UAE Transfer Work Permit: Detailed Guide for Moving Between MoHRE-Registered Employers

A Transfer Work Permit allows a non-UAE national to move from one establishment registered with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) to another MoHRE-registered establishment. It is the standard permit category used when an eligible private-sector worker changes employers within the UAE rather than being newly recruited from overseas.

What Is a Transfer Work Permit?

Under the UAE labour regulations, a Transfer Work Permit is issued to allow a non-national worker to transfer from and to an establishment registered with MoHRE. The UAE Government lists this permit as valid for two years.

Who Is the Permit For?

The service is aimed at employers hiring a worker who previously held a work permit with another MoHRE-registered establishment. The new employer submits the application through MoHRE’s approved channels. All skill levels and professions can be eligible, provided the service conditions are met.

Main Eligibility Conditions

•    The worker must be at least 18 years old.
•    The worker must not have an active work permit at the time the new permit is processed.
•    The new work-permit application must be submitted within 90 days from cancellation of the previous work permit.
•    The proposed occupation must be compatible with the new establishment’s licensed business activities.
•    The new establishment must have a valid licence and must not have violations that result in suspension of its operations.
•    The application must be submitted by the establishment’s authorised signatory.
•    Workers in specialised or regulated professions must satisfy the applicable professional-licensing requirements.
•    The new employer must comply with the applicable provisions of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 concerning labour relations.

The Important 90-Day Rule

MoHRE specifically requires the application for a new Transfer Work Permit to be submitted within 90 days of cancellation of the worker’s previous work permit. Employees and new employers should therefore coordinate the cancellation and new application carefully to avoid unnecessary delays.

Required Documents

•    A clear colour photograph of the worker with a white background.
•    A passport copy with at least six months’ validity.
•    The official MoHRE job-offer form signed by both the new employer and the employee.
•    Academic qualification certificates where required for the applicable skill level.
•    A professional licence from the competent authority where the occupation is regulated.
•    For workers from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq and Iran, a clear and valid copy of both sides of the national ID card issued by the home country.

Academic Qualification Requirements

MoHRE notes that workers earning less than AED 4,000 per month, or who do not possess a degree, are not considered skilled for this classification.

Step-by-Step Transfer Process

1. Previous permit is cancelled
The worker’s existing work permit with the previous employer must no longer be active before the new permit can be issued.

2. New employer prepares the job offer
The new employer issues the official MoHRE job offer, which must be signed by both parties.

3. New employer submits the application
The authorised signatory applies through an approved MoHRE service channel.

4. MoHRE verifies compliance
The ministry checks the establishment, occupation, worker status and supporting documents. Missing requirements are returned for completion.

5. Fees and required guarantee/insurance are paid
After approval, the applicable federal fees and any required bank guarantee or insurance are settled.

6. Transfer permit is issued
Once all requirements are completed, MoHRE issues the new permit.

7. Employment formalities are completed
The new employer completes the employment-contract and related residency/identity procedures that apply to the worker’s case.

How Long Does It Take?

MoHRE lists the service-completion time for a Transfer Work Permit as two working days once the application is complete and compliant. The total time involved in changing employers may be longer if additional immigration, identity, residence or professional-licensing steps are required.

Permit Validity

The UAE Government’s current work-permit guidance states that a work permit transferring a non-UAE worker from one establishment to another is valid for two years.

Fees

MoHRE lists a federal application fee of AED 50 for the transfer permit across establishment categories 1, 2 and 3. The ministry also charges a category-based fee for issuance of the two-year transfer permit. Because the exact issuance amount depends on the establishment classification and the current fee schedule, employers should verify the amount displayed in MoHRE’s official service before payment.

MoHRE states that business-centre commission is capped at AED 72 per service within the permit package, while use of the ministry’s website and smart app is free apart from government fees. Published fees exclude applicable tax and collection charges.

Can Any Profession Transfer?

MoHRE states that all skill levels and professions may apply for this permit subject to the service conditions. However, regulated professions still require the relevant professional licence. Examples can include healthcare, teaching, fitness and legal occupations.

Transfer Permit vs Overseas Work Permit

What Workers Should Check Before Changing Employers

•    Ensure the previous work permit has been properly cancelled.
•    Check the date of cancellation because the transfer application must be made within 90 days.
•    Review the new official job offer carefully before signing.
•    Confirm the new salary, job title, workplace and other important terms.
•    Check whether the new occupation requires a professional licence or qualification certificate.
•    Keep copies of the cancellation documents, new job offer and employment contract.
•    Use official MoHRE channels for employment-related questions or disputes.

Important Note on Changing Employers

A transfer is not simply an informal move from one company to another. The old permit must be dealt with correctly and the new employer must obtain the required MoHRE authorisation before the worker begins employment under the new establishment. Individual cases may also be affected by contractual notice requirements, labour disputes or other legal conditions.

How to Apply

MoHRE lists its website, mobile application, service centres and Tawseel among the channels for this service. The employer is the target customer for the permit application.

Key Takeaway

The UAE Transfer Work Permit provides the legal route for an eligible non-UAE worker to move between MoHRE-registered private-sector establishments. The most important practical points are cancellation of the previous permit, submission of the new application within 90 days, a signed official job offer, valid employer licensing and completion of any qualification or professional-licensing requirements.

Official References

•    Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE): Issuance of a New Work Permit – Transfer Work Permit.
•    UAE Government Portal: Work permits – types and validity.
•    Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022: Executive Regulations of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 – Article 6, Types of Work Permits.
•    MoHRE: 2026 Zero Government Bureaucracy service enhancements.