Do I need NOC to change jobs in UAE?

No. Since the 2022 labor law changes (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021), NOC (No Objection Certificate) is no longer required to change employers. You can transfer after serving your notice period per your contract.

What is the notice period for job change in UAE?

During probation: 14 days for employee, 30 days for employer. For unlimited contracts: 30-90 days as specified in contract. For limited contracts: As per contract terms. You must serve your notice unless employer agrees to early release.

Can I start my new job during notice period?

No. You cannot legally work for a new employer until your current notice period is complete and visa is cancelled. However, you can interview and negotiate offers during notice period.

What happens to my gratuity when I transfer?

You receive gratuity based on your service duration: None for less than 1 year, 1/3 for 1-3 years, 2/3 for 3-5 years, and full amount for 5+ years. Payment is due within 14 days of your final working day.

How long does in-country visa transfer take?

After completing your notice period, in-country transfer typically takes about 2 weeks: visa cancellation 1-2 days, new permit 2-3 days, medical 1-2 days, Emirates ID 5-7 days, and visa stamping 3-5 days.

UAE Visa Transfer 2026: Step-by-Step From One Company to Another

The Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 effective February 2022 transformed visa transfers in UAE. The NOC is no longer required, there is no automatic labor ban, employees have greater flexibility, and free movement between employers is enabled. This guide covers the complete transfer process.

Aspect	Details
NOC Required	No (since Feb 2022)
Notice Period	Still applies per contract
Unlimited Contract	Transfer with notice
Limited Contract	Early termination provisions
Labor Ban	Largely eliminated

2022 Labor Law Changes

Key changes to visa transfer rules.

Before vs After 2022

Before 2022: NOC required, 6-month ban possible, employer control, limited mobility. After 2022: NOC not required, no automatic ban, employee flexibility, free movement.

Aspect	Before 2022	After 2022
NOC	Required	Not required
Labor ban	6-month ban possible	No automatic ban
Control	Employer control	Employee flexibility
Mobility	Limited	Free movement

When Can You Transfer?

Understanding transfer eligibility.

Unlimited Contracts

Completed notice period allows transfer yes. During notice period with agreement. Mutual termination allows transfer yes. Resignation with notice allows transfer yes.

Limited Contracts

Contract completed allows transfer yes. Early termination by employee requires compensation. Early termination by employer allows transfer yes. Mutual termination allows transfer yes.

Notice Period Requirements

During probation: Employee 14 days notice, Employer 30 days notice. Unlimited contract: 30-90 days as per contract. Limited contract: Per contract terms. During notice: Continue working unless agreed otherwise, salary continues full payment, cannot start new job until notice complete.

Transfer Process

Step-by-step guide to changing employers.

Step 1: Resignation

Submit resignation as written notice. Serve notice period per contract. Handover duties to complete all tasks. Final settlement to receive all dues.

Step 2: Current Employer

Accept resignation per notice terms. Calculate gratuity within 14 days. Prepare final settlement for all dues. Cancel current visa after settlement.

Step 3: New Employer

Employment contract signed before visa process. Work permit application 2-3 days. Entry permit if needed 2-3 days. Medical test 1-2 days. Emirates ID update 5-7 days. New visa stamping 3-5 days.

In-Country Transfer Process

Step 1: Current employer cancels visa 1-2 days. Step 2: 30-day grace period starts. Step 3: New employer applies for permit 2-3 days. Step 4: Status change application 1-2 days. Step 5: Medical test 1-2 days. Step 6: Emirates ID update 5-7 days. Step 7: New visa stamped 3-5 days. Total after notice approximately 2 weeks.

Free Zone Transfers

Transferring between free zones and mainland.

Mainland to Free Zone

Step 1: Cancel mainland visa. Step 2: Free zone employer applies. Step 3: Standard visa process. Step 4: New free zone visa issued.

Free Zone to Mainland

Step 1: Cancel free zone visa. Step 2: Mainland employer applies. Step 3: MOHRE work permit. Step 4: Standard visa process.

Free Zone to Free Zone

Step 1: Cancel current free zone visa. Step 2: New free zone employer applies. Step 3: Process through new free zone. Step 4: New visa issued.

DIFC Transfer Rules

Notice period per DIFC contract. Transfer fee may apply. Process through DIFC + ICA. DEWS contribution is portable. Resign from DIFC employer, serve notice, receive DEWS payout or transfer, cancel DIFC visa, new employer processes visa.

Golden or Green Visa Holders

Visa type remains same as self-sponsored. Employment just changes employer. No visa process as visa is unaffected. Simple: just update employment only. Changes: new employment contract, new employer pays WPS, update labor card if required.

Costs and Gratuity

Financial aspects of visa transfer.

Employee Costs

Visa cancellation usually employer pays. Medical new AED 300-500. Emirates ID update AED 370. Typing fees AED 100-200.

New Employer Costs

Work permit AED 1,000-2,000. Entry permit AED 500-1,500. Medical AED 300-500. Emirates ID AED 370. Visa stamping AED 500-1,000. Total AED 2,700-5,400.

Gratuity Entitlement

Less than 1 year service: None. 1-3 years service: 1/3 of calculated amount. 3-5 years service: 2/3 of calculated amount. 5+ years service: Full amount. Calculation: Years 1-5 at 21 days basic salary per year, Years 5+ at 30 days basic salary per year, Maximum 2 years total salary. Payment due within 14 days of final working day.

Service Duration	Gratuity Entitlement
Less than 1 year	None
1-3 years	1/3 of calculated amount
3-5 years	2/3 of calculated amount
5+ years	Full amount

Common Issues

Problems and solutions during transfer.

Employer Refuses to Cancel

If served notice properly file MOHRE complaint. If employer delays pursue legal recourse. Settlement dispute goes to labor court.

Overlapping Employment

Working before visa is illegal employment. Two active visas system will reject. Start date conflict will delay new visa.

Grace Period Expiry

Overstay means fines apply. Exit required to leave UAE. Re-entry as tourist or on new visa.

During Notice Period

What you can do: Interview, negotiate offer, plan transition. What you cannot do: Start new job, sign competing contract, share confidential info. What employer can do: Require work, assign handover, accept early release. What employer cannot do: Withhold salary, refuse to cancel, extend notice unfairly.