Temporary Work Permit UAE: Key Requirements & Process

Are you eyeing a short-term job in Dubai—maybe a project, part-time role or secondary employment—to break free from the 9-to-5 routine? Have you wondered how to legally work for another company while you already hold a resident visa in the UAE? If yes, this deep-dive is for you. We’ll walk you through the major details of the temporary work permit: who qualifies, how to apply, cost, duration, and best practices for doing it right.

The temporary work permit in the UAE (issued by the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation or MOHRE) allows an individual already residing in the UAE to work for a secondary employer (or take on a specific project) for up to six months, without switching their main employment sponsor. Key requirements: applicant must be 18+, hold a valid residence visa (with at least six months’ validity), obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) or approval from current employer/sponsor, and ensure the new job aligns with the company’s activities. Costs typically range from approximately AED 700 – AED 1,000, though this can vary by employer classification and free-zone or mainland jurisdiction. After reading this article you’ll know eligibility, documents, process, timelines and how to avoid pitfalls so you can legally take on a temporary job in Dubai.

A temporary work permit is a legal instrument that enables a person under an existing UAE residency visa to take up a short-term employment assignment (secondary job or project) with another employer or company, without having to change their primary sponsorship. It is particularly useful for:

Residents (expats) sponsored by one employer, but who have the opportunity to work elsewhere on a short-term basis.

Students, dependents, or housewives who hold valid UAE residence visas and want to legally work part-time or on a project basis. 

Projects or roles that have a fixed short-term duration (3-6 months) rather than full employment contracts.

Not everyone requires this permit, but certain categories of workers must apply to remain compliant:

Working for a company other than their visa sponsor.

Must obtain a temporary work permit UAE for freelancers.

Staff seconded between companies for projects.

Both companies must be registered with MOHRE.

Planning to take up short-term jobs.

Must apply for a temporary work permit UAE for dependents.

University students taking internships.

Require NOC from university or sponsor plus a temporary internship work permit.

Consultants, technicians, or performers coming for events.

Apply for a temporary work visa UAE for events.

Here are the key eligibility criteria you must meet:

You must be at least 18 years old. 

You must hold a valid UAE residence visa (not a tourist visa) with at least 6 months of validity remaining. 

Your current employer or sponsor must provide a No Objection Certificate (NOC) or approval for you to work with a second employer (unless you fall under exception cases, such as labour disputes). 

The company hiring you for the temporary role must hold a valid trade licence, and the job role must align with the company’s permitted business activities. 

Your existing primary employment contract must allow or at least not prohibit secondary employment.

If you tick these boxes, you are likely eligible to apply.

Valid Passport (6 months minimum) 

UAE Residence Visa Copy 

Passport-size Photo (white background) 

Temporary Employment Contract 

NOC from Current Employer or Sponsor 

Trade Licence Copy of Hiring Company 

Educational Certificates (if required) 

Make sure all documents are clear, valid, and correctly attested if necessary to avoid rejection.

The cost for a temporary work permit in Dubai generally ranges between AED 700 and AED 1,000. The exact amount may vary depending on:

Company classification (A, B, or C under MOHRE).

Whether the company operates under mainland or free zone regulations.

Additional service or typing centre fees.

Some employers cover the full cost, so always clarify payment responsibility before applying.

Our PRO services team maintains direct contacts with all UAE immigration authorities, enabling:

• Priority processing slots not available to the public
• Real-time application tracking through our client portal
• Dedicated case manager for all communications

If your project extends beyond 6 months, renewal is possible with proper documentation. The temporary work permit renewal UAE process includes:

• Submitting extension request before expiry.
• Paying renewal fees.
• Updating MOHRE with revised contracts (if applicable).

Key takeaways:

• A temporary work permit UAE is mandatory for any paid employment under 6 months.

• Processing takes 3–14 days, depending on documentation.

• Both MOHRE and TASHEEL centers accept applications.

• Violations can lead to hefty fines and deportation.

• Partnering with a PRO like Dahhan ensures compliance, speed, and peace of mind.

Take advantage of our limited-time free initial consultation – Dahhan’s experts will review your case and recommend the optimal solution. Contact us today before UAE’s busy season begins!