately after permit approval.
Reality
Work is only legal after residence visa stamping and Emirates ID issuance are complete.
Misconception
Free zone companies need MOHRE work permits.
Reality
Free zones issue their own employment permits under their own regulations; MOHRE permits apply to mainland only.

FAQs

What's the difference between a work permit and an employment visa?: The Work Permit is the MOHRE labour authorisation — proves the employer can legally employ this person for this role. The Employment Visa is the GDRFA/ICP residency permit — proves the person can legally live in the UAE. You need both for legal mainland employment.