Part-time work in the UAE: the rules
Part-time work is legal across the UAE private sector. You work a set number of hours or days, and you can hold part-time jobs with more than one employer at once. Each job needs a MOHRE part-time work permit, which the employer applies for.
The MOHRE part-time work permit
- The employer's authorised signatory applies, on the MOHRE website or app, or at a service centre.
- You must be 18 or older and hold a valid UAE residence visa.
- The job must fit the employer's licensed activity, and regulated jobs (for example health, education or legal roles) need your professional licence.
- Documents: a photo, a passport valid for at least 6 months, the MOHRE job offer signed by both sides, certificates for your skill level, and a no objection letter from your current employer.
- Fee: AED 50 federal fee, plus up to AED 72 business centre commission. The permit lasts one year.
UAE and GCC nationals are hired under a separate MOHRE permit. Many listings below marked "UAE National" are for Emiratis.
Your rights as a part-time worker
- The federal labour law covers you, as it covers full-time staff.
- Annual leave is in proportion to the hours you work. Check yours with the UAE leave calculator.
- Notice rules still apply when a part-time job ends: see the notice period calculator.
Part-time jobs: common questions
Is part-time work legal in the UAE?
Yes. Federal Decree-Law 33 of 2021 lists part-time work as one of the legal work patterns: working for one or more employers for a set number of hours or days (Article 7).
Do I need a permit to work part-time in the UAE?
Yes. The employer applies to MOHRE for a part-time work permit for you. You need to be 18 or older and hold a valid UAE residence visa, and the job must match the employer's licensed activity.
Can I work part-time for two employers in the UAE?
Yes. A MOHRE part-time permit lets you work for more than one employer. For each new permit MOHRE asks for a no objection letter from your current employer.
How much does a part-time work permit cost?
MOHRE lists a federal fee of AED 50, plus a business centre commission of up to AED 72 if the employer applies through a service centre. The employer submits and pays. The permit lasts one year and MOHRE quotes 2 working days to issue it.
Do part-time workers get annual leave in the UAE?
Yes. Article 29(2) gives part-time workers annual leave in proportion to the hours they actually work, as set in their contract.
Do part-time workers get gratuity in the UAE?
End-of-service benefits for part-time and other non-full-time work follow the rules in the law's Implementing Regulation (Article 52). Ask your employer how your contract applies them.
Last checked: October 2026
Sources we checked every figure against:
Permit rules and fees can change. Confirm with MOHRE (80060) or your employer before you start a second job.