Key Highlights:

• The Golden Visa provides residency, not automatic employment authorization.
• Only one active work permit is allowed at any time per MOHRE regulations. 
• Four legal alternatives exist for multiple income streams: business ownership, freelance permits, board memberships, and passive investments. 
• Employment violations attract fines from AED 100,000 to AED 1,000,000 for employers. 

You secured your UAE Golden Visa after investing AED 2 million in property. Now you’re considering multiple job offers or launching a side hustle alongside your full-time role. 

Before you sign those contracts, here’s what could cost you up to AED 1 million in fines: No, Golden Visa holders cannot work for multiple companies simultaneously under UAE law.

Your Golden Visa gives you residency independence, but it doesn’t override employment regulations. Understanding this distinction protects you from visa cancellation, employer penalties, and legal complications that derail your UAE plans.

This article delivers the direct answer, explains why confusion exists, and shows you four legal alternatives to generate multiple income streams without risking compliance violations.

Disclaimer: Employment regulations, work permit fees, and freelance permit costs are subject to change. Always verify current requirements with your qualified immigration consultants before making employment decisions.

The Direct Answer: Can You Work for Multiple Companies with a Golden Visa?

1. No: Only ONE Active Work Permit Allowed

Your Golden Visa is a residency permit, not work authorization. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation permits only one active work permit at any given time. You cannot hold a second work permit until your employer cancels the first one.

This restriction applies to all visa types, including the Golden Visa. While your residency status remains self-sponsored and independent, employment itself remains regulated through MOHRE’s standard work permit framework.

2. Why the Confusion Exists

Golden Visa independence is frequently misunderstood as unrestricted employment authorization. You can change employers without cancelling residency, sponsor family members, and take career breaks: benefits traditional employment visa holders don’t enjoy. This flexibility creates the false impression that you can work anywhere, for anyone, simultaneously.

The reality: residency flexibility doesn’t equal employment authorization. Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, Article 6, explicitly states that no one may work in the UAE without obtaining a work permit from MOHRE. 

Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022, Article 6(1)(j), confirms that Golden Visa holders must obtain work permits through their employer’s application to MOHRE.

Work Permit Requirements for Golden Visa Holders

1. MOHRE Temporary Work Permit: Mandatory for Employment

Even with your self-sponsored residency, employment requires a two-year temporary work permit issued by MOHRE. 

Your employer applies for this permit, which legally links you to ONE employer only. The permit costs around AED 4,000-5,000+ (application fee, work permit issuance fee, entry permit, medical test, emirates ID, etc.) 

Notably, Golden Visa work permits require no bank guarantee and no electronic quota, streamlining the application compared to standard employment visas.​

2. Application Requirements

MOHRE requires the following documents for Golden Visa holder work permits:

• Valid passport copy with Golden Visa copy
• MOHRE-approved employment contract signed by both employer and employee
• Clear colored photo with white background
• Academic certificates attested based on skill level:
  • Skill levels 1 and 2: Bachelor’s degree or higher
  • Skill levels 3 and 4: Diploma or higher
  • Skill level 5: High school certificate
• Professional licenses for regulated professions such as doctors, nurses, and teachers

3. What You CAN Do with Golden Visa

Golden Visa holders enjoy unprecedented career flexibility compared to traditional employment visa holders:

• Change employers without cancelling residency. Your Golden Visa remains valid throughout job transitions. The process involves your current employer cancelling your existing work permit, followed by your new employer applying for a new permit. Your residency status, family sponsorships, and Emirates ID remain unaffected.
• Move between mainland and free zone roles. You can transition from a Dubai mainland company to a free zone entity like DMCC or IFZA without residency complications.​
• Take career breaks without losing your visa. Traditional employment visa holders face 60-day grace periods after job termination. Golden Visa holders enjoy 180-day (6-month) grace periods while maintaining legal residency.
• Exempt from probation restrictions. Normally, employees who leave jobs during probation cannot obtain new work permits immediately. Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022, Article 11, explicitly exempts Golden Visa holders from this restriction.​

4. What You CANNOT Do

Employment restrictions remain non-negotiable:

• Hold two salaried positions simultaneously
• Maintain multiple active work permits
• Be legally employed by two companies at once
• Work without a valid permit, even with Golden Visa residency

Legal Alternatives: How to Generate Multiple Income Streams

Option 1: Business Ownership

Set Up Your Own Company

Golden Visa holders can own and operate multiple businesses without restrictions. Whether you choose mainland companies or free zone companies, you face no limits on the number of businesses you own.

Establishing a business requires a trade license and corporate bank account. For Golden Visa qualification through business ownership, commercial and industrial licenses need AED 2 million in paid-up capital.​

Business Types Allowed:

• Professional consultancy in mainland or free zone
• E-commerce and digital services
• Trading and import/export
• Real estate investment companies

Mainland versus free zone considerations:

Mainland licenses require physical office space with a minimum of 200 square feet but allow you to operate anywhere across the UAE mainland without additional permits. 

Free zones offer flexi-desks or shared offices at lower costs, simplified procedures, and complete foreign ownership, ideal for solo consultants and startups. Common free zones for consultancy include DMCC, IFZA, and Dubai Silicon Oasis.

