The United Arab Emirates has officially released a comprehensive list of all work permits available to foreign nationals, identifying 13 distinct categories that cover a wide range of employment circumstances and worker profiles. The announcement, published on 21 August 2026, outlines the full scope of permits for individuals seeking to work in the UAE, whether they are relocating from abroad, switching employers within the country, or engaging in part-time or freelance work.
Full List of the 13 UAE Work Permits
According to the UAE government's release, the complete list of work permits for foreign workers includes the following categories:
- Work permit to recruit a worker from outside the UAE
- Work permit to transfer a non-UAE worker from one establishment to another
- Work permit for a resident on a family sponsorship
- Temporary work permit
- Mission work permit
- Part-time work permit
- Juvenile work permit
- Student training and employment permit
- UAE/GCC national work permit
- Golden visa holder work permit
- National trainee work permit
- Freelance work permit
- Private teacher work permit
What the Permit Categories Cover
The list reflects the broad range of working arrangements the UAE accommodates. Some categories address the logistics of hiring, such as bringing in workers from overseas or facilitating transfers between employers within the country. Others are tailored to specific demographics, including students undergoing training, young workers below the standard working age, and individuals already resident in the UAE under a family sponsorship.
The freelance work permit signals the country's recognition of independent workers operating outside traditional employment structures. Meanwhile, the golden visa holder work permit caters to those who have already secured long-term residency in the UAE under its investor and talent scheme. The private teacher permit rounds out the list, covering individuals who provide tuition outside of formal institutional settings.
Guidance for Foreign Nationals
Foreign nationals considering working in the UAE are advised to identify which permit category applies to their specific situation before beginning any application process. The government's publication aims to provide clarity for workers and employers alike, ensuring that all employment arrangements are properly documented and compliant with UAE regulations.
In a related development, Legit.ng recently reported that the UAE government had set a minimum monthly salary for workers across nine professional levels. The salary applies to workers in categories ranging from managers and professionals to craftsmen, machine operators, and those in simple professions, further detailing the country's employment framework for foreign nationals.
