How to Get a Part-Time Work Permit in UAE (MOHRE Guide 2026)
Planning to take on flexible employment in the Emirates? A part-time work permit UAE is the only legal way to work for a secondary employer without risking your residency. Whether you want to know the MOHRE part-time work permit process, UAE part-time work permit cost, or how to get a part-time work permit in Dubai — this complete 2026 guide covers it all.this complete MOHRE guide for 2026 walks you through everything: eligibility, cost, documents, step-by-step application process, and the latest UAE labour law updates. Read on — and if you also need a valid UAE visa to enter or stay in the country, UAE Visa Online has you covered.
Why a Part-Time Work Permit in UAE Is Important
The UAE government officially recognizes part-time employment as a legal work arrangement. To take up a second job, every expatriate must hold a valid UAE part-time work permit issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). Ever since the 2010 Labour Law amendment, working for two employers simultaneously became fully permitted — making the UAE one of the most flexible labour markets in the Gulf region. Once issued, the permit remains valid for one year from the date of approval. Working at a secondary employer without this MOHRE authorization is a direct violation of UAE labour law, regardless of how few hours you work. Your additional working hours must stay below the 8-hour daily full-time threshold to qualify under the part-time framework.
Working without a MOHRE-approved flexible work permit — even for a few hours a week — is illegal employment in the UAE. Employers who hire without a valid permit face fines of up to AED 50,000.
Beyond legal protection, a UAE temporary employment permit gives you:
- Wages protected under UAE Labour Law
- Proportional end-of-service gratuity
- A verifiable MOHRE employment record
- Full protection against exploitation
Is It Legal to Work Part-Time in the UAE?
Yes, part-time employment is completely legal in the UAE. Since the 2010 amendment to the UAE Labour Law, expatriates have been permitted to hold both full-time and part-time positions simultaneously. This was further strengthened in 2018 when MOHRE introduced a structured part-time work contract framework.
Under this framework:
- Skilled professionals can work for multiple employers simultaneously
- Highly talented individuals may work part-time without NOC from their primary employer (subject to MOHRE approval)
- All other residents must have written consent from their primary sponsor and a valid MOHRE-approved permit
Legal part-time work in UAE is defined as working fewer than 8 hours per day or fewer than 48 hours per week at a given employer.
UAE Part-Time Work Permit Requirements
Before you begin the MOHRE part-time work permit application, ensure the following documents are ready. These are submitted by your secondary employer (the part-time employer) to MOHRE:
- Passport copy of the employee (coloured, clear scan)
- Coloured passport-size photograph with a light/white background
- Job offer letter and part-time employment contract from the secondary employer
- UAE residence visa copy with at least 6 months validity
- Academic qualification copies relevant to the role
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the primary full-time employer
- Trade licence copy of both the primary employer and the part-time employer
Important: The NOC from your full-time employer is critical. Without it, your application will be rejected unless you qualify under MOHRE's highly-skilled worker category.
Who Can Apply for a Part-Time Work Permit in Dubai?
Not everyone in the UAE is eligible for a Dubai part-time work authorization. You must meet all of the following conditions:
- Age: You must be at least 18 years old and not older than 65
- Visa status: You must hold a valid UAE residence visa (work visa or family visa)
- Primary employment: You must already have a full-time job with a valid work permit (exception: family visa holders may apply directly)
- Tourist visa holders are strictly not eligible for any part-time work in the UAE
- Visitor visa holders cannot engage in employment of any kind
If you are currently on a visit visa and need to transition to a status that allows employment, explore our 30 Days Single Entry Visa or 60 Days Single Entry Visa options as a starting point while you arrange your residency.
UAE Part-Time Work Permit Cost (2026 Update)
One of the most searched questions on Google is: how much does a part-time work permit cost in UAE? Here is the complete fee breakdown as per MOHRE's current schedule:
| Fee Type | Amount (AED) |
|---|---|
| Part-time work permit application fee | AED 100 |
| Part-time work permit issuance fee | AED 500 |
| Total Cost | AED 600 |
These charges are paid by the part-time employer (not the employee) during the MOHRE online submission. Additional typing or service charges may apply if using TASHEEL service centres.
The UAE part-time work permit is valid for one year from the date of issuance and must be renewed annually.
MOHRE Part-Time Work Permit Process Explained
The MOHRE part-time work permit process is entirely employer-driven. This means your secondary (part-time) employer must initiate and submit the application on your behalf. Here is how the MOHRE process works:
Step 1 — Employer Registration: The part-time employer must be registered on the MOHRE online portal with valid trade licence credentials.
