MOHRE Issuance of New Work Permit For Transfer Work Permit in UAE 2026: Complete Guide For Employers
MOHRE Issuance of New Work Permit For Transfer Work Permit in UAE 2026. If a company in the UAE wants to hire a worker who is already working in another company, they must follow a proper process. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) provides a service called Issuance of New Work Permit for Transfer Work Permit.
This service allows the transfer of non national workers from one establishment to another that is registered with the Ministry. It helps employers hire workers legally while protecting employee rights.
In this guide, you will learn everything about the MOHRE transfer work permit, including the process, requirements, documents, fees, and approval steps.
What is MOHRE Transfer Work Permit
The MOHRE Transfer Work Permit allows an employer to hire an employee who is already inside the UAE. Instead of bringing a new worker from another country, the worker’s sponsorship is transferred to a new company.
This permit is issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
With this permit, the worker can legally move from one employer to another after the previous permit is cancelled. The system makes the process simple and transparent for both employers and workers.
Service Description
The service allows the transfer of non national workers to and from establishments registered with the Ministry.
Employers can apply for a new work permit once the previous permit of the employee has been cancelled.
This system helps companies hire experienced workers already present in the country.
Key Conditions and Requirements
Before applying for a new transfer permit, the worker and employer must meet certain requirements.
1. Employee Age Requirement
The employee must be 18 years or older.
Workers below this age cannot receive a work permit.
2. Licensed Profession Requirement
If the worker is applying for a professional role such as:
• Doctor
• Teacher
• Nurse
• Fitness trainer
• Advocate
They must have the required license issued by the relevant authority.
3. Job Compatibility
The worker’s profession must match the activities of the establishment.
For example, a healthcare worker cannot be hired by a company that has no medical activity.
4. Valid Establishment License
The employer must have:
• A valid trade license
• No violations causing suspension of operations
If the company is suspended due to legal violations, the permit will not be issued.
5. Authorized Signatory
The work permit application must be submitted by the authorized signatory of the company.
6. No Active Work Permit
The worker must not have an active work permit. The previous permit must be cancelled first.
7. Application Deadline
The new work permit must be submitted within 90 days of cancelling the previous work permit. If the employer misses this deadline, the process may require a new entry permit.
8. Replacement and Nationality Change
It is possible to replace the work permit and change nationality within six months from the issuance date. However:
• Profession must remain the same
• Gender cannot be changed
- This can only be done two times.
Also, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security must cancel the entry permit for the replaced worker.
9. Compliance with UAE Labour Law
The new employer must follow Article 9 of Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 regarding labour relations.
Required Documents For Transfer Work Permit
Employers must submit several documents during the application process. These documents help the Ministry verify the worker’s identity and qualifications.
Employee Photograph
A clear colored photo with white background must be submitted.
Passport Copy
A valid passport copy is required.
- The passport must have at least six months validity.
Official Job Offer Letter
The official job offer form issued by the Ministry must be signed by both:
• Employer
• Employee
Academic Certificates
The required qualification depends on the skill level.
- Skill Levels 1 and 2: Bachelor’s degree or higher is required.
- Skill Levels 3 and 4: Diploma certificate or higher.
- Skill Level 5: High school certificate is required.
- Skill Levels 6 to 9: No academic certificate required.
Workers earning less than AED 4000 monthly are not considered skilled.
Professional License (If Required)
Certain professions require licenses from government authorities. Examples include:
- Doctor or nurse: License issued by Ministry of Health.
- Teacher or teacher assistant: License issued by Ministry of Education or education authorities.
- Fitness trainer: License issued by Youth and Sports Authority.
- Advocate: License issued by Ministry of Justice.
National ID Card For Certain Countries
Workers from the following countries must submit both sides of their national ID card.
• Pakistan
• Afghanistan
• Iraq
• Iran
The ID card must be clear and valid.
MOHRE Transfer Work Permit Application Process
Employers can apply for the permit through different channels such as the MOHRE website, smart application, or service centers. Follow these steps to apply for the permit.
Step 1. Login to the MOHRE System
First, the employer must log in using:
• Username and password
• UAE Pass
This step is required for online and smart service channels.
Step 2. Submit the Application
After logging in, submit the Transfer Work Permit application through one of the service channels. You can apply through:
• MOHRE website
• MOHRE smart mobile app
• Tasheel service centers
• Service centers
Step 3. Ministry Verification
Once the application is submitted, the system sends it to the Ministry. The Ministry reviews the application to verify:
• Documents
• Company compliance
• Worker eligibility
Step 4. Request for Missing Information
If any documents or details are missing, the Ministry will notify the establishment. The company must complete the missing requirements before approval.
Step 5. Permit Approval and Issuance
When all requirements are completed, the Ministry issues the new work permit. This confirms that the worker can legally work with the new employer.
Step 6. Payment of Fees
After approval, the employer must pay:
• Federal government fees
• Bank guarantee or insurance
A copy of the employee’s signed job offer must also be attached during the payment process.
MOHRE Transfer Work Permit Fees
The fees depend on the category of the establishment.
