Permit Transfer (Job Change) — Documents Required for Work Permit in UAE
For UAE residents transferring their work permit to a new employer. An NOC from the previous employer may be required in some cases; in others, a legal contract termination suffices — confirm eligibility with MOHRE.
UAE work permits (labour cards) are issued by MOHRE for mainland companies, and by the relevant free zone authority for free zone employers. The employer — not the employee — initiates and bears the cost of the application through the MOHRE Tasheel portal. MOHRE issues 13 types of work permits depending on job nature and employer category. The labour card is now predominantly digital. Requirements vary by permit type and worker skill classification — confirm current requirements with MOHRE or your employer's PRO before applying.
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Showing 14 documents for Permit Transfer (Job Change), 2 case-specific documents added.
Document checklist
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Original + clear copy; minimum 6 months validity from date of application
Recent colour photographs on a white background, per ICP/MOHRE specifications (typically 2–4 photos)
Signed offer letter from the UAE employer on company letterhead, specifying job title and salary
Signed employment contract in MOHRE-approved standard format (Arabic and English); uploaded by employer to Tasheel
Copy of employer's valid UAE trade licence (mainland) or free zone licence
Copy of employer's valid MOHRE establishment card, confirming the company's registration with the Ministry
MOHRE-issued quota authorisation confirming the employer is permitted to hire in the relevant category
Managed by the employer through MOHRE Tasheel — your employer's PRO handles this
Degree or diploma attested by home country authorities, the UAE embassy in that country, and UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) — required for professional and skilled categories
Attestation requirements vary by profession and nationality — confirm with MOHRE or your employer
Certificate from a UAE Ministry of Health-approved medical fitness centre; completed inside the UAE after entry
ICP Emirates ID application submitted via authorised typing centre or ICP portal; biometrics collected in UAE
UAE-compliant health insurance policy; mandatory for all visa applicants in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Requirements and minimum cover vary by emirate — confirm with the relevant authority or your employer
Entry permit issued by MOHRE or free zone authority before travel to the UAE; or in-country status change approval
No Objection Certificate from previous employer on company letterhead — required in some transfer scenarios
NOC requirements depend on contract type and Nitaqat band — confirm with MOHRE
Proof of legal termination of previous employment contract (resignation letter, end-of-service confirmation, or MOHRE-recorded cancellation)
How to apply — step by step
- 1
Employer Confirms MOHRE Registration and Quota
Your employer must be registered with MOHRE and hold a valid establishment card. They apply for a work permit quota through MOHRE before initiating your permit. For mainland employers, Emiratisation (Nitaqat) compliance is also checked.
Tip: Ask your employer's HR or PRO to confirm the establishment's Nitaqat band and available quota before you start gathering documents.
- 2
Employer Submits Work Permit Application via Tasheel
The employer submits the work permit application through the MOHRE Tasheel portal (or the relevant free zone portal), uploading all required documents including the trade licence, establishment card, offer letter, and employment contract.
- 3
Receive Entry Permit and Travel
Once the work permit is approved, an entry permit is issued. You travel to the UAE on this entry permit. If you are already in the UAE on a different status, your employer may initiate an in-country status change — confirm the route with your employer's PRO.
- 4
Complete Medical Fitness Test
Undergo a medical fitness examination at a UAE Ministry of Health-approved centre in the UAE. Results are linked electronically to your Emirates ID and visa application.
Tip: Bring your original passport and entry permit to the medical appointment.
- 5
Apply for Emirates ID (Concurrent)
Submit biometrics and apply for your Emirates ID through an authorised typing centre or the ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security) portal. This is typically processed concurrently with the residency visa.
- 6
Residency Visa Stamping
The residency visa is stamped in your passport by ICP/GDRFA. The MOHRE labour card record is linked to your residency and is accessible digitally via the MOHRE app or Tasheel.
- 7
Collect Emirates ID
Collect your Emirates ID from the post office or authorised service centre. You are required by UAE law to carry your Emirates ID at all times.
Frequently asked questions
Who applies for a UAE work permit — the employer or the employee?
Your UAE employer (not you) initiates and is responsible for the work permit application through MOHRE Tasheel (mainland) or the relevant free zone portal. You provide required documents to your employer's HR or PRO team. By law, employers must not charge employees for work permit costs.
What qualifications need to be attested for a UAE work permit?
Professional and skilled workers typically need degree or diploma certificates attested by home country authorities, the UAE embassy in that country, and UAE MOFA. Requirements vary by profession and nationality — confirm with MOHRE or your employer before applying.
Can I change jobs with a UAE work permit?
Work permit transfers are processed through MOHRE Tasheel. Eligibility depends on your contract type, Nitaqat band of both employers, and length of service. Under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, workers generally have more flexibility to transfer — confirm current rules with MOHRE.
What is Nitaqat and how does it affect my work permit?
Nitaqat is the UAE Emiratisation (Emirati workforce quota) compliance programme. Employers in higher Nitaqat bands (Platinum, Gold) can more easily sponsor expatriates. Your employer's Nitaqat status affects the permit application process and quota availability — ask your employer's HR for details.
How long is a UAE work permit valid?
UAE work permits and residency visas are typically issued for 2 years, aligned with the employment contract. Some categories may have different durations. Confirm the validity applicable to your category with MOHRE.
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