How long does MOHRE work permit approval take?

Most work permits are approved within 1 to 3 working days if all documents are complete and quota is available.

What is the WPS salary payment deadline?

Salaries must reach employee accounts on or before the 7th of each month through an approved bank.

Can I cancel a visa without cancelling the contract first?

No. Cancel the contract, then the work permit, then the visa in that order through the MOHRE portal.

MOHRE Portal Guide for Employers: Submit Visas and Contracts

Creating a MOHRE Account

Every employer must register on the MOHRE portal before hiring staff. Start by visiting the official MOHRE site and selecting "Register as Employer." You will need your trade licence, Emirates ID, and company bank details. Once approved, you receive a MOHRE account number that links all future visa and payroll activity.

Submitting Work Permits

To hire an employee, create a new work permit application inside the portal. Enter the candidate's passport details, job title, and salary. The system checks the quota and profession list automatically. Most applications receive approval within 1 to 3 working days. Pay the permit fee of AED 300 plus any medical and Emirates ID costs before proceeding to the visa stage.

Registering Employment Contracts

After the work permit is approved, upload the signed contract through the same portal. Contracts must follow the MOHRE template and include the exact salary, working hours, and notice period. Once submitted, MOHRE issues a contract number that appears on the employee's Emirates ID. Keep digital copies for audits.

Paying Wages Through WPS

The Wage Protection System requires employers to transfer salaries through approved banks on or before the 7th of each month. Log into the portal, select WPS, and upload the salary file. MOHRE marks the file as paid within 24 hours if the transfer succeeds. Late or missed payments trigger fines starting at AED 5,000 per employee.

Cancelling Visas and Contracts

When an employee leaves, cancel the contract first, then the work permit, and finally the visa. Use the "End of Service" option in the portal and settle any end-of-service gratuity. MOHRE sends an automatic notification to ICP once the visa is cancelled, allowing the employee to transfer or exit the country.

Common Issues and Fixes

Employers often face quota blocks or missing documents. Check your quota balance under the "Company Profile" tab before applying. If a contract upload fails, ensure the PDF is under 2 MB and matches the MOHRE template exactly. For persistent errors, contact MOHRE support through the portal chat or visit a MOHRE centre with your Emirates ID.

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Got more UAE questions?

Tovi knows current 2026 UAE rules, fees, and processes. Ask anything — visas, banking, housing, schools. Ask Tovi free →