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Part-Time Work Permit in Dubai

Working a second job without a permit is common and it is not legal. The part-time permit exists precisely so it does not have to be a grey area.

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Legally Multiple Jobs Properly permitted
Both Employers Handled correctly
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What is a part-time work permit in the UAE?

It is a MoHRE permit allowing an employee to work for an additional employer alongside their main job, or to work reduced hours for one. It creates a legal basis for multiple employment relationships, which working informally for a second employer does not.

Part-Time Work Permit in Dubai at a glance
AuthorityMoHRE
PermitsEmployment with an additional employer
Applied byThe employer offering the part-time work
Also coversReduced-hours arrangements
Main visaUsually remains with the primary employer
Without itThe second job is not lawful

Last updated 3 August 2026 · Reviewed by Mohammed Shareef A, Senior PRO Consultant, 12+ years in Dubai government liaison. Fees and timelines are set by the issuing authority and change without notice — confirm current figures before you budget.

Why does the permit exist?

Because informal second jobs were widespread and left everyone exposed: the employee with no protection, the second employer with an unlawful worker, and the primary employer often unaware. The permit brings the arrangement into the open.

For a business that needs skilled help a few days a week, it is also a way to hire without taking on a full residence sponsorship.

  • Replaces informal, unlawful arrangements
  • Protects the employee legally
  • Lets a business hire part-time skills
  • No full sponsorship needed for the second employer
Employment file open beside a closed laptop and identity papers on a desk

Who applies for it?

The employer offering the part-time work, through MoHRE. The employee residence visa typically remains sponsored by the primary employer, and the part-time permit sits alongside it rather than replacing it.

Both employers should know. An arrangement the primary employer discovers later is a workplace problem even where it is legally permitted.

  • The part-time employer files the permit
  • The main visa usually stays with the primary employer
  • The permit sits alongside the existing arrangement
  • Tell the primary employer
Licence paperwork and a hardback notebook on an uncluttered white desk

What does it not do?

It does not sponsor residence on its own in the ordinary case, and it does not override what your primary employment contract says about outside work. A contract prohibiting other employment is a contractual matter, not a licensing one.

Check your contract before you arrange anything.

  • Does not usually sponsor residence itself
  • Does not override your employment contract
  • A contractual prohibition still binds you
  • Check the contract first

How does it compare with a freelance permit?

A part-time permit is employment with a named employer. A freelance permit lets you invoice multiple clients in your own name as an independent. If you want several clients rather than a second boss, the freelance route fits better.

Some people end up with both, which is legitimate but worth structuring deliberately.

  • Part-time permit: a named second employer
  • Freelance permit: invoice multiple clients
  • Freelance suits independent work better
  • Holding both is possible but plan it

How we handle a part-time permit

  1. We check the primary contractWhether outside work is permitted at all.
  2. Confirm the right instrumentPart-time permit or freelance permit, depending on the work.
  3. Employer coordinationWith the business offering the part-time role.
  4. ApplicationFiled through MoHRE by that employer.
  5. DocumentationContract and terms recorded properly.
  6. HandoverPermit issued, with its scope and expiry explained.

Which permit fits your situation?

Part-time versus the alternatives
Your situationInstrument
A second named employerPart-time work permit
Several clients, invoicing independentlyFreelance permit
Reduced hours with one employerPart-time work permit
Employed abroad, living hereRemote work visa
Own company invoicing clientsTrade licence
The mistake we see most: Taking a second job on a handshake because everyone does it. The employee has no protection if they are not paid, the second employer is employing someone unlawfully, and a dispute exposes both. The permit exists; use it.
MSM tip: Read your primary employment contract before agreeing to anything. A permit makes the second job lawful under labour rules; it does not override a clause in your own contract prohibiting outside work.

What documents do you need?

What we need

Employee passport, visa and Emirates ID
The primary employment contract
Trade licence of the part-time employer
Proposed hours and terms for the part-time role
The primary employer position on outside work
Establishment card of the part-time employer

The document that most often changes the answer is the primary employment contract. If it prohibits outside work, the permit does not solve that for you.

MoHRE Work Permit

The parent service, permits end to end.

Freelance Visa

For invoicing multiple clients independently.

Labour Contract Renewal

Keeping the primary contract current.

Read next: UAE residence visa types explained

Sources

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I legally work two jobs in the UAE?
With a part-time work permit, yes. Without one, a second job is not lawful however common the arrangement is.
Who applies for the permit?
The employer offering the part-time work, through MoHRE. Your residence visa usually stays with your primary employer.
Does my main employer have to agree?
Your contract may require it, and practically they should know. A permit makes it lawful; it does not override your contract terms.
Is a freelance permit better?
If you want several clients rather than one additional employer, yes. Part-time is employment; freelance is independent invoicing.
Does it give me a visa?
Not usually on its own. It sits alongside the residence visa sponsored by your primary employer.
Can a company hire someone part-time this way?
Yes, and it is a way to get skilled help without taking on full residence sponsorship.

Taking on a second job?

Send us your current contract. We will confirm whether a part-time permit works for you.

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Apply for a Part-Time Permit

Your primary contract terms decide whether this is available to you.

Hotline: +971 52 933 0454

Email: info@msmdoc.com

Office: Deira, Dubai — serving all seven emirates.