Dubai, UAE – Looking to boost your income in the UAE? Whether you’re a full-time professional or a parent at home, new options allow residents to earn a “second salary”—legally and effectively.
Table of Contents
1. Second Salary via National Bonds: A Passive Income Option
- Investment Structure: Save at least AED 1,000 per month for 3 to 10 years.
- Payoff Phase: After the savings phase, earn monthly payouts that include your principal plus profit.
- Example: Save AED 5,000/month for 5 years, then receive about AED 10,020/month for the following 3 years—more than double your savings return.
- Flexibility: Choose your saving and payout durations, or cash out as a lump sum for large financial goals.
- Rewards & Incentives: Participants enter National Bonds’ annual draw (AED 35 million total) and get better odds the longer they stay invested.
This plan is ideal for residents who prefer a hands-off, structured savings route that delivers a reliable “second salary.”
2. Legal Part-Time Work with Work Permit
- Earn up to AED 10,000/month via part-time jobs—from tutoring, event work, to brand promotions.
- Legal Requirements:
- Secure a part-time work permit from the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MoHRE).
- For dependents on a family visa, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the sponsor is required.
- Skilled professionals with academic degrees can also benefit from Private Teacher Work Permits, allowing paid tutoring in-home legally.
- Note: Unauthorized part-time work may bring penalties—MoHRE fines can reach AED 50,000 for violations.
This option suits those who prefer active income boosts, with flexible hours and diverse job choices.
Which Option Fits You Best?
| Your Preference | Recommended Option | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Hands-off passive income | National Bonds ‘Second Salary’ | Long-term savings with high returns and flexible terms |
| Want to work part-time for added income | MoHRE-approved part-time work | Flexible income potential up to AED 10,000/month |
| Qualified educators or trainers | Private Teacher Permit | Legally tutor students from home, increasing earnings |
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for passive savings returns or active earning opportunities, the UAE now offers tools designed for both lifestyles—all while staying compliant with regulations.
- National Bonds’ Second Salary delivers a structured, rewarding savings path.
- Part-time or tutoring roles offer flexibility and immediate income for those wanting to work.
Just remember: always secure the right permits before starting any second income venture.
The first is the legal framework for taking on a second job or part-time work, which has been made more flexible by the new UAE labor laws. The second is an investment-based savings program offered by National Bonds, also called “Second Salary,” which provides a way to generate a future monthly income stream.
Part 1: Working a Second Job (Part-Time Work Permit)
- Is it legal for a UAE resident to have a second job? Yes, it is now legal for a UAE resident with a full-time job to take on a second job, provided they obtain the necessary part-time work permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).
- What is a part-time work permit in the UAE? It is a permit issued by MoHRE that allows an employee to work for a second employer under a part-time contract, without having to leave their primary full-time job or get an NOC from their primary employer in many cases.
- Who is eligible to apply for a part-time work permit? Expatriates and UAE nationals with a valid residency visa who are already employed can apply. The permit is typically for skilled workers (e.g., those with a university degree or higher).
- What is the process for obtaining a second job permit? The second employer must apply for the permit through the MoHRE portal. The employee may need to provide a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their primary employer, though this requirement has been relaxed in many cases for skilled workers.
- How long