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Understanding the Work Permit Quota System in Dubai
A work permit quota is an allocation issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) that determines how many work permits a private establishment may issue for non-UAE employees. The quota is linked to the company's trade licence, registered business activities, and compliance with UAE labour regulations. Without an approved quota, an employer cannot apply for new work permits or recruit foreign workers.
Under Article 6 of Federal Decree-Law No. (33) of 2021 on the Regulation of Employment Relationships, it is illegal for any person to work in the UAE without a valid work permit issued by MOHRE. The same provision prohibits employers from recruiting or employing any worker unless a work permit has been issued in accordance with official procedures. The work permit quota is the first step in this process. It establishes the maximum number of employees a company may sponsor through the federal labour system.
The MOHRE classifies the quota service as a subsidiary procedure linked to the opening and updating of a company's establishment file. The quota service is described as proactive. In some cases MOHRE assigns an initial quota automatically when an establishment file is opened. Companies that need additional work permits beyond the initial allocation must submit a formal quota request.
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Who Can Apply for a Work Permit Quota
The establishment owner or an authorised representative of a registered private company with a valid UAE trade licence may submit a quota request to MOHRE through the MOHRE website, the MOHRE smart application, and Tasheel service centres, such as EGSH.
Applicants must meet the following conditions:
- The establishment must hold a valid trade licence.
- The establishment must maintain a private status with no active restrictions.
- A valid Taq'eem report must be submitted for electronic quota requests.
- All requested job titles must align with the establishment's registered business activities.
Companies that do not meet these conditions will not receive quota approval until the issues are resolved. Examples include licence violations, restrictions on establishment files, or mismatched job titles.
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How to Request a Work Permit Quota in Dubai
The application process follows this sequence:
Step 1 — Log In to the MOHRE System
Access the MOHRE website or smart application using UAE Pass credentials. Business owners may also visit a Tasheel service centre for in-person submission.
Step 2 — Submit the Application
Provide the required documents and complete the quota request form. The application must be submitted by the establishment's authorised signatory. EGSH processes quota requests through its Tasheel services with pre-submission document verification and direct filing to MOHRE.
Step 3 — MOHRE Compliance Verification
The MOHRE verifies compliance electronically. This includes trade licence validity, establishment status, Taq'eem report, and alignment of requested professions with registered business activities.
Step 4 — Quota Approval
If all conditions and documents are in order, MOHRE approves the quota electronically. The approved allocation is assigned to the establishment's file in the MOHRE system. The process takes approximately two working days.
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How Work Permit Quota Allocation Is Calculated
The number of work permits allocated to a company depends on several factors. These include the date of business registration, the nature of the company's activities, its compliance record, and its workforce composition.
Fragomen has documented specific rules that MOHRE has established for calculating quota allocations:
- The MOHRE maintains a list of 172 business activities across various industry sectors that are considered higher priority to the UAE economy. An additional 35 activities in other economic sectors are also designated as high priority. Companies engaged in these activities receive preferential treatment in quota calculations.
- Businesses registered before 15 April 2022 that comply with labour laws may obtain a quota for up to 5–10% of their total workforce, subject to a cap of 100 new employees.
- Businesses registered after 15 April 2022 may obtain a quota for up to three employees, unless their activities appear on a high-priority list.
These allocation rules are subject to change. Employers should verify the current criteria with MOHRE or an authorised centre.
How to Increase an Existing Work Permit Quota
Companies that have used their existing allocation and need to hire additional foreign employees must request a quota increase from MOHRE. The process requires demonstrating a legitimate operational need and maintaining a clean compliance record.
To increase a work permit quota, an establishment must:
- Hold a valid and unrestricted trade licence with no MOHRE violations.
- Submit a current Taq'eem report reflecting the company's updated operational status.
- Provide evidence of increased work volume that justifies the need for additional employees.
- Ensure that requested job titles align with the company's licensed activities.
