Dubai Manpower Supply Licence 2026: Cost, MOHRE & Setup
A Dubai manpower supply licence (labour supply activity under MOHRE regulation) costs between AED 40,000–90,000 all-in during the first year on mainland. MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation) mandates activity approval, and a refundable bank guarantee per worker shields employer liability. Setup typically takes 2–4 weeks once all documents are verified.
What Is a Manpower Supply Licence in Dubai?
A manpower supply licence authorises your company to recruit, train, and deploy workers to other businesses across the UAE. This is distinct from staffing for your own operations. The Dubai business setup consultants at DBS guide you through MOHRE's classification system, which treats manpower supply as a regulated activity requiring explicit ministerial endorsement. Your company must be structured as a mainland UAE LLC (100% foreign ownership is permitted under new investor-friendly rules, though many elect local sponsorship for operational ease).
2026 Costs Breakdown: What You'll Actually Pay
First-year all-in costs for a manpower supply company range from AED 40,000 to AED 90,000, depending on scope and location:
| Cost Element | Range (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Trade Licence (DET) | 2,000–5,000 | Annual; renewable each calendar year |
| MOHRE Activity Approval | 500–1,500 | One-time processing; includes categorisation as labour-supply entity |
| Office Space (12 months) | 15,000–40,000 | Depends on location (JLT, Business Bay, Deira, TECOM); virtual options available |
| Refundable Bank Guarantee | 15,000–25,000 | Per 10 workers or per contract; held in escrow; returned when licence lapses |
| Setup Documentation & Government Filings | 3,000–8,000 | Legal drafting, emirate endorsement, DET processing |
| Insurance (Employers' Liability) | 2,000–6,000 | Mandatory; covers worker indemnity claims |
Exact costs depend on your company size and worker headcount—WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846 for a bespoke quote.
MOHRE Manpower Supply Licence Requirements
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) is the gatekeeper for labour supply operations. Your company must meet these core requirements:
- Dedicated Activity Code: MOHRE assigns manpower supply a distinct code within the employment-services sector; your trade licence and memorandum of association (MOA) must reflect this precisely.
- Labour Compliance Officer: You must appoint or employ an HR/compliance lead to oversee wage payment, contract compliance, and UAE Labour Law adherence.
- Worker Welfare Standards: Proof of accommodation (where applicable), medical insurance, and transportation arrangements. MOHRE conducts random audits.
- Sponsor Banking Compliance: Your bank must confirm that all payroll deposits meet MOHRE's digital-wage transfer rules (100% bank transfer, no cash).
DBS's Dubai business setup package includes full MOHRE submission coordination.
Bank Guarantee: How It Protects Workers & Your Business
A refundable bank guarantee is a non-negotiable requirement for any manpower supply licence in the UAE. This is not a fee—it's a security deposit held by a UAE bank (typically Emirates NBD, FAB, or DIB) on behalf of your workers. Here's how it works:
- Amount: Generally AED 1,500–3,000 per deployed worker, capped at AED 15,000–25,000 for smaller operations (10–20 concurrent placements).
- Escrow Status: The bank freezes this sum in a dedicated account. You retain ownership; MOHRE can only claim it if workers' wages are unpaid or contractual terms are breached.
- Refund Timeline: Within 30–45 days of licence cancellation, provided no outstanding labour disputes exist.
- Renewal: The guarantee is renewed annually alongside your trade licence.
This mechanism safeguards workers against wage theft and ensures you maintain ethical employment practices—a key differentiator from unregulated labour brokers.
Mainland LLC Structure: Ownership & Sponsorship
In 2026, foreign nationals may own 100% of a mainland manpower supply company under UAE Law No. 2 (2015), as amended. However, practical considerations remain:
- Local Sponsorship (Optional): Many operators retain a silent Emirati partner (1% shareholding) to streamline MOHRE interactions and government relations. Cost: typically AED 5,000–15,000 one-time.
- 100% Foreign Ownership: Fully permissible but requires robust HR documentation, a local bank account in your name, and direct MOHRE liaison (no intermediary).
- Company Structure: Must be a Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET)–registered Limited Liability Company (LLC). Sole proprietorships or partnerships are not eligible for manpower supply licensing.
Ownership strategy should align with your operational goals; DBS advisors can model both routes.
