UAE part-time employees require a MOHRE part-time work permit and receive prorated salary and entitlements. Employees can hold up to 2 part-time jobs simultaneously. Remote work from outside UAE raises visa status, WPS, and UAE CT permanent establishment questions that must be addressed before the arrangement starts.
Part-time work under UAE Labour Law 2021
UAE Labour Law 2021 (Article 7 and related Cabinet Decisions) formally introduced part-time employment as a distinct work arrangement. A part-time employee works fewer hours than the standard 8-hour day or 48-hour week, under a separate MOHRE-issued part-time work permit.
All statutory rights apply proportionally: annual leave, sick leave entitlement, gratuity, and WPS — all calculated on the actual hours worked relative to full-time. For example, a half-time employee (24 hours/week) accrues 15 days of annual leave per year (half of 30 days).
UAE Labour Law permits employees to hold two part-time employment permits from two different employers at the same time, provided the combined hours do not exceed the standard 48-hour working week. Both employers are responsible for their share of the employee’s statutory entitlements.
Other flexible work models
- Temporary work: A specific task or project, with a fixed end date. Separate MOHRE permit category.
- Shared work: Two employers share one employee — costs, hours, and benefits are split. Must be registered as a shared arrangement with MOHRE.
- Flexible hours: Standard full-time contract but with agreed flexibility in daily start/end times — no separate permit needed; can be specified in the employment contract.
- Freelance permits: Individuals can obtain a freelance permit from MOHRE or free zone authorities, enabling them to work for multiple clients without a single employer sponsor. Relevant for independent consultants.
Remote work from outside UAE — the risks
When a UAE-employed individual works remotely from outside the UAE (e.g., working from their home country for months), several legal issues arise:
- UAE residence visa status: UAE residence visas lapse if the holder is outside UAE for more than 6 consecutive months (some visas allow longer absence). The employee risks losing their UAE visa status without regular return visits.
- WPS compliance: UAE WPS requires the salary transfer to go to a UAE bank account — if the employee is no longer UAE-resident, their account may be closed. Cash or foreign bank payment does not satisfy WPS.
- CT Permanent Establishment risk: If the employee is a senior decision-maker based abroad, their activity on behalf of the UAE employer may create a foreign PE in their country of residence — exposing the UAE employer to tax in that country.
- Home country employment tax: The employee may become tax-resident in their home country if they spend more than the relevant threshold there — creating an individual income tax liability in that jurisdiction.
Remote work within UAE (from home, a co-working space, or another emirate) is straightforward — standard employment rules apply. Remote work from abroad for more than a few weeks requires a specific legal review covering visa, WPS, PE, and host country employment law.
Part-time, flexible and remote work permits compared
The UAE recognises several work models beyond the standard full-time contract. The right route depends on whether you want a second employed job, short-term project work, or fully independent freelance work.
| Permit type | Who it suits | Validity | Key conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part-time work permit | Skilled residents wanting a second job | 1 year | Issued by MOHRE; open to skilled workers (degree or technical diploma); a holder can work for more than one employer |
| Temporary work permit | Short-term or project-based roles | Up to 6 months (or until current visa expires) | Suits short engagements and part-time placements |
| Freelance permit | Independent service providers (no single sponsor) | Typically multi-year | No employment contract or sponsoring employer; you invoice clients directly |
| Standard full-time permit | Single full-time employer | Tied to contract term | All private-sector contracts are now limited-term (fixed-term) |
The part-time work permit must be issued by MOHRE before you begin working for the additional employer. The secondary employer normally applies on your behalf. Working a second job without the correct permit is a compliance risk for both you and the employer, and it can affect your residence status. If your second engagement is freelance rather than employed, a freelance permit is the correct route instead.
How a part-time work permit is obtained
For a second employed job under a part-time arrangement:
- Confirm eligibility. The scheme is aimed at skilled workers — typically those holding a university degree or a recognised technical/scientific diploma — with a valid UAE residence visa.
- The secondary employer applies to MOHRE. The additional employer submits the part-time work permit application on your behalf through the MOHRE portal.
- Pay the fees. The part-time work permit carries an application fee of around AED 100 plus an approval fee of around AED 500 (employer-category surcharges may apply).
- Work within the hours. Part-time hours with the secondary employer are kept below full-time levels, and all contracts remain limited-term under the current labour law.
