A UAE Golden Visa gives you long-term residence, but it does not replace the work permit required when you are employed by a UAE private-sector establishment.
For MOHRE-regulated employers, the establishment applies for the dedicated Work Permit for Golden Visa Holders. This guide explains who applies, when the permit is required, documents, validity, fees and the process.
Yes, when a Golden Visa holder takes employment with a UAE private-sector employer, a separate work permit is still required. The Golden Visa is your residence status. The work permit is the labour authorisation connected to the employment relationship.
MOHRE provides a dedicated Work Permit for Golden Visa Holders for establishments that want to employ a Golden Visa holder who is already in the UAE.
| Golden Visa | Long-term, self-sponsored UAE residence. It is not tied to a normal employer-sponsored residence visa. |
| Work permit | Employment authorisation used when an establishment hires the Golden Visa holder. |
The employer applies. MOHRE describes this as an employer service for establishments wishing to employ a Golden Visa holder from inside the country. The application is submitted by the establishment’s authorised signatory.
If you already had a valid work permit and employment contract when you received the Golden Visa, those employment documents do not automatically become invalid simply because your residence changed to Golden Visa status.
MOHRE states that all skill levels and professions can use this permit subject to the service conditions.
MOHRE currently lists a service completion target of 2 working days once the file is complete.
Permit validity: 2 years.
Federal fee: AED 50. Business-centre commission may be up to AED 72. Tax and collection charges can be additional. MOHRE states that, apart from federal charges, the service is free through its website and smart app.
The permit can support full-time, part-time, temporary, flexible, remote work and job-sharing arrangements.
The MOHRE service applies to establishments regulated by MOHRE. If your employer is in a free zone, the employment-authorisation process can follow that free zone’s own rules and channel. Confirm the required permit directly with the relevant free-zone authority or employer.
Yes. The Golden Visa is not tied to the employer in the same way as a standard employer-sponsored residence visa. However, a new private-sector employer still needs to complete the applicable work-permit and employment-contract process.
No. A professional licence and a work permit serve different purposes. A regulated professional may need both the employment authorisation and the profession-specific licence required by the competent authority.
If you are taking employment with a private-sector establishment, the Golden Visa by itself does not replace the required work permit.
No. The Golden Visa is self-sponsored long-term residence. The employer handles the employment authorisation rather than becoming the sponsor of your Golden Visa residence.
MOHRE currently lists a two-year permit validity.
MOHRE currently lists a service completion time of two working days once the requirements and documents are complete.
MOHRE lists full-time, part-time, temporary, flexible, remote and job-sharing contract types for this permit.
The employer-based Golden Visa holder work permit is not the same as a freelance permit. If you work independently rather than as an employee of an establishment, confirm the permit route that matches the activity.
For Golden Visa eligibility before employment, see our UAE Golden Visa for Skilled Professionals guide.
Residence:
Golden Visa remains separate
Permit validity:
2 years
Who applies:
Employer
MOHRE time:
2 working days
Federal fee:
AED 50
We can help review your Golden Visa route, documents and application requirements. Employer-side work permits should be handled through the appropriate MOHRE or free-zone employment channel.