Step 2 — Document Compilation: The employer compiles all required documents listed above, including the employee's NOC from their primary employer.
Step 3 — Online Submission via MOHRE Portal: The employer logs into MOHRE's digital platform and selects the "Part-Time Work Permit" service under the Labour Permits section.
Step 4 — Fee Payment: Application fee (AED 100) and permit fee (AED 500) are paid online via the portal.
Step 5 — MOHRE Review & Approval: MOHRE reviews the submission. If all documents are in order, the MOHRE-approved part-time job permit is issued digitally.
Step 6 — Employment Contract Signing: Both employer and employee sign the part-time employment agreement, which is then registered with MOHRE.
Alternatively, employers can visit the nearest TASHEEL Service Centre to submit applications offline, where staff will guide them through the process.
How to Apply for a Part-Time Work Permit in UAE (Step-by-Step)
Here is your complete step-by-step guide to getting a UAE flexible work permit through the MOHRE digital system:
Step 1 — Get Employer Approval Your primary employer must provide a written No Objection Certificate (NOC) allowing you to take on secondary part-time employment.
Step 2 — Secondary Employer Initiates Application The part-time employer logs into the MOHRE online portal or visits a TASHEEL centre and begins the application under "Part-Time Work Permit."
Step 3 — Upload All Required Documents All documents — passport copy, photo, residence visa, NOC, qualifications, trade licences, and job offer — are uploaded in the portal.
Step 4 — Pay the Permit Fee A total fee of AED 600 (AED 100 application + AED 500 permit) is paid online.
Step 5 — Receive MOHRE Approval Once reviewed and approved, MOHRE issues the digital part-time work permit. This usually takes 3 to 7 working days for complete applications.
Step 6 — Sign the Part-Time Contract Both parties sign the employment agreement. You are now legally authorized to begin part-time work in the UAE.
UAE Work Permit Processing Time
The MOHRE approval time for a part-time work permit typically ranges from 3 to 7 working days, provided all documents are submitted correctly and the NOC is valid. Incomplete submissions or document mismatches can extend this to 2–3 weeks.
To track your MOHRE application status, log in to the MOHRE portal using your employer's credentials or the application reference number provided at submission.
What Is the 3000 AED Rule in UAE?
The 3000 AED rule is one of the most searched UAE labour topics. This rule refers to the minimum salary threshold of AED 3,000 per month required for certain benefits and services in the UAE — including credit card eligibility, some visa sponsorship categories, and financial product access.
However, for part-time work permits specifically, there is no fixed minimum salary of AED 3,000 mandated by MOHRE. The salary for part-time employment is agreed upon proportionally between employer and employee based on hours worked, and it must be documented in the employment contract registered with MOHRE.
Minimum Working Hours for Part-Time Jobs in UAE
How many hours qualify as part-time in UAE? Under UAE Labour Law:
- Standard full-time work = 8 hours/day or 48 hours/week
- Part-time work = any scheduled hours below the full-time threshold
- There is no legally mandated minimum hours per week for a part-time arrangement
However, MOHRE's framework typically considers arrangements of 4 to 6 hours per day or 20 to 30 hours per week as standard part-time schedules. Any formal agreement must be documented in the MOHRE-registered contract.
During Ramadan, working hours for all categories — full-time and part-time — are reduced by 2 hours per day as per UAE law.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Part-Time Work in UAE
Advantages
- Additional income without violating residency terms
- Flexible schedule — work around your primary job
- Legal protection under MOHRE's framework
- Skill development across different industries
- Proportional benefits including end-of-service gratuity
Disadvantages
- NOC requirement — your primary employer controls your ability to apply
- Annual renewal cost of AED 600
- Limited hours — you cannot exceed full-time equivalent hours
- Employer responsibility — if your secondary employer doesn't apply correctly, you bear the risk
- Tourist and visit visa holders are excluded
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Conclusion
Getting a part-time work permit UAE is the smartest and most legal way to earn additional income while protecting your UAE residency. Whether you are applying through the MOHRE part-time work permit portal or submitting offline at a TASHEEL centre, the process is straightforward — as long as your documents are complete and your NOC is in order.
With a total UAE part-time work permit cost of just AED 600 and an approval time of 3–7 working days, there is no reason to delay. Understand the UAE labour law part-time rules, meet the eligibility criteria, and let your secondary employer handle the MOHRE submission on your behalf.
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