- Comply with Emiratisation requirements applicable to the company's size and sector.
The MOHRE does not routinely require a physical inspection for quota approval. However, inspections may be conducted in specific cases to verify the company's licensed activities, staffing levels, and Emiratisation compliance before approving or increasing the quota.
Emiratisation Requirements and Their Effect on Quota Approval
Emiratisation compliance is increasingly linked to a company's ability to obtain and maintain work permit quotas. Private sector companies with 50 or more employees must increase their skilled Emirati workforce by 2% annually, delivered as a 1% increase every six months.
Companies with 20 to 49 employees in 14 designated economic sectors are required to hire at least two UAE nationals by the end of 2025. The target for companies with 50 or more employees is 10% Emiratisation of skilled positions by the end of 2026.
Non-compliance carries significant financial penalties. Companies failing to meet their targets face a financial contribution of AED 9,000 per month for each unfilled Emirati position. This amount increases by AED 1,000 annually. In 2026, the penalty rises to AED 10,000 per month per unfilled position.
Persistent non-compliance may result in downgrading of the company's MOHRE classification, restrictions on new work permit issuance, and increased regulatory scrutiny. Companies that fall behind on Emiratisation targets may find it more difficult to obtain quota increases.
The Taq'eem Report: What It Is and Why It Matters
Taq'eem is a MOHRE service that represents a partnership between the government and the private sector. It involves an on-site evaluation of an establishment conducted by a team of two evaluators. The major evaluator is a university graduate. The assistant evaluator is a secondary school graduate. Both are UAE nationals.
The Taq'eem report validates critical information about an establishment. This includes the validity of its trade licence, the number of employees, working conditions, and alignment of actual operations with registered business activities. A valid Taq'eem report is mandatory for electronic quota requests.
Taq'eem services are available Saturday to Thursday, from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, and can be requested through Tasheel service centres or the MOHRE website and smart application.
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MOHRE and GDRFA: Two Separate Quota Systems
Two distinct quota systems operate in Dubai. The MOHRE work permit quota governs how many work permits a company may issue for foreign employees. The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) operates a separate visa quota. This controls how many residence visas a company may sponsor.
How many visas a Dubai business licence provides explains that even if a company has unused capacity in its MOHRE work permit quota, the GDRFA visa quota must also be adequate before additional hires can be processed. Companies that need to increase their GDRFA visa allocation must submit a separate request to GDRFA. Supporting documents include the commercial licence, GDRFA establishment card, Ejari lease contract, and a classification certificate from the Department of Economy and Tourism.
Employers planning significant hiring activity should verify both their MOHRE and GDRFA quotas before beginning recruitment.
Checking Your Company's Current Quota Status
Employers can check their existing visa quota through the MOHRE online portal or mobile application by logging in with UAE Pass credentials. The system displays the total allocated quota, the number of permits already used, and the remaining available allocation.
If the check reveals that additional quota is needed, the employer may submit a new request through MOHRE or through an authorised centre. Companies that open a new establishment file receive guidance on the initial quota allocation as part of the registration process.
What Happens After Quota Approval
Once MOHRE approves a work permit quota, the allocation is recorded electronically in the establishment's file. The employer may then proceed to apply for individual work permits within the approved number.
Each new work permit application requires the establishment to have an electronic quota available. The MOHRE will verify at the time of each work permit application that the company has remaining quota capacity, a valid trade licence, no active restrictions, and that the requested occupation matches the company's registered activities.
After the work permit is issued, the employer must submit a labour contract to MOHRE within 14 days. The employee then proceeds with medical fitness testing, Emirates ID registration, and residence visa stamping to complete the employment visa process.
Common Reasons for Quota Request Rejection
The MOHRE may reject a quota request or decline to issue additional work permits if the establishment:
- Holds an expired or invalid trade licence.
- Has active violations or restrictions on its establishment file.
- Fails to comply with the Wages Protection System (WPS).
