Getting a No Objection Certificate (NOC) in Dubai can feel like navigating a maze. Whether you’re changing jobs, buying property, or setting up a business, this single document often stands between you and your next move. The UAE government requires NOCs for dozens of transactions, from visa applications to trade license registrations.
Most people don’t realize how many different authorities issue these certificates, or worse, which one they actually need. This guide breaks down everything about NOCs in the UAE: what they are, when you need them, how to apply, and what they’ll cost you in 2025.
RIZ&MONA Consultancy helps businesses and individuals obtain the correct NOC from the right authorities for visas, trade licenses, and business setup requirements in Dubai.
What is a No Objection Certificate (NOC)?
A No Objection Certificate is official permission in writing. It confirms that an authority, employer, or company approves your request to do something specific.
In the UAE, you need NOCs for common activities like:
- Switching jobs
- Buying or selling property
- Starting a business while employed
- Modifying your visa
- Opening a bank account
The NOC format depends on who issues it. You might get a letter on company letterhead, an official government certificate, or a digital approval through apps like Dubai REST or the RTA eNOC system.
Why the UAE requires NOCs:
The UAE uses a sponsorship system. Your residence visa links to your sponsor—typically your employer or a family member. This creates a permission chain for major transactions.
Change jobs? Your current employer must approve it. Buy property? The developer confirms you paid all dues. Start a business? Your employer needs to sign off on dual activity.
The government digitized many NOC processes in recent years. Property transfers now happen through electronic NOCs. Processing dropped from weeks to days. But the requirement itself remains.
One twist: Federal labor law changed in 2021. Some job changes no longer need employer NOCs. Free zones still require them though. Same with certain business activities.
Who issues NOCs:
Different situations need different approvals:
- Employment changes → Current employer
- Property sales → Developer or landlord
- Infrastructure work → Roads and Transport Authority (RTA)
- Business licenses → Department of Economic Development or free zone authority
- Aviation activities → Dubai Civil Aviation Authority
Some transactions need multiple NOCs from several authorities. The challenge isn’t getting one NOC. It’s figuring out which authorities to approach and in what sequence.
How to Apply for an NOC in the UAE
Identify the Issuing Authority
Don’t guess. Contact the relevant department directly or check their website. Employment NOCs come from your HR department. Property clearances go through developers or the Dubai Land Department. Business activities need DED or free zone authority approval.
Wrong authority = rejected application. Verify first.
Gather Your Documents
Standard documents most authorities ask for:
- Passport copy (minimum 6 months validity)
- Emirates ID copy
- Current visa page
- Sponsor’s trade license copy (if applicable)
- Employment contract or offer letter
- Application form from the issuing authority
Some authorities need additional papers. RTA infrastructure NOCs require technical drawings. Property NOCs need title deeds and payment receipts. Check the specific requirements before submitting.
Draft Your Request Letter
Most NOCs need a formal request letter. Keep it brief:
- Your full name and passport details
- Current visa/Emirates ID number
- Reason for the NOC request
- Specific purpose (job change, property sale, business setup)
- Contact information
Use company letterhead if you’re requesting through your employer. Government authorities provide standard templates on their portals.
Submit Through the Right Channel
Digital submissions are now standard:
- Property NOCs: Dubai REST app or Dubai Land Department portal
- Infrastructure NOCs: RTA eNOC system (noc.rta.ae)
- Employment matters: MOHRE portal or company HR system
- Free zone NOCs: Specific free zone portal (DMCC, JAFZA, etc.)
- Business licenses: DED Trader portal or service centers
Some employers still accept physical submissions. Check their preferred method.
Pay Required Fees
Payment happens online for government NOCs. Free zone authorities usually accept bank transfers or credit cards. Employer NOCs from private companies are typically free unless your contract states otherwise.
Keep payment receipts. You’ll need them for tracking and collection.
Track Your Application
Most government portals offer tracking systems. You’ll get a reference number after submission. Use it to check status updates.
Processing times vary:
- Employer NOCs: 1-5 days
- Government departments: 3-7 days
- Free zones: 5-10 days
- Infrastructure NOCs: 7-14 days
No updates after the expected timeframe? Follow up directly with the authority.
