UAE Part-Time Work Permit: Who Can Apply, Requirements, Cost and How It Works

UAE — The UAE’s Part-Time Work Permit gives private-sector establishments registered with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) a legal route to employ a worker for fewer hours or working days than a comparable full-time employee.

Importantly, a worker may work for more than one employer after the required permit is obtained from MoHRE. The arrangement forms part of the UAE’s flexible employment framework under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 and its implementing regulations.

What Is a Part-Time Work Permit?

A Part-Time Work Permit is issued for employment under a part-time contract in which the worker’s hours or working days are less than those of full-time employees performing comparable work. Once the appropriate Ministry permit is in place, the worker can legally work for more than one employer.

Who Is the Permit Designed For?

The service is aimed at MoHRE-registered employers that want to hire a worker on a part-time basis. According to MoHRE’s current service conditions, the employee must be at least 18 years old and must hold a valid UAE residence visa.

MoHRE states that all skill levels and professions can be eligible under the service terms. Where a profession requires a professional licence — such as certain healthcare, education or other regulated occupations — the employee must also satisfy the applicable licensing requirements.

Can You Work for More Than One Employer?

Yes. This is one of the main features of the part-time permit. UAE labour regulations expressly provide that a worker may work for more than one employer after obtaining the relevant permit from the Ministry.

Employees should not simply start a second job informally. The required work authorisation must be in place before performing work for an additional employer.

Key Eligibility and Employer Requirements

•    The employee must be 18 years of age or older.
•    The employee must hold a valid UAE residence visa.
•    The proposed occupation must be compatible with the activities of the hiring establishment.
•    The establishment must hold a valid licence and must not be suspended because of registered violations.
•    The application must be submitted by the establishment’s authorised signatory.
•    Workers in regulated professions must meet the applicable professional licensing requirements.
•    MoHRE’s current service page lists a no-objection letter from the current employer among the required documents for holders of Ministry-issued work permits.

Documents Required

MoHRE currently lists the following among the documents that may be required:
•    A clear colour photograph with a white background.
•    A passport copy with at least six months’ validity.
•    The official MoHRE job-offer form signed by both employer and employee.
•    Academic certificates where required for the relevant skill level.
•    A professional licence for occupations that legally require one.
•    A no-objection letter from the current employer where applicable under MoHRE’s service requirements.

How Long Is the Permit Valid?

MoHRE’s current Part-Time Work Permit service page states that the permit is valid for one year.

How Much Does It Cost?

MoHRE currently lists a federal fee of AED 50 for the service. If the application is processed through a business centre, the centre’s commission is capped at AED 72, according to the Ministry’s service page.

Applicants should check the live MoHRE service page before applying because government fees and service charges can be revised.

How Long Does Processing Take?

MoHRE lists a service-completion time of two working days once the requirements and documentation are complete.

How to Apply

1.    Log in through an approved MoHRE channel, using UAE Pass where applicable.
2.    Submit the Part-Time Work Permit application.
3.    MoHRE electronically reviews the application and supporting documents.
4.    If information or documents are missing, the establishment is notified to complete them.
5.    Once all requirements are satisfied, MoHRE approves the permit and employment contract electronically.
6.    Applicable federal and service fees are then paid.

Where Can Employers Apply?

MoHRE lists its website, mobile application, service centres and Tawseel among the channels through which the service can be accessed.

Part-Time Work vs Flexible Work

Part-time and flexible work are separate concepts under the UAE labour framework. Part-time employment involves an agreed number of working hours or days that is below comparable full-time work. Flexible work allows working hours or days to vary according to workload and the employer’s operational and economic requirements.

What About Remote Work and Job Sharing?

The UAE’s implementing regulations also recognise remote work and job sharing. MoHRE’s Part-Time Work Permit service currently identifies part-time, flexible, remote and job-sharing arrangements among the employment contract types associated with the service.

Important Points for Employees

•    Do not assume that having a residence visa automatically gives permission to work for another employer.
•    Make sure the correct MoHRE permit is approved before starting the additional job.
•    Review the employment contract carefully, including working hours, salary, duties and work location.
•    Check whether a professional licence or other approval is required for your occupation.
•    Keep copies of your approved permit, employment contract and job offer.
•    Confirm the latest requirements directly with MoHRE because procedures and fees can change.

Example

An employee who already has a qualifying UAE residence visa may be offered a second role requiring fewer working hours or days than a full-time position. The second MoHRE-registered establishment cannot simply employ the person informally. It must obtain the appropriate part-time work permit and complete the required employment documentation. Once authorised, the worker can legally work under the approved arrangement.

Why the UAE Offers Part-Time Work Permits

The permit supports a more flexible labour market by allowing businesses to access workers for reduced-hour roles while giving eligible employees opportunities to work across more than one establishment. MoHRE has highlighted part-time permits as one of several permit categories intended to support labour-market flexibility and business continuity.

Quick Facts

•    Permit: Part-Time Work Permit
•    Issuing authority: Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE)
•    Minimum employee age: 18
•    Residence status: Valid UAE residence visa required under the current service conditions
•    Multiple employers: Permitted after obtaining the required Ministry permit
•    Permit validity: One year
•    Federal fee currently listed by MoHRE: AED 50
•    Current listed processing time: Two working days

Key Takeaway

The UAE Part-Time Work Permit allows an eligible worker to take a role involving fewer working hours or days than comparable full-time employment and can enable the worker to legally work for more than one employer. The key requirement is proper MoHRE authorisation — employees and companies should ensure the permit and contract are approved before the additional employment begins.