Every legal worker in the UAE has one thing in common: a document that determines if they are legally ready to earn a paycheck. That work permit is the official thumbs-up that says you are cleared to join the workforce. And trust us, no one wants to find out the hard way that their permit isn’t active or approved.
If you have applied for one, odds are you have already refreshed your email 37 times, bookmarked 3 different government portals, and maybe even messaged your HR twice (or ten times). Checking your UAE work permit status used to be a whole lot of phone calls, stress, and panic. Thankfully, it’s now a much more tech-friendly process.
In this blog post, we discuss the actual steps, options, and tools you can use today to take the mystery out of your application status and keep your employment on track.
Why Checking Your UAE Work Permit Status Matters
The consequences of not checking your permit status aren’t just annoying—they can be costly. From missed job opportunities to visa overstays that can lead to legal trouble, the risks are real. In fact, many professionals don’t even realize their work permit wasn’t approved until it’s too late and they are facing penalties or missed onboarding dates.
Here’s what regularly checking your permit status helps you avoid:
- Delays in job joining formalities or salary processing
- Overstaying your visit visa while waiting for your permit
- Rejected permits due to incomplete information
- Wasted trips to immigration or government departments
- Getting caught in illegal employment, even unknowingly
- Complications in obtaining or renewing a residency visa
- Delays in dependent visa applications or family sponsorship
Your work permit in UAE provides access to everything else: employment, housing, health insurance, and even banking. It is your pass to settle into your life in the Emirates.
Step-by-Step for Your UAE Work Permit Status Check
Tracking your work permit application status UAE is easier than ever thanks to government digitization. This is how you can do it in less time and with a lot more certainty
Method 1: MOHRE Website for Private Sector Employees
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) is your go-to source for private sector employment. Here’s how you can check your permit status online:
- Head to the MOHRE website
- Go to the Services menu and select Inquiry Services
- Click on Application Status from the options
- Enter your application number or transaction ID
- Hit Search and wait for your result
Your status will fall under one of these categories:
- Under process
- Approved
- Rejected
- Cancelled
- Pending employer action
Method 2: MOHRE App
Love doing everything on your phone? Then download the MOHRE app, log in, and check your status just like you would on the website. It’s fast, mobile-friendly, and accessible on the go, even while standing in line for karak.
You will be able to:
- Track application progress
- Access other labour-related services
- View past approvals and document history
- Get push notifications for status changes
It also lets you connect directly with support if something seems off.
What If You are Employed in a Free Zone?
Not all companies operate under the MOHRE umbrella. If you are working in a free zone, like DMCC, Dubai Internet City, or JAFZA, your application is handled by that zone’s authority. And yes, they all have their own systems, procedures, and timelines. That’s why this is what you should do instead:
- Go to your free zone authority’s official portal
- Look for the visa or work permit tracking section
- Enter your passport number or application ID
- Use your registered email to request status notifications (if available)
You can also check via your company’s PRO. If they are handling your paperwork, they will have the latest status update, even before the online system does.
How Long Does It Usually Take?
The typical processing time for work permits varies slightly depending on where and how the application is filed:
- Private sector (via MOHRE): 5 to 7 working days
- Free zone companies: 5 to 10 working days
- Government and semi-government jobs can take up to 2 weeks
- With document corrections or escalations might take up to 3 to 4 weeks
Delays can happen if:
- Documents are blurry or improperly scanned
- Application contains typos or mismatched information
- Additional background verification is needed
- The employer hasn’t paid necessary fees yet
If it has been longer than expected, don’t wait in silence. Let a professional PRO service like us take over and make the calls for you.
Why PRO Services in the UAE Make a Big Difference
the back-and-forth emails, the repeated uploads, the mysterious status messages. And none of it is fun. The last thing you want is to be stuck in employment limbo because someone forgot to attach your passport copy. Here’s how we simplify things:
- We track your UAE work permit status from day one
- Handle all updates, communications, and corrections
- Flag issues before they become rejections
- Liaise with MOHRE or free zone authorities on your behalf
- Remind you of next steps (medical, Emirates ID, visa stamping)
- Keep your timeline tight and stress levels low
With our PRO support, you get things done right, fast, and stress-free.
The Difference Between Work Permit and Residency Visa
Many expats confuse the work and residency visa process. We share the distinction to avoid misunderstandings that could cost you time and money:
Work Permit
This is the employer-sponsored permission that lets you legally work in the UAE. It’s the first approval in the employment visa process and must come before everything else.
Residency Visa
This allows you to stay in the country long-term. It’s issued only after your work permit is approved, and it’s required for everything from renting an apartment to opening a bank account.
You cannot receive your Emirates ID or register for government services without a residency visa. And you can’t get that without an approved work permit.
Things to Watch for in Your Application Status
While checking your status, look out for these warning signs. If you see one, act fast:
- Application stuck on Under Process for more than 10 working days
- Incorrect details like name, passport number, or nationality
- SMS or email updates that contradict each other
- Multiple rejections or repeated document requests
- No status showing at all
- Status reads Pending payment even after payment confirmation
What Happens After Approval?
Once your work permit is approved, this is what happens next:
- You receive a confirmation email or notification
- Your employment entry permit is issued
- You will need to enter the UAE
- Medical tests and Emirates ID application follow
- Residency visa is stamped in your passport
- Labour contract is issued and signed digitally
- You are officially onboarded into the company system
Your employer or PRO usually handles these steps. But knowing the sequence helps you keep tabs on what has been done and what is still pending.
FAQs for Checking Work Permit Status
Q1: Can I check my permit status using my passport number?
A: Some portals allow it, especially free zones. But the best option is using the application or transaction number as it’s more accurate.
Q2: What does Under Process mean?
A: It means the application is being reviewed. It’s nothing out of the ordinary. But if it stays like that for more than 10 working days, ask for an update.
Q3: Can I start working before my permit is approved?
A: Absolutely not. Working without a permit is illegal and can get both you and your employer in serious trouble.
Q4: How often do I need to renew it?
A: Every 2 years. Renewals are handled by your company’s PRO or HR department.
Q5: Who do I contact if something seems off?
A: For private sector issues, call MOHRE’s helpline. For free zone queries, talk to your zone’s support team or your PRO service provider.
Q6: My status says a rejected’. What should I do?
A: Don’t panic. Contact your PRO service provider to find out why. You might just need to submit a corrected document or missing detail.
Q7: Can I use this permit for another job?
A: No. Work permits are employer-specific. You will need a new one if you switch companies.
Conclusion
When your career, salary, and legal stay in the UAE depend on a piece of digital paper, staying in the know is necessary.
Whether you are applying, renewing, or double-checking your approval, knowing how to check your UAE work permit status gives you peace of mind, control, and an edge.
And if you are tired of chasing updates and government sites that time out, call us. We handle all the paperwork, so you don’t have to. Let’s get your permit sorted.
