The UAE has officially launched a free, two-year Private Tutor Work Permit, enabling individuals from diverse backgrounds to legally offer private tuition—online or in-person. The move comes as part of a wider push to regulate the tutoring sector and ensure quality education access across the Emirates.
In a groundbreaking move to regulate private education, the UAE has introduced a Private Tutor Work Permit, allowing individuals—including teachers, university students, and even the unemployed—to legally provide tutoring services across the country. The permit, valid for two years and free of charge, aims to formalize private tutoring in both physical and digital formats, ensuring students get professional help while protecting tutors from penalties.
The initiative is jointly spearheaded by the Ministry of Education (MoE) and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). This strategic effort aims to curb illegal tutoring practices, enhance educational quality, and offer flexible income opportunities to qualified individuals.
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What makes this policy truly inclusive is its open eligibility. Those who can apply include:
This wide reach is expected to make a meaningful impact in the education sector by tapping into the expertise of diverse contributors—while ensuring accountability and safeguarding student welfare.
Previously, private tutoring operated in a grey area. Tutors—whether professionals or freelancers—faced the risk of fines and legal action, with no official framework in place to validate or supervise their work.
“This initiative reflects our commitment to structured education and safe learning environments,” said a MoHRE spokesperson. “By offering this permit for free, we’re also ensuring accessibility for anyone with the passion and ability to teach.”
Under the new regulation, all approved tutors must adhere to a mandatory Code of Conduct. It includes clauses such as:
The Code ensures not just legality, but quality and accountability in the tutoring ecosystem.
Applying for the Private Tutor Work Permit is a streamlined, digital-first process. Applicants can register through the MoHRE smart application using UAE Pass. The steps include:
Approval typically takes 1 to 5 working days, and once issued, the permit allows tutors to operate freely within the UAE. There is no cost to apply or renew the permit, making it ideal for both short- and long-term tutoring work.
Depending on your current status, the paperwork varies slightly. However, common requirements include:
Students applying under age 18 will also need parental consent.
Once you’re approved, the possibilities are broad:
The permit is valid across all Emirates, making it easy for tutors to expand their services or partner with tutoring platforms and education centers legally.
While the permit makes things easier, the government has made it clear that working without it will no longer be tolerated. Individuals found tutoring without authorization may face fines up to AED 50,000, in addition to being blacklisted from future education-related licenses.
Schools and institutions found promoting or hosting unlicensed tutors may also face disciplinary action.
This move is seen as a major leap in the UAE’s vision to position itself as a hub for innovative and quality education. By legalizing and simplifying tutoring work, the policy serves multiple national goals:
Parents can now verify that a tutor holds a valid work permit, giving them peace of mind regarding both safety and quality. Tutors, in turn, gain a legal identity and professional legitimacy in a sector that was once largely underground.
With the introduction of the Private Tutor Work Permit, the UAE government is taking a bold step toward modernizing private education. The policy empowers individuals with knowledge to teach legally while building a more transparent, safe, and effective tutoring culture for students.
Whether you're a university student hoping to make extra income, a skilled teacher looking for additional work, or a parent seeking trusted tutoring options, this initiative marks a new era of opportunity and protection.
For more information, residents are encouraged to visit the official MoHRE website or use the UAE Pass app to begin their application.
