Work permit renewal in United Arab Emirates
Renewing a work permit in the United Arab Emirates is a process managed by the employer on behalf of the employee. It involves updating the contract terms, settling government fees, and ensuring the health insurance status is current before the previous permit expires.
Employers typically initiate the renewal process 30 to 60 days before the current permit expires. Starting early is recommended to account for potential processing delays in medical fitness screenings or system updates, and to avoid fines for working with an expired permit.
Start 30 days ahead
Processing times are generally short, but extra time is required if a new medical fitness certificate is necessary for the residency visa renewal associated with the work permit.
The process
- 1The employer prepares and signs the renewed employment contract via the MoHRE portal.
- 2The employee reviews and electronically signs the new contract.
- 3The employer submits the renewal application through the MoHRE online system or a registered Tas-heel center.
- 4Fees are settled by the employer through approved payment channels.
- 5The updated work permit is issued electronically and can be downloaded from the MoHRE portal.
What to bring
- Copy of the passport with valid residency visa
- Signed employment contract
- Recent passport-sized photograph
- Medical fitness certificate (if required by local regulations)
- Proof of valid health insurance
Who handles it
Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE / وزارة الموارد البشرية والتوطين)
Fees vary significantly based on the employer's classification category assigned by MoHRE, the size of the company, and the duration of the permit. Confirm the specific fee tier with the employer or the MoHRE portal.
What commonly goes wrong
- Ensuring the establishment's labor card and trade license are valid, as these are prerequisites for permit renewal.
- Matching the salary details in the renewed contract with the figures registered in the Wage Protection System (WPS).
- Missing the renewal window, which can lead to administrative fines charged to the employer.
Sources
This guide is based on one official source.
Other documents in United Arab Emirates
Work permit renewal in other countries
Often renewed together
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