Working as a teenager in the UAE and abroad

Teen work is allowed in the UAE, but only within a clear framework: a minimum age, a permit, your guardian's written consent and limits on the kind of work you can do. Knowing the rules protects you and your employer.

Who can work

• MOHRE's Juvenile Work Permit allows registered establishments to employ people who have reached 15 and are younger than 18.
• Under 15, you should not take paid employment in the UAE. Volunteering, school projects and helping at home are different from a job.
• Students can also be trained or hired through MOHRE's Training and Work Permit for Students, which starts at 15.

What the employer must provide

• The permit application is submitted by the establishment's authorised signatory, not by you. You cannot get a juvenile permit on your own.
• Documents include a clear photo on a white background, a copy of your passport and residence visa, and a MOHRE-approved employment contract signed by both you and the employer.
• Your parent or legal guardian must give written consent, signed by them.
• You need a medical certificate confirming you are fit for the work.
• For a student training placement, the school or university must also give a no objection certificate.
• MOHRE lists the juvenile permit as valid for one year and the student training and work permit as valid for three months.

Work you cannot do

• According to u.ae, juveniles may not be employed at night, in industrial projects, or in work that is dangerous or harmful to health.
• The job must match the employer's licensed activity. A cafe cannot employ you to work in its owner's separate construction business.
• If you are asked to do something risky, such as using heavy machinery, working late at night or carrying unsafe loads, say no and tell your guardian.
• Make sure your daily hours, rest breaks and weekly day off are written into your contract, and read them before you sign.

Red flags

• Being asked to start before the permit is issued, or to work 'informally' without a contract.
• An employer who keeps your passport or Emirates ID.
• Pay in cash with no payslip and no written record of hours.
• Being asked to pay a fee to get the job. Legitimate employers do not charge applicants to be hired.
• Any of these is a reason to stop and ask your guardian or MOHRE for advice.

If you work abroad: the UK as an example

• In the UK, children can usually work part-time from 14, and some councils allow 13. Local councils may require an employment permit.
• Children of school age cannot work during school hours, before 7am or after 7pm, or for more than 4 hours without a break of at least 1 hour.
• In term time, the maximum is 12 hours a week. In school holidays, 15 to 16 year olds can work up to 35 hours a week, with no more than 8 hours on weekdays and Saturdays and 2 hours on Sundays.
• School-aged children are not entitled to the National Minimum Wage. From April 2026 the under-18 rate for those above school leaving age is GBP 8 an hour.
• Rules differ in every country. If you take a holiday job abroad, check that country's official government website first.