I currently hold an employment visa issued by Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ), which is a free zone in the UAE. I'm considering a job offer from a company located in the UAE mainland. Am I legally allowed to work for a mainland company while still holding my RAKEZ employment visa, or would I need to change my visa or get special permission?
No, you cannot legally work for a mainland company in the UAE while holding an employment visa from a RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone) Freezone company.
In the UAE, if you want to work for a different company, that company must apply for a work permit under the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). However, Freezone visas are not under MOHRE — they are issued by the Freezone authority — so you cannot use that visa to apply for a mainland work permit.
Even if your Freezone company provides a No Objection Certificate (NOC), it still does not allow you to legally work for a mainland company unless you transfer your visa or get a new visa under the mainland employer.
Working for a mainland company while on a Freezone visa is considered illegal and may lead to fines, visa cancellation, or bans for both you and the employer.
Always ensure your visa and work permit match the company you are employed with.
