What is the general rule?

The UAE Government's official portal says it is illegal to work in the country without a valid work permit issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, citing Article 6 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 on the regulation of employment relations. 4

The portal adds that employers may not recruit or employ any worker unless a work permit is issued under the ministry's procedures, and refers to Articles 6 and 7 of Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022 on the law's executive regulations for more detail. 4

Article 6 of that resolution sets out the types of work permits, and Article 7 requires, among other conditions, that the worker be at least 18 (except for the juvenile permit and the student training and employment permit) and that the job match the establishment's activity. 1 7

Which permits suit temporary work?

The portal lists 13 types of work permits, three of which suit short or event-related work: 4

  • Temporary work permit: lets an establishment assign a worker already in the UAE to a task for a limited period at a different company, after which the worker returns to their original employer. 4 Under Administrative Resolution No. 38 of 2022, which sets the rules for work permits, it lasts six months and is granted once, with the option to reapply when it expires; the current employer must approve its electronic form, and no bank guarantee or insurance is required. 9 5
  • Mission work permit: lets an establishment bring in a worker from abroad to complete a temporary job or a particular project for a specific period. 1 4 Under the same resolution it lasts three months, renewable once for a similar period, and the worker must not hold an active work permit. 9 6 To enter the country, the establishment applies for an entry visa for a work mission under the "Issuance of a Visa" service of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), through its smart app or smart services website. 8
  • Part-time work permit: for work under a contract with fewer hours or days than full-time; the worker may work for more than one employer after obtaining a permit from the ministry. 1 4

Who applies, and what does it cost?

The ministry issues permits to establishments registered with it, and the application is submitted by a person legally authorised to represent the company. Employers can use the Work Bundle platform at workinuae.ae. 4

Applications for a temporary or mission work permit go through the ministry's website, its smart app, business centres or the Tawseel service. 9 5 6

The fee schedule published on the government portal sets the following: 4

  • Temporary work permit: AED 50.
  • Part-time work permit for holders of valid work permits: AED 50.
  • Work permit application from outside the country: AED 50, and issuance of a mission work permit: AED 250.
  • Issuing or renewing a standard two-year work permit: AED 250, 1,200 or 3,450, depending on the establishment's category.

So if you are offered temporary work at an event, ask the organiser or employer which permit they will issue for you, because the application is made in the establishment's name. 4

What documents do these two permits need?

According to the ministry's rules and its two service pages, you need: 9 5 6

  • A clear colour photo with a white background.
  • A copy of a passport valid for at least six months, plus a copy of a valid residence visa for the temporary work permit.
  • The job offer or employment contract issued by the ministry, signed by both the employer and the employee.
  • Academic certificates according to skill level, and a professional licence for jobs that require one, such as doctors and teachers.
  • For the temporary work permit: the current employer's approval of the electronic form.

What about freelancing?

The ministry issues a freelance work permit to individuals who want to work independently without an employer's sponsorship or an active employment contract, including foreign nationals on self-sponsored residence visas; their income comes from providing services for a specific period, completing a task or offering a defined service. 4 The executive regulations state that the permit holder is in no way a worker for the individuals or establishments they serve. 1 7 The two-year freelance work permit costs AED 250, listed among work permits for valid residence visa holders in the fee schedule. 4

Some free zones issue their own freelance permits, for example:

  • DMCC: the FreelanceUAE licence package costs AED 4,020 and includes only the licence, valid for one year. 2
  • Expo City Dubai: a freelance permit covering more than 100 professions, at AED 7,020 a year for the permit, or AED 9,020 for a package that includes a one-year residence visa. 10 11 According to the authority's guide (October 2025), the permit is issued within 3 working days and is valid for one year, renewable annually for up to 5 years. 3

What documents does Expo City Dubai ask for?

According to the Expo City Dubai Authority guide (Version 04, October 2025), you apply through the authority's portal with: 3

  • Proof of profession, such as a qualification certificate or a portfolio.
  • A copy of your passport.
  • A copy of your UAE residence visa and Emirates ID, if you have them.

The authority notes that requirements may change and additional documents may be requested. 3