Collect and Verify
NOCs arrive via email (PDF) or through the portal where you applied. Some authorities still issue physical certificates at service centers.
Before accepting it, verify:
- Your name matches your passport exactly
- Passport number is correct
- Emirates ID number is accurate
- Purpose mentioned is specific and clear
- Validity dates (if applicable) are stated
- Official stamp and signature are present
Mistakes happen. If details are wrong, request a correction immediately. Using an incorrect NOC can cause bigger problems later.
Looking for the Cheapest Trade License in Dubai or the UAE?
NOC Costs & Fees in 2025
What you'll actually pay depends entirely on who issues the NOC. Here's the breakdown:What you'll actually pay depends entirely on who issues the NOC. Here's the breakdown:
| NOC Type | Issuing Authority | Cost (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Activity NOC | TDRA | Free |
| Employment NOC | Private Employer | Free |
| Driving License NOC | RTA | 0-200 |
| Free Zone Business NOC | Free Zone Authority | 100-300 |
| Municipality NOC | Dubai Municipality | 200-300 |
| Business Activity NOC | DED/Free Zone | 500-800 |
| Property Mortgage NOC | Bank/Developer | 500-1,000 |
| Infrastructure NOC (Basic) | RTA | 1,000-1,500 |
| Aviation NOC | DCAA | 2,500 |
| Infrastructure NOC (Complex) | RTA + Multiple | 2,000-5,000+ |
| Property Transfer NOC | Developer | 500-5,000 |
What Affects Your Cost
Property value and outstanding dues drive property NOC costs. An apartment with AED 50,000 in unpaid service charges costs more to clear than one with AED 5,000.
Project complexity matters for infrastructure. Simple trial pit approvals cost less than multi-authority coordinations (RTA + DEWA + ENOC + Civil Defense).
Express processing adds 20-50% to standard fees.
- Government portals – Credit/debit card (instant confirmation)
- Free zones – Bank transfer (1-2 business days)
- Service centers – Cash or cheque (slower processing)
- Document attestation: AED 100-300
- Certified translation: AED 200-500
- Rush delivery: AED 50-150
- Service center assistance: AED 100-300
Go for electronic No Objection Certificate to avoid service center markups (saves AED 100-300). Apply early to skip rush fees (saves 20-50%). Clear property dues before applying (can save thousands).
Refund Policy:
Government fees are non-refundable once paid. Verify all details before submitting. Rejected applications mean lost fees.
Common NOC Challenges and Solutions
Employer refuses your NOC? File a complaint through MOHRE’s portal. They mediate disputes. Free zone employees should contact their free zone authority’s labor department.
Need multiple NOCs? Submit them in sequence, not simultaneously. Some authorities won’t process until they see approval from the previous one.
Urgent processing? Some authorities offer express services for additional fees. Not all do. Plan ahead rather than hoping for rush options.
Digital vs Physical NOCs: Electronic NOCs (eNOCs) are legally valid. You don’t need physical copies for most transactions. Save the PDF securely. Dubai Land Department and RTA systems automatically share eNOCs with other government entities when needed.
Physical NOCs are still common from private employers and some older systems. Get them scanned immediately for backup.
FAQS (Frequently Asked Questions)
What happens if my NOC expires before I use it?
You’ll need to request a new issuance from the same authority. Most reissue for free, but you’ll face the same processing time (3-7 days).
Can I appeal if my employer refuses to issue an NOC?
Yes. File a complaint through MOHRE’s portal for mainland jobs, or contact your free zone’s labor department. They mediate disputes between you and your employer.
Do I need separate NOCs for my spouse and children when changing sponsors?
Each family member needs their own NOC if transferring sponsorship independently. If they’re on your sponsorship and you’re changing jobs, they transfer automatically with you.
Can I get an NOC if I have outstanding traffic fines?
Employment NOCs usually aren’t blocked, but visa transfers might be. RTA NOCs definitely get blocked by traffic violations—clear all fines first.
Is a scanned copy of an NOC legally valid, or do I need the original?
Electronic NOCs (eNOCs) from Dubai REST and RTA are valid in PDF format. For employer NOCs, most authorities accept scanned copies, but keep the original safe.