- Does not meet Emiratisation requirements.
- Submits job titles that do not match the company's licensed business activities.
- Provides incomplete or inaccurate documentation.
- Has been classified under Category 3 due to labour law violations.
Resolving these issues before submitting a quota request is essential. An employment visa application cannot proceed without a valid and available quota allocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a work permit quota in Dubai?
A work permit quota is an allocation from MOHRE that determines how many work permits a private establishment may issue for foreign employees. The quota is linked to the company's trade licence, business activities, and compliance record.
How long does it take to get a work permit quota approved?
The MOHRE typically processes quota requests within two working days, provided all documents and conditions are met. Delays may occur if the establishment has compliance issues or incomplete documentation.
How much does a work permit quota request cost in Dubai?
The quota service is free through the MOHRE website and application. The Taq'eem report fee is AED 406, and business centres may charge a commission of up to AED 72. VAT and collection charges are additional.
Can a new company in Dubai get a work permit quota?
Yes. New establishments receive an initial quota allocation when the establishment file is opened with MOHRE. Companies registered after 15 April 2022 may initially receive a quota for up to three employees, with higher allocations available for businesses in priority sectors.
How can I increase my company's work permit quota?
Submit a quota increase request to MOHRE with a valid Taq'eem report, evidence of work volume, and proof that the company complies with labour regulations and Emiratisation requirements. The request is typically processed within two working days.
Does Emiratisation affect my work permit quota?
Yes. Emiratisation compliance is linked to a company's MOHRE classification. Non-compliant companies may face restrictions on work permit issuance and higher fees. Persistent failure to meet Emiratisation targets can result in the suspension of new work permits.
What is the difference between the MOHRE work permit quota and the GDRFA visa quota?
The MOHRE quota determines how many work permits a company may issue. The GDRFA quota controls how many residence visas a company may sponsor. Both quotas must be sufficient before an employer can complete the hiring process.
What is a Taq'eem report?
A Taq'eem report is an on-site evaluation of an establishment conducted by MOHRE-accredited evaluators. It validates the company's trade licence, workforce, and operational alignment. A valid Taq'eem report is mandatory for electronic quota requests.
Can MOHRE cancel or reduce a company's work permit quota?
The MOHRE may refrain from issuing or renewing work permits, or may cancel them, if an establishment is not compliant with the Wages Protection System, labour regulations, or Emiratisation requirements. Companies with violations may have their quota reduced or suspended.
Where can I check how many work permits my company has left?
Log in to the MOHRE online portal or the MOHRE smart application using UAE Pass. The system displays your total quota, used permits, and remaining allocation.
Explained by
Amira Ali Alhammadi
Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (Tasheel) Consultant
Amira Ali Alhammadi is a MOHRE (Tasheel) Consultant with 10 years of experience in commercial licensing and labour services. She handles contract issuance, amendments, and labour file management, ensuring accurate and compliant processing of company and employee transactions in line with UAE regulations.
Official Sources and References
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Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) — Federal authority responsible for regulating employment relationships, issuing work permits, and classifying private sector establishments in the UAE.
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The Official Portal of the UAE Government (u.ae) — Central information platform providing official guidance on work permits, Emiratisation, and employment regulations.
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UAE Legislation Portal — Official repository of federal laws and regulations, including Federal Decree-Law No. (33) of 2021 on the Regulation of Employment Relationships and Cabinet Resolution No. (1) of 2022 (Executive Regulations).
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General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA) — Dubai authority responsible for residence visas, entry permits, and immigration establishment cards.
Important Notice
The information in this article reflects regulations and procedures as published by MOHRE, the UAE Government portal, and related official sources at the time of writing. Fees, thresholds, eligibility criteria, and regulatory requirements are subject to change. Final decisions on quota approval, work permit issuance, and company classification are made by MOHRE and other relevant UAE government authorities. Applicants are advised to verify current requirements before submitting any application.