Free zone processing typically completes within days rather than weeks. Recent amendments allow free zone companies to expand to the UAE mainland through branch licenses or temporary permits.

Option 2: Freelance Permit

How Freelance Permits Work

Freelance permits allow you to work with multiple clients under ONE permit, valid for one to two years and renewable. This structure provides the legal framework for simultaneous client relationships without violating UAE labor law.​

2026 Cost Breakdown:

Freelance Permit Options:

Mainland freelance permit: Through MOHRE or Dubai Development Authority

Free zone freelance permit: Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City, DMCC, and other free zones offer freelance licenses​

Dubai’s freelance permit system covers 120+ activities, including marketing, IT, design, consulting, and content creation. However, permits are exclusively applicable for registration within the media, tech, education, and creative industries sectors.​

Requirements:

• Valid passport with six months or more validity
• Portfolio or proof of experience
• Academic qualifications for certain fields
• NOC from sponsor if on family visa
• Curriculum vitae
• Bank reference letter

Key Benefit: One freelance permit legally covers multiple simultaneous client relationships under a single authorization, eliminating the need for multiple work permits.​

Option 3: Consulting and Advisory Roles

Board Membership

Non-executive board positions that involve only attending board meetings and advisory functions generally do not require work permits, as they’re documented through corporate resolutions. However, executive directors or board members who perform operational management functions require proper work permits and employment contracts under UAE Labour Law.

You can legally hold one salaried job plus board positions. Board compensation typically comes through director fees rather than employment salaries, creating a clear legal distinction from traditional employment relationships.​

Strategic Advisory Services

Structure advisory work through a consultancy company or freelance permit rather than direct employment. When properly structured through consulting fees instead of salary, advisory services are not classified as traditional employment requiring work permits.​

The key distinction: compensation through consulting fees from your registered business entity versus salary from an employment contract. This structure allows you to maintain one salaried position while legally providing paid advisory services to other companies.

Option 4: Investment Income

Passive Income Streams: No Work Permit Needed

Investment income requires no work permits because you’re not engaged in employment:​

• Real estate rental income
• Dividend income from investments
• Capital gains from trading
• Returns from investment funds and deposits

These passive income streams complement your primary employment without creating work permit conflicts. The UAE’s zero percent personal income tax on these streams makes them particularly attractive for wealth accumulation alongside traditional employment.

Common Scenarios: Legal vs. Illegal Structures

Understanding these distinctions protects you from inadvertent violations:

Example 1: Technology Executive

A senior technology leader accepts a full-time role with a Dubai technology firm under one MOHRE work permit. Alongside this, she advises two startups informally through her consultancy company registered in DMCC. The startups pay consulting fees to her company rather than a salary directly to her. She also sits on the board of a fintech company with compensation through board fees.

Legal structure: One work permit for primary employment, a consultancy company handling advisory income, and a board position documented through corporate resolutions.

Example 2: Management Consultant

A consultant secures a Golden Visa and establishes a professional consultancy license in the IFZA free zone. He works independently through his license with multiple clients simultaneously. Occasionally, he accepts short-term employment contracts for specific projects, ensuring each previous work permit is cancelled before starting new employment.

Legal structure: Freelance consultancy license for independent work, sequential not concurrent employment contracts when needed.

Example 3: Real Estate Investor

A Golden Visa holder works full-time for an investment firm under a standard work permit. She owns three rental properties generating AED 15,000 in monthly passive income and holds shares in two mainland companies paying annual dividends.

Legal structure: One work permit for employment, property ownership, and investment income requiring no permits.

Illegal Example: Dual Employment

An IT professional holds a full-time position at a Dubai mainland company under a work permit. He accepts a second full-time position at a DMCC free zone company without cancelling his first work permit, planning to work nights and weekends for the second employer.

Illegal structure: Attempting to maintain two active work permits simultaneously. Both employers face AED 100,000 to AED 1,000,000 fines. Employee faces up to an AED 50,000 fine and visa cancellation.

Step-by-Step: How to Change Employers with Golden Visa

Your Golden Visa’s greatest employment advantage is seamless job transitions without residency complications:

Step 1: Accept New Job Offer

Negotiate and sign your employment contract with the new employer. Verify salary, benefits, job title, and notice period requirements.

Step 2: Current Employer Cancels Existing Work Permit

Your current employer submits work permit cancellation through MOHRE. Your Golden Visa residency remains valid with no visa cancellation.

Step 3: New Employer Submits Work Permit Application

New employer applies for your work permit through MOHRE with the required documents: passport copy, Golden Visa, approved employment contract, academic certificates, and photo.​

Step 4: Medical Fitness Test If Required

Some positions require updated medical fitness tests. Verify requirements with your new employer.

Step 5: New Work Permit Issued

MOHRE processes the application within three to five working days. Typical total timeline from offer acceptance to permit issuance: two to three weeks.​

Step 6: Golden Visa Unchanged, Family Sponsorships Intact

Throughout this entire process, your Golden Visa remains valid, your family sponsorships continue uninterrupted, and your Emirates ID stays active.

