Part-time Employment Regulations in UAE: Complete Guide for 2025
Part-time employment in the UAE has grown in popularity among both locals and foreigners. Flexible work arrangements are becoming more and more common, so it’s critical to understand UAE part-time employment regulations. This guide will walk you through the regulations, eligibility, legalities and more, whether you are an employer or a prospective employee.
What is Part-time Employment in the UAE?
Part-time employment in the UAE refers to a flexible work arrangement where individuals work fewer hours than full-time employees under a legally approved contract. According to the regulations outlined in the UAE Labor Law, workers can take on part-time roles with one or more employers as long as they obtain the proper permit from MOHRE. This setup is ideal for students, parents, freelancers and specialists who want career flexibility without the commitment of a full-time schedule. By enabling diversified work opportunities, the UAE’s part-time system strengthens the labor market and ensures businesses can access skilled talent when needed.
Latest 2025 MOHRE Updates on Part-time Work
Employers and employees will find it easier to handle flexible work arrangements thanks to the updated MOHRE 2025, which also introduces more streamlined procedures for obtaining part-time work permits. In order to improve adherence to labor laws, this update focuses on reducing administrative delays and enhancing digital verification. MOHRE now prioritizes greater protection for UAE nationals and foreign workers who work part-time, as well as openness in contract terms and more precise working-hour limitations.
New Rules for Multi-employer Part-time Contracts
The 2025 regulations allow employees to work for multiple employers as long as they have a MOHRE-approved part-time working permit. As a result, each employer is required by the new regulations to submit an authorized contract that guarantees that the total number of hours worked by employees falls within the legally permissible maximum limits without compromising health and safety standards. These modifications provide assistance to experts, independent contractors, and skilled workers who wish to diversify their revenue streams without violating employment laws.
Restrictions for Non-residents and Students
Students and non-residents working part-time in the UAE are subject to certain restrictions under the updated regulations. To avoid working without permission, non-residents must obtain a residence permit before requesting any kind of permit for part-time employment. However, students must meet the minimum eligibility requirements set forth by MOHRE and receive written consent from their institutions. These limitations give regulatory control while giving young talent and transient visitors little leeway.
Eligibility Requirements for UAE Part-time Jobs
The eligibility requirements for part-time jobs in the UAE are discussed below.
- UAE Nationals
- GCC nationals
- Expatriates with valid residence
- University students with proper approvals
Residents and non-residents without a full-time work visa must apply to MOHRE for a part-time work permit. With the permit, they can lawfully work a second job without losing their primary sponsorship.
Age, Visa Requirements & Skill Levels
The applicant must be at least eighteen years old and hold an active residency visa from a sponsor or employer in order to be qualified for part-time employment in the United Arab Emirates. The main consideration is visa status because only residents with the necessary paperwork can apply for a MOHRE-issued part-time permit. Additionally, in order to place workers in suitable positions, the UAE’s skill classification system assigns grades based on professional abilities, education and experience. Because it helps the labor market maintain high standards in terms of competence and safety, the higher-skilled categories receive approval more quickly.
How to Obtain Part time Work Permit in UAE
Employers must apply through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE) for a UAE part-time work permit. A valid residence visa, a copy of one’s passport and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the current sponsor are among the documents that must be presented during the process. The one-year permit permits lawful part-time employment in all industries upon approval.
Step-by-Step Process
The following explains the step-by-step process for part-time work in the UAE.
- Employer files application with MOHRE
- Employee submits No Objection Certificate (NOC) from existing sponsor
- Relevant fees are paid
- Permit in 3-5 working days
Document Required
Below are the documents required for part-time work in the UAE.
- Copy of passport
- Emirates ID
- New photo
- Education certificates (if required)
- Valid residence visa
- Sponsor’s NOC
Cost and Validity of the Permit
A part-time work permit in the United Arab Emirates typically costs between AED 100 and AED 600, depending on the hiring employer’s category, the applicant’s skill level, and their professional classification. Additionally, depending only on MOHRE regulations, there may be additional administrative or service fees. If the employee is still qualified and the employer submits the application with all necessary paperwork on time, the one-year permit can be renewed. In order to guarantee uniformity in the UAE’s part-time employment process, this helps maintain uniform costs and validity.