Federal Fees
Permit for transfer of employee from one establishment to another:
- Category 1, 2, 3: 50 AED
Issuance Permit for Two Years
- Category 1: 250 AED
- Category 2: 1200 AED
- Category 3: 3450 AED
Service Center Commission
Business center service fee is limited to:
- 72 AED per service
This includes:
• Job offer printing
• Job contract printing
• Permit application printing
When applying through the MOHRE website or mobile app, the service is free except for federal charges. Please note that tax and collection charges are not included in the above fees.
Service Completion Time
The processing time for the permit is very fast.
- Service completion duration: 2 working days
Once all documents and requirements are verified, the permit is issued.
Who Can Apply For Transfer Work Permit
This service is mainly designed for employers who want to hire workers already in the UAE. The application must be submitted by:
• Authorized signatory of the company
• Employer registered with MOHRE
• Establishments with a valid trade license
The employee must also meet certain conditions before the transfer is approved.
Service Channels For Application
Employers can apply through multiple channels.
Service Center
Employers can visit authorized service centers for assistance.
MOHRE Website
The official website allows online applications.
MOHRE Mobile Application
Employers can submit requests through the MOHRE smart mobile app.
Tawseel Service
Tawseel provides additional assistance services for employers.
Target Audience
This service is mainly designed for:
• Employers
• Companies registered with MOHRE
It is part of the Labour Service category.
Service Department
Department responsible for this service:
- Labor Offices
Service Category
- Category: Labour Service
- Main Service: Issue New Work Permit
- Service Type: Procedural
Related Government Authority
The service is connected with another authority. Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security. This authority handles entry permits and identity services.
How to Check Transfer Work Permit Status
After submitting the application, employers can track the status using different methods.
MOHRE Inquiry Service
Employers can visit the official inquiry page on the MOHRE website.
MOHRE Mobile App
The smart app allows users to check the application status anytime.
MOHRE Call Center
Employers can call:
This helpline is available 24 hours a day.
Chatbot Service
The MOHRE chatbot also helps applicants track their request. Once the request is completed, the system sends a notification to the applicant.
Important Notes for Employers
Employers should keep a few important points in mind.
• The worker must not hold an active work permit.
• The application must be submitted within 90 days of cancellation.
• The new employer must have a valid license.
• The job must match the company’s business activities.
Following these rules helps avoid delays in the permit approval process.
Advantages of Transfer Work Permit
This system provides many benefits for employers and employees.
Faster Hiring
Companies can hire workers already present in the UAE without waiting for overseas recruitment.
Legal Employment
The permit ensures workers are hired legally under UAE labour laws.
Worker Protection
Employees receive a formal job offer and contract approved by the Ministry.
Easy Process
Online services make the process simple and fast.
FAQs
What is the MOHRE Transfer Work Permit?
Ans: The MOHRE Transfer Work Permit allows an employee who is already working in the UAE to move from one company to another. This permit is issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. It allows the new employer to legally hire the worker after the previous work permit is cancelled. This process helps both employers and workers complete job transfers in a legal and organized way.
Who can apply for the transfer work permit in the UAE?
Ans: The application for a transfer work permit must be submitted by the new employer. It cannot be submitted by the worker. The request must be completed by the authorized signatory of the establishment registered with MOHRE. The company must also have a valid trade license and meet all legal requirements before applying.
What is the minimum age required for a transfer work permit?
Ans: The employee must be at least 18 years old to receive a new work permit in the UAE. This rule applies to all types of jobs and industries. Workers under the age of 18 are not allowed to obtain a work permit through MOHRE.
How long does it take to issue a transfer work permit?
Ans: The MOHRE transfer work permit is usually processed quickly. In most cases, the permit is issued within two working days after the application is approved. However, delays can occur if documents are missing or if the company does not meet the required conditions.
Is a No Objection Certificate required for work permit transfer?
Ans: In many situations, a No Objection Certificate is no longer required. If the previous employment contract has ended or has been legally terminated, the worker can transfer to a new employer without an NOC. This rule makes it easier for employees to change jobs within the UAE.
What documents are required for a transfer work permit?
Ans: Several documents are required during the application process. These include a clear photo with a white background, a passport copy with at least six months validity, and an official job offer signed by both the employer and employee. In some cases, academic certificates and professional licenses may also be required depending on the job role.
What happens if the application is incomplete?
Ans: If the application is missing documents or information, the Ministry will notify the employer. The company must correct the issue and submit the missing documents. Once all requirements are completed, the application will continue to the next stage of verification and approval.
How can employers track the transfer work permit application?
Ans: Employers can check the application status through several methods. They can visit the inquiry service on the official MOHRE website, use the MOHRE smart mobile application, contact the call center at 600590000, or use the chatbot service. These options allow applicants to easily follow the progress of their request.
What fees are required for the transfer work permit?
Ans: The cost of the permit depends on the category of the establishment. The basic federal fee for transferring an employee from one establishment to another is 50 AED. Additional fees apply when issuing a two year permit, and the amount varies depending on the company category.
What is the deadline for applying for a new transfer work permit?
Ans: The new employer must submit the transfer work permit application within 90 days after the previous work permit is cancelled. If the application is not submitted within this period, the worker may need to go through a different process to obtain a new work permit.
Conclusion
The MOHRE Issuance of New Work Permit for Transfer Work Permit is an important service for employers in the UAE. It allows companies to hire workers already living in the country through a legal and structured process.
The application involves several steps including submission, document verification, and payment of fees. Once approved, the permit allows the employee to start working with the new employer.
