United Arab Emirates
Work permit in United Arab Emirates.
To work in the United Arab Emirates as a foreign national you need a residence and work permit from Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). The main routes are Work permit, Family member permit, Residence permit, Visa.
Permit types
The permits the United Arab Emirates issues
- Work permit
- Family member permit
- Residence permit
- Visa
- Residence card
Salary levels
What the permit has to pay
Each figure with its legal basis and the official page it comes from.
Monthly salary a resident needs to sponsor family
AED 4,000 a month · from 3 October 2026
Official sourceMonthly salary a resident needs to sponsor family, with accommodation provided
Fine for not subscribing to (or not paying) the unemployment insurance (ILOE)
AED 400 · from 3 October 2026
Official sourceBasic salary above which the higher ILOE premium applies
AED 16,000 a month · from 3 October 2026
Official sourceHighest ILOE premium a month, salary up to the band
AED 5 a month · from 3 October 2026
Official sourceHighest ILOE premium a month, salary above the band
AED 10 a month · from 3 October 2026
Official sourceMonthly income for the virtual work visa
Authorities
Who does what in the United Arab Emirates
Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP)
Entry permits, residence and the Emirates ID; in Dubai, residence services are with GDRFA Dubai (the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs)
Official websiteMinistry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE)
Mainland work permits, employment contracts, the Wage Protection System and emiratisation
Official websiteOther countries
Official sources
- u.ae: work visa (the employer applies; two years, renewable)
- u.ae: general provisions for the residence visa (180 days abroad, medical from 18, entry within 30 days)
- u.ae: residence visa for families of employees
- u.ae: Golden visa
- u.ae: Green visa
- u.ae: residence visa for working outside the UAE (virtual work visa)
- u.ae: Emirates ID (15 digits, issued by ICP)
- ICP: residence permits linked to the Emirates ID application
- u.ae: job offers and the employment process (contract to MoHRE within 14 days of arrival)
- u.ae: work permits (transfer, family-sponsored residents, Golden visa holders)
- u.ae: payment of salaries/wages (Wage Protection System)
- u.ae: employing Emiratis in the private sector
- u.ae: GCC nationals working in the private sector
- u.ae: working in free zones (sponsored by the free zone authority)
- u.ae: terminating employment contracts
FAQ
Questions, answered.
What is the minimum salary for a work permit in the United Arab Emirates?
Monthly salary a resident needs to sponsor family: AED 4,000 a month (from 3 October 2026). Monthly salary a resident needs to sponsor family, with accommodation provided: AED 3,000 a month (from 3 October 2026). Fine for not subscribing to (or not paying) the unemployment insurance (ILOE): AED 400 (from 3 October 2026).
Who issues work permits in the United Arab Emirates?
Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP): Entry permits, residence and the Emirates ID; in Dubai, residence services are with GDRFA Dubai (the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs).
How does Settio help with work permits in the United Arab Emirates?
Settio builds the step-by-step plan for each person moving to the United Arab Emirates, checks documents before filing, tracks deadlines and gives the person a portal in their own language.
More
- Relocating to United Arab Emirates: the first weeks
- Relocation and immigration across Europe
- AI immigration compliance
Informational only. This guide is not legal advice. Always verify requirements with official government sources before acting. Facts checked 3 October 2026. About this information