Structure of a UAE Part-time Employment Contract
A part-time employment contract in the UAE is presented in a standard format designed to protect both the employer and the employee by clearly outlining all legal obligations. Similar to a full Labour Contract in UAE, it specifies essential details such as job title, working hours, salary, responsibilities and employer information. The contract also incorporates MOHRE-approved terms to ensure compliance with federal labor regulations. Additionally, it explains all entitlements, benefits and limitations related to part-time work in a clear and transparent manner, ensuring both parties understand their rights and obligations.
Contract Duration & Flexibility Terms
In the United Arab Emirates, part-time contracts typically have a set duration of one year, which corresponds to the length of the employee’s work permit. The contract’s flexibility clauses will also outline how many hours the worker must put in each week and whether the schedule can be altered in response to operational needs. To ensure that the employee is aware of their commitment and working conditions from the beginning, an employer must clearly communicate any variable shifts or flexible conditions.
Salary & Overtime Rules
The term of salary in a part-time contract in the UAE must clearly specify the employee’s hourly or monthly compensation to ensure full transparency. Although there is no fixed Minimum wage in UAE, employers must still provide fair pay aligned with the agreed contract terms. Overtime rules remain applicable only when the employee exceeds the contracted part-time hours, with any additional work subject to the UAE Labor Law’s limits on maximum hours and overtime rates. Employers are responsible for accurately recording extra hours and ensuring that all payments are lawful, timely and properly documented.
Notice Period and Termination Rules
In the United Arab Emirates, a notice period in a part-time employment contract should be explicitly specified for both the employer and the employee. Depending on the mutual agreement, it typically ranges from seven to thirty days. Termination rules outline the circumstances under which either party may end the agreement for misconduct, contract violations or operational restructuring. These clauses aid in establishing a fair and reasonable environment, preventing sudden job loss, and facilitating a simple, legally compliant exit procedure.
Employer Responsibilities Under Part-time Law
Employers in the UAE are required to follow certain guidelines when hiring part-timers in order to guarantee adherence to MOHRE regulations and the UAE Labor Law. Among these responsibilities are accurate employment contracts, adherence to working-hour restrictions, timely salary payments and maintaining safe workplaces. Employers must also verify the employee’s eligibility, get the required MOHRE permits and collaborate with other employers in multi-employer agreements. By fulfilling these obligations, businesses support the transparency, equity, and legal integrity of the UAE’s flexible employment system.
Maximum Permissible Working Hours
According to UAE labor law, no worker can work more than 48 hours a week for all types of jobs, whether full-time or part-time. This is to ensure the health of workers and fair labor practices. The rules are the same in all emirates and for city-based people, the working hours in Dubai guidelines provide a decent set of rules to follow.
Entitlements to Payment and Benefits
The most recent guidelines from MOHRE state that part-time workers must be paid promptly and fairly in accordance with the terms of their contract. Part-time employees are entitled to basic protections like safe working conditions, wage protection through the WPS system and overtime compensation when needed, even though they may not always be eligible for full-time benefits like annual leave or an end-of-service gratuity. Employers must also maintain transparent payment records and ensure that no deductions are made without the employee’s consent and a good reason in order to strengthen worker rights under the revised labor framework.
Requirements for Employing Workers from Multiple Employers
Employers must follow specific MOHRE regulations when hiring workers who already have part-time contracts with other companies in order to avoid breaking the law. They must coordinate schedules, confirm that the employee has an active part-time work permit and ensure that the employee’s working hours do not conflict with those of other employers in order to maintain compliance with the maximum weekly hour limit. Additionally, employers are required to give MOHRE accurate contract details and to avoid enforcing exclusivity clauses that restrict an employee’s options for employment. These duties are crucial to the UAE’s multi-employer work model because they safeguard employee flexibility and encourage openness.
Differences Between Full-time and Part-time Employment
The following table shows the difference between full-time and part-time employment.
| Feature | Full-time | Part-time |
| Hours | 48/week | Flexible, <48/week |
| Benefits | Full | Limited/pro-rated |
| End-of-Service | Mandatory | Optional unless agreed |
Currently, the UAE does not have an income tax. However, social security contributions apply to UAE nationals, not expatriates, regardless of part-time or full-time roles.
