A UAE work permit is an important employment document for private-sector workers. It authorises an employee to work legally for an employer in the UAE, and work permits are issued through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) for establishments registered with the ministry. u.ae
Employees who want to verify their employment information, check a work-permit application or understand their permit status should use official government channels rather than relying on unofficial websites.
The UAE Government confirms that working in the UAE without a valid work permit is illegal, while employers must also obtain the appropriate permit before employing a worker.
How to Check UAE Work Permit Status Online
The exact information available to an employee can depend on the type of permit and the service being used. MOHRE provides digital services through its website and smart application, while the UAE Government’s official jobs portal directs users to MOHRE’s employment-related eServices. u.ae
Step 1: Use the official MOHRE website
Go to the official Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) website and look for its employment-related inquiry and eServices.
Avoid third-party websites that ask for unnecessary personal information or claim they can provide government records.
Step 2: Select the relevant employment service
MOHRE provides services relating to work-permit issuance, renewal, amendments and cancellation. The UAE Government also lists these services through its official jobs portal.
Depending on what you need to verify, you may have to select the relevant inquiry or employment service rather than simply searching for a generic “work permit check” page.
Step 3: Enter the requested information
The information required depends on the particular MOHRE service.
For some services, employees or employers may need information connected with the work permit, employment record or application. MOHRE also allows applicants to follow up on certain applications through its website, smart app, call centre and chatbot.
Step 4: Review the available information
Once the relevant service has been accessed, review the information displayed for your employment or work-permit record.
If you are checking an application rather than an already-issued permit, the result may relate to the application status rather than the final validity of an issued work permit.
What Is a UAE Work Permit?
A work permit is an official authorisation issued by MOHRE that allows a worker to be employed legally by an eligible establishment.
The UAE Government currently lists 13 types of work permits, covering different employment situations. These include permits for recruiting workers from outside the UAE, transferring workers between establishments, employing residents under family sponsorship, temporary work and part-time work. u.ae
The correct permit depends on the worker’s circumstances and the type of employment.
How Long Is a UAE Work Permit Valid?
There isn’t one single validity period for every UAE work permit.
For example, the UAE Government states that a work permit to recruit a worker from outside the UAE is valid for two years, while a permit to transfer a non-UAE worker between establishments is also valid for two years.
Other permit categories can have different validity periods. For example, MOHRE’s part-time work permit is listed with a one-year permit duration.
Therefore, employees should check the details applicable to their specific permit instead of assuming every UAE work permit has the same validity.
What Happens When a Work Permit Expires?
An employer is responsible for handling the required work-permit procedures for its employees.
For renewal, the UAE Government says the applicable issuance conditions must be met, required documents and qualifications provided, and the relevant fees paid according to the permit type and establishment classification.
Employees who believe their work permit has expired or has not been renewed should contact their employer or MOHRE rather than continuing to work without confirming their legal employment status.
UAE Work Permit vs Employment Contract
A work permit and employment contract are not the same document.
The work permit authorises employment under the relevant UAE labour regulations, while the employment contract sets out the agreed employment terms between the worker and employer.
The UAE Government explains that job offers and employment contracts are part of the private-sector employment process, alongside obtaining the required work permit.
This distinction is important because checking your employment contract does not necessarily mean you have checked the status of your work permit.
Can You Change Employers With the Same Work Permit?
Employees should not assume that an existing work permit automatically allows them to work for another company.
The UAE has specific procedures for transferring workers between establishments, and MOHRE issues a separate transfer work permit for eligible cases.
Anyone changing employers should ensure the required work-permit and employment procedures have been completed before starting work for the new employer.
What If Your Work Permit Information Is Incorrect?
If information relating to your work permit or employment record appears incorrect, contact your employer and MOHRE.
MOHRE provides digital service channels, including its website and smart application, and also offers assistance through its call centre at 600590000. MoHRE
Keep copies of your employment documents, job offer and other relevant records when raising a query.
Can You Work Without a UAE Work Permit?
No. The UAE Government states that it is illegal for a person to work in the UAE without a valid work permit issued by MOHRE. Employers are likewise required to obtain the appropriate work permit before employing workers.
This is particularly important for people taking a second job. The UAE permits eligible employees to work for two employers under certain conditions, but a part-time work permit is required from MOHRE.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check my UAE work permit?
Use official MOHRE digital services and select the relevant employment or work-permit inquiry service. The exact information required depends on the service and permit type.
Is a UAE work permit the same as a labour card?
The terms are often used interchangeably in everyday conversation, but the current UAE employment system is centred on electronic work permits and employment records. It is better to identify the specific MOHRE document or service you need.
Also Read:UAE Labour Card: Complete Guide for Employees and Employers (2026)
How do I check my work permit validity?
Use the relevant official MOHRE employment service or contact MOHRE if you cannot access the required information online.
Can I work for another company without a new permit?
Not automatically. If you change employers or take a second job, the applicable work-permit requirements must be followed. MoHRE
Final Takeaway
A UAE work permit check can help employees understand their employment status and ensure their work authorisation is being handled correctly.
Because MOHRE has different permit categories and services, workers should use the official government channels and avoid assuming that every work permit has the same validity, requirements or renewal process.
For questions about a specific permit or application, employees can use MOHRE’s official digital services or contact the ministry directly.