Manpower Supply vs. Tadbeer Domestic Worker Centres
Confusion often arises between manpower supply companies and Tadbeer centres. These are entirely separate regimes:
| Attribute | Manpower Supply Company | Tadbeer Domestic Worker Centre |
|---|---|---|
| Regulator | MOHRE (labour ministry) | DET + Tadbeer System (domestic-only) |
| Worker Type | Blue-collar, white-collar, skilled trades | Maids, nannies, drivers, housekeeping |
| Client Base | Businesses & corporates | Households & individuals |
| Licensing Cost | AED 40k–90k first year | AED 8k–15k first year |
| Bank Guarantee | Yes (per worker) | No |
If you intend to supply domestic workers only, a Tadbeer licence is simpler and cheaper. If you plan multi-sector staffing (factory workers, nurses, admin staff, drivers for corporates), a manpower supply licence is mandatory.
Timeline & Next Steps
From initial consultation to active trading typically spans 2–4 weeks, contingent on document completeness. Key milestones:
- Week 1: Document collection, MOA drafting, MOHRE categorisation review.
- Week 2: DET trade licence application, bank account setup, guarantee arrangement.
- Week 3: MOHRE activity approval, compliance officer registration, insurance underwriting.
- Week 4: Final approvals, licence issuance, operational readiness.
Delays occur if MOHRE flags compliance gaps or bank verification is slow. DBS ensures proactive liaison with all bodies to minimise hold-ups.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a manpower supply licence cost in Dubai in 2026?
First-year all-in costs range from AED 40,000 to AED 90,000 on mainland. This includes DET trade licence (AED 2k–5k), MOHRE approval (AED 500–1.5k), office space (AED 15k–40k), refundable bank guarantee (AED 15k–25k), setup documentation (AED 3k–8k), and employers' liability insurance (AED 2k–6k). Exact costs depend on worker headcount and office location.
What MOHRE approvals are required for a manpower supply company in Dubai?
MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation) mandates activity-code classification, appointment of a labour-compliance officer, proof of worker-welfare standards (accommodation, insurance, transport), and 100% digital wage-transfer compliance. Your MOA and trade licence must explicitly state 'manpower supply' as the primary activity. MOHRE conducts periodic audits to verify wage payment and contract adherence.
Is a bank guarantee needed for a labour supply licence in Dubai?
Yes. A refundable bank guarantee—typically AED 1,500–3,000 per worker (capped at AED 15k–25k for small operators)—is mandatory. The bank holds this in escrow; MOHRE can claim it only if wages are unpaid or contractual breaches occur. Upon licence cancellation and resolution of any disputes, the amount is returned within 30–45 days.
Can a foreigner own 100% of a manpower supply company in Dubai?
Yes, under UAE Law No. 2 (2015), foreign nationals may own 100% of a mainland manpower supply LLC. However, many operators elect silent Emirati partnership (1% stake, AED 5k–15k) to ease MOHRE relations. Full foreign ownership is legally valid but requires robust HR documentation and direct government liaison without intermediary sponsorship.
How long does it take to set up a manpower supply business in Dubai?
Typical setup takes 2–4 weeks from initial consultation to operational licence. Week 1 covers document collection and MOA drafting; Week 2 includes DET application and bank setup; Week 3 addresses MOHRE approval and insurance; Week 4 finalises all endorsements. Speed depends on document completeness and government processing backlogs.
What is the difference between a manpower supply licence and a Tadbeer domestic worker centre licence?
Manpower supply licences (regulated by MOHRE) cover blue-collar, white-collar, and skilled workers for corporate clients; they cost AED 40k–90k and require bank guarantees. Tadbeer centres (regulated by DET) supply only domestic workers (maids, nannies, drivers) to households; they cost AED 8k–15k and do not require guarantees. Choose based on your intended worker category and client base.
What happens if a worker's wages are unpaid—can MOHRE claim the bank guarantee?
Yes. If a deployed worker files a wage-theft complaint with MOHRE and an investigation confirms non-payment, MOHRE may initiate a claim against your bank guarantee. The bank will pay the claimant from the escrow account. This is why strict payroll compliance and digital-wage transfers are essential. Disputes can delay licence renewal and damage your market reputation.
Get expert help in 20 minutes
Need clarity on your Dubai setup? Talk to DBS Documents Clearing LLC — 80,000+ entrepreneurs served since 2009. WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846 or email inquiry@dubaibusinessservices.com for a free 20-minute scoping call.