Want to take a second job, or work for a UAE company for only a few days a week? You can, but only with the right permit. The part-time work permit in the UAE lets you work legally for an employer on reduced hours or days, and it is also the route for working for more than one employer at the same time.
However, several of the top search results on this topic quote out-of-date fees and conditions. Instead, this guide follows the current service page of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) and the federal Labour Law, checked in October 2026. It covers who is eligible, the documents, the fees, how long it takes and the mistakes to avoid.
What the part-time work permit is
According to MoHRE’s service page, the permit allows establishments registered with the Ministry to employ workers under a part-time contract, where working hours or days are fewer than those of full-time employees. After obtaining the permit from the Ministry, employees may work for more than one employer.
In addition, Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 recognises part-time work as one of its official work models: working for one or more employers for a set number of hours or days. Similarly, the UAE government portal lists the part-time work permit as one of 13 types of MoHRE work permit.
Part-time work permit at a glance
| Item | What MoHRE states |
|---|---|
| Who applies | The establishment’s authorised signatory (the employer, not the worker) |
| Minimum age | 18 years |
| Visa requirement | The candidate must hold a valid residence visa |
| Eligible skill levels | All skill levels and professions, for holders of MoHRE-issued work permits |
| Contract types | Part time, flexible work, remote work, job sharing |
| Permit duration | One year |
| Processing time | 2 working days |
| Fees | AED 50 federal fee, plus a business-centre commission capped at AED 72 |
| Bank guarantee, insurance or quota | Not required |
Who can get a part-time work permit
MoHRE sets these conditions:
- You must be 18 or older.
- You must hold a valid UAE residence visa. This could be a visa from your main employer or another residence visa, such as family sponsorship.
- Your job must match the activities on the employer’s trade licence.
- The employer must hold a valid licence without violations that have suspended its operations.
- If your profession needs a licence, such as doctor, nurse, teacher, fitness trainer or lawyer, you must meet that licensing requirement.
Teenagers and students, however, follow different routes. The government portal lists a separate juvenile work permit for ages 15 to 18 and a student training and employment permit. Likewise, freelancers have their own permit type.
Documents required
- a clear colour photo with a white background
- a passport copy valid for at least six months
- the official MoHRE job offer form, signed by both the employer and the employee
- academic certificates, depending on skill level (a bachelor’s degree or higher for skill levels 1 and 2, a diploma or higher for levels 3 and 4, a high school certificate for level 5, and none for levels 6 to 9)
- a professional licence, where the profession requires one
- a no objection letter from your current employer
In addition, MoHRE notes that workers who earn less than AED 4,000 a month, or who do not hold a degree, are not considered skilled. That classification can affect how your permit is categorised.
Why the no objection letter matters
If you already work full-time, talk to your current employer before you accept a second job. MoHRE lists a no objection letter from the current employer among the required documents, and the Labour Law requires workers not to work for others in breach of its rules. Also check your current contract, since it may include conflict-of-interest or confidentiality terms.
How the application works
In other words, the employer runs the application, not the worker. MoHRE describes four steps:
- Log in with UAE Pass through an approved channel: the MoHRE website, the MoHRE app, a service centre or Tawseel.
- Submit the request, review the information the system retrieves automatically, and attach the documents.
- Pay the fees.
- Receive the permit. MoHRE issues the part-time work permit once it completes the request, and notifies the employer if it needs anything else.
Meanwhile, you can follow the application through the MoHRE inquiry service, the MoHRE app or the call centre on 600590000. Once MoHRE issues the permit, you can check your work permit status through official MoHRE channels.
Who pays the fees?
First, MoHRE lists this as an employer service. Second, Article 6 of the Labour Law also prohibits employers from charging workers recruitment and employment fees and costs, directly or indirectly. If an employer or agent asks you to pay for a part-time permit, treat it as a warning sign and verify the employer before going further.
Your rights as a part-time worker
- Agreed hours. Under Article 17 of the Labour Law, your employer cannot require you to work beyond your agreed hours without your written consent.
- A written contract. In addition, your hours, days, pay and duties should appear in your MoHRE contract. Check it against your offer.
- Pay through official channels. Make sure your salary arrives on time and as agreed. Our guide to working hours in UAE explains hours and overtime in more detail.
Free-zone and government employees
The MoHRE permit covers mainland private-sector employment. For example, free zones issue their own permits and set their own rules, and some free zones offer their own part-time or secondary employment options. Similarly, government employees follow separate HR laws. If either applies to you, check with your free-zone authority or HR department first.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Working before MoHRE issues the permit. Working without a valid MoHRE permit breaks the law, even for a few hours a week.
- Relying on old articles. In fact, fees and conditions in older guides often differ from MoHRE’s current page. Check the official service page before you apply.
- Skipping the conversation with your main employer. A no objection letter is on MoHRE’s document list, so raise it early.
- Paying an agent. After all, the employer applies and the official fees are small. Nobody should charge you to “arrange” a part-time permit.
Frequently asked questions
Can I work two jobs in the UAE?
Yes, if the second employer obtains a part-time work permit for you from MoHRE. According to the UAE government portal, a worker may work for more than one employer after obtaining the Ministry’s approval.
How much does a part-time work permit cost?
MoHRE lists a federal fee of AED 50 plus a business-centre commission capped at AED 72. The employer applies for the permit.
How long is a part-time work permit valid?
One year, according to MoHRE. MoHRE lists a processing time of 2 working days.
Can I get a part-time permit on a family visa?
MoHRE’s condition is a valid residence visa, and the government portal also lists a separate work permit for residents on family sponsorship. Ask the employer which permit fits your situation before you start work.
Get the permit first, then start work
In short, a part-time role can add income and experience, but only once MoHRE has issued the permit. Agree the terms in writing, get your current employer’s no objection letter, let the new employer apply, and check the permit before your first shift.
Looking for flexible or full-time work? Browse the latest jobs in UAE or submit your CV.
This guide summarises MoHRE’s Part Time Work Permit service page and Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 as checked in October 2026. It is general information, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with MoHRE on 600590000 or at mohre.gov.ae.