You face no 180-day grace period pressure and can negotiate employment gaps between positions without residency consequences.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can Golden Visa holders work for two companies at the same time?

No. Only one active MOHRE work permit is allowed at any time per UAE labor law.

2. Does the Golden Visa automatically give me work rights?

No. The Golden Visa grants residency only. You still need a work permit from your employer through MOHRE.

3. Can I freelance with just a Golden Visa?

No. You need a freelance permit from MOHRE or an approved free zone authority in addition to your Golden Visa.​

4. Can I own multiple businesses with a Golden Visa?

Yes. No restriction exists on the number of businesses you can own. Business ownership doesn’t require work permits.

5. Can I provide consulting to multiple companies?

Yes, if structured correctly through a freelance permit covering multiple clients, your own consultancy company billing clients, or board advisory roles not classified as employment.

6. What are the penalties for working without a proper permit?

Employee: Up to AED 50,000 fine and visa cancellation. Employer: AED 100,000 to AED 1,000,000 fine. Both risk legal complications.

7. How long does a work permit take for Golden Visa holders?

Three to five working days after your employer submits a complete application to MOHRE.​

8. Can I work in free zones with a Golden Visa?

Yes, with proper work authorization from the free zone authority. The Golden Visa covers residency; employment requires a permit from the specific jurisdiction.

9. Can I work remotely for overseas companies?

This represents a gray area. Some interpretations suggest no UAE permit is needed if clients are outside the UAE and payments go to non-UAE accounts. 

However, legal consultation is recommended for compliance assurance. Alternatively, apply for the UAE Remote Working Visa separate from the Golden Visa if you work for overseas employers. This visa requires a minimum income of USD 3,500 monthly, six months of bank statements, proof of working for entities outside the UAE, and valid UAE health insurance.

10. Can I work part-time for multiple employers?

With MOHRE approval, yes. Part-time work permits specifically allow working for multiple employers simultaneously under one permit. This differs from standard work permits are limited to one employer. Part-time permits cost AED 600 in federal fees, require periodic renewal, and need an NOC from your primary sponsor if you’re on a family visa.

Next Steps: Choose Your Best Option

1. For Professionals Seeking Multiple Income Sources

Best Option: Freelance permit covering multiple clients legally under one authorization​

Alternative: Set up a consultancy company and offer advisory services through your business entity

Action: Apply through MOHRE, Dubai Development Authority, or an approved free zone. Prepare a portfolio, academic qualifications, and client evidence for 2026’s enhanced screening requirements.​

2. For Entrepreneurs and Business Owners

Best Option: Register business license in mainland or free zone​

Benefit: Unlimited business activities, ability to sponsor employees, multiple revenue streams

Action: Choose jurisdiction. Mainland for broader UAE access, free zone for simplified procedures and lower costs. Register the trade name and obtain a license. For Golden Visa qualification through business ownership, ensure commercial or industrial licenses with AED 2 million paid-up capital.​

3. For Senior Executives

Best Option: One salaried position plus board memberships​

Structure: Work permit for primary employment, board compensation documented through corporate resolutions, not employment

Action: Ensure board roles are documented properly through company records rather than employment contracts. Negotiate board compensation as director fees, not salary.

4. For Investors

Best Option: Passive investment income requiring no work permits​

Structure: Real estate rentals, dividend income, investment funds, capital gains

Action: Focus on asset management and investment portfolio diversification. Consider combining one salaried position with substantial passive income streams to maximize the UAE’s zero percent personal income tax advantage.

5. For Remote Workers with Overseas Companies

Best Option: UAE Remote Working Visa if working exclusively for overseas employers

Requirements: Minimum USD 3,500 monthly income, six months bank statements, proof of overseas employment, valid UAE health insurance

Action: Apply online through ICP or GDRFAD, approximately USD 81 government fee, one-year validity with the ability to sponsor family.​

How JSB Incorporation Helps Golden Visa Holders Structure Compliant Employment

JSB Incorporation specializes in helping Golden Visa holders structure their professional activities legally across all four alternatives outlined in this article.

With our higher success rate and setup completion in weeks rather than months, we’ve helped hundreds of Golden Visa holders structure compliant employment arrangements across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other emirates. 

Our team stays current with Federal Decree-Law amendments, Cabinet Resolutions, and MOHRE procedural updates, ensuring your structure remains compliant as regulations evolve.

Located at Regal Tower, Business Bay, Dubai, UAE, P.O. Box 27614, we offer in-person consultations and comprehensive support throughout your journey.

Ready to structure your Golden Visa employment correctly? 

Book your free consultation call today with the experts of JSB Incorporation to learn more. 

Also Read: 

How to Check Your Golden Visa Status Online in the UAE

Golden Visa Rules for Senior Citizens Buying Property: All You Need to Know

Can Golden Visa Holders Work Without Sponsorship? UAE Rules Explained

UAE Golden Visa Property Purchase Rules for Joint Business Owners

Can You Transfer Your UAE Golden Visa to Another Passport? Your Complete Guide

UAE Golden Visa Rules You Didn’t Know: Business-Owner Edition