Employee Rights Under UAE Part-time Employment
The UAE provides part-time employees with some of the rights including pro-rata annual leave, sick leave after 90 consecutive days of employment, and maternity leave according to the contract. Although health insurance is usually provided by the secondary employer or sponsor, secondary employers have no legal obligation to offer coverage unless provided for in the employment contract. For more information on employee rights in UAE, encompassing full-time and part-time legislation, visit our comprehensive guide.
Safety Regulations & Health Insurance
Part-time employees in the United Arab Emirates are entitled to basic workplace health and safety protections so they can fulfill their duties in a secure and supportive environment. Even though full health insurance coverage may vary depending on the employer and the regulations of the specific emirate, employers are still required to provide a safe workplace that complies with national safety guidelines. This means getting the proper training, adhering to hazard prevention protocols and donning protective gear when necessary. These regulations aid in safeguarding the health of employees regardless of the number of hours they work.
Part-Time Employee Eligibility for Gratuities
According to the most recent UAE labor regulations, part-time workers who have worked consistently for the same company for at least a year may be eligible for an end-of-service gratuity. The gratuity is based on the number of actual working hours rather than a full-time salary structure in order to guarantee fair compensation for part-time contributions. Employers are required to follow the MOHRE calculation formulas, which convert part-time hours into an equivalent annual figure. This system ensures that part-time employees receive an appropriate and legally compliant end-of-service benefit.
Popular Industries Hires Part-time Staff in UAE
Some of the most common industries in the UAE that hire part-time workers include retail, hospitality, education and events. These sectors offer flexible jobs such as sales assistants, tutors and customer service representatives.
- Retail and Hospitality: Hotels, restaurants and shopping centers typically hire part-time staff to work weekend or night shifts.
- Education and Training: Tutors, instructors and support staff typically work on a part-time basis at training institutions or international schools.
- Freelancing and Technology Jobs: Technology freelancers, marketers and designers typically work on a freelance license or part-time license.
Pros and Cons of Working Part-time in the UAE
The following table lists the advantages and disadvantages of part-time work in the UAE.
| Pros | Cons |
| Flexibility | Limited benefits |
| Skill development | Lower job security |
| Extra income | Permit costs and formalities |
Effect of Telework on Part-time Laws
The management and regulation of part-time work have been significantly impacted by the rapid growth of teleworking in the UAE. As remote jobs become more common, the distinction between part-time employment, freelance work and remote contractual agreements has become more hazy. MOHRE has implemented updated guidelines and virtual work permits to ensure legal compliance for telework.
Even when an employee works solely online, all part-time agreements must be documented through an official MOHRE-approved contract that outlines working hours, responsibilities and compensation. These actions support transparency, protect employee rights, and ensure that remote part-time work continues to comply with UAE labor standards in an increasingly digital economy.
Conclusion
It is vital to understand part-time work regulations in UAE for anyone considering flexible working hours. As a job applicant or an employer, being in line with MOHRE laws ensures a legal, safe and effective employment practice in the UAE. For the latest updates on UAE labor laws, part-time work permits, and employment news, visit WikiHow UAE and never miss an important change again!
FAQs
1. Can students work part-time in the UAE?
Yes, but they must obtain a student work permit and NOC from their university.
2. Can I work part-time for two different companies?
Yes, if you have a valid part time permit and stay within the allowed hours.
3. Are part-time jobs eligible for a UAE Golden Visa?
Not directly. Golden Visas are linked to investment, skill level and full-time employment.
4. Can part-time workers hold two valid permits at the same time?
Yes, Part-time workers in the UAE can hold multiple valid MOHRE permits as long as each employer submits an approved part-time contract and the employee’s total working hours do not exceed legal limits.
5. What is the minimum salary for part-time work in UAE?
Pay for part-time work in the UAE is determined by the hourly or monthly rate specified in the contract; there is no set minimum salary. Wages must, however, be reasonable, explicit and, when appropriate, paid via authorized channels like the WPS system.