Living in the UAE and working remotely for an overseas employer does not exempt you from local rules. You still need a valid residence basis (employment visa, freelance/remote-work visa, or a sponsor’s visa with the right permission), and your contract is still limited-term if you are employed locally. Businesses engaging remote or part-time staff should keep this within a compliant payroll process so wages, WPS and end-of-service entitlements are handled correctly.
What UAE workers actually ask about part-time and remote work
Can I work two jobs in the UAE legally?
Yes. A skilled resident can hold a second job once MOHRE issues a part-time work permit. Under the part-time scheme you can take on additional part-time work, but the permit must be in place first — the secondary employer normally applies for it on your behalf.
Do I need an NOC from my main employer for a second job?
Practice varies by visa type. Family-visa holders generally need a no-objection certificate from their sponsor before taking a second job. For the formal MOHRE part-time scheme, a holder can work for more than one employer once the part-time permit is granted — but always confirm your specific situation with MOHRE before starting.
Can I work remotely from the UAE for a foreign company?
Yes, but you need a valid residence basis to live in the UAE while doing so — for example an employment visa, a freelance/remote-work visa, or permission under a sponsor’s visa. The income is earned abroad, but your right to reside and work locally must still be in order.
What is the difference between a part-time permit and a freelance permit?
A part-time work permit is for being employed by an additional employer alongside another job. A freelance permit is for working independently for your own clients with no sponsoring employer and no employment contract — you invoice clients directly.
How much does a UAE part-time work permit cost?
The part-time work permit typically involves an application fee of about AED 100 and an approval fee of about AED 500, though additional charges can apply depending on the employer’s MOHRE classification category.
Structuring part-time or remote work for UAE employees?
We advise on MOHRE permit requirements, prorated entitlement calculations, and cross-border remote work legal exposure for UAE employers. Fixed fee.
Frequently asked questions
Do part-time employees in UAE need a separate work permit?
Yes. UAE Labour Law requires a specific MOHRE part-time work permit for part-time employment arrangements. Standard full-time work permits do not cover part-time roles.
Can a UAE employee have two jobs simultaneously?
Yes — up to 2 part-time employment permits simultaneously, provided the combined hours do not exceed 48 per week. Each employer is responsible for their prorated share of statutory entitlements.
Are part-time employees in UAE entitled to annual leave?
Yes, on a prorated basis. A half-time employee (24 hours/week) receives 15 days of annual leave per year (half of the 30-day full-time entitlement). Gratuity and sick leave are similarly prorated.
Can a UAE-sponsored employee work remotely from abroad?
Short-term remote work from abroad is possible but carries risks: UAE visa validity (absence for 6+ months lapses the visa), WPS compliance issues, and potential PE tax exposure in the home country. Extended remote-from-abroad arrangements require a legal review.
What is a UAE freelance permit?
A permit issued by MOHRE or free zone authorities that allows individuals to work independently for multiple clients without a single employer sponsor. Common in creative, tech, and consulting fields. Freelance permit holders are responsible for their own visa, insurance, and payroll compliance.
Is remote work within UAE the same as remote work from abroad?
Legally, they are very different. Remote work within UAE — from home, a co-working space, or another emirate — is straightforward and covered by the standard employment contract. Remote work from abroad raises visa, WPS, PE, and host-country tax questions.
Can I have two jobs in the UAE?
Yes, a skilled resident can hold a second job once MOHRE issues a part-time work permit. The permit must be obtained before starting the additional job, and the secondary employer usually applies for it.
Who is eligible for a MOHRE part-time work permit?
The part-time work permit scheme is aimed at skilled workers, typically those holding a university degree or a recognised technical or scientific diploma, who already have a valid UAE residence visa.
Do I need a permit to work remotely from the UAE for a foreign employer?
You do not need a UAE employment permit for the foreign job itself, but you do need a valid residence basis to live in the UAE, such as an employment visa, a freelance or remote-work visa, or permission under a sponsor’s visa.
How much does a part-time work permit cost in the UAE?
A part-time work permit typically costs around AED 100 as an application fee plus around AED 500 as an approval fee, with possible additional charges based on the employer’s MOHRE category.
Are part-time contracts limited-term in the UAE?
Yes. Since 2 February 2023 all private-sector employment contracts in the UAE, including part-time arrangements, are limited-term (fixed-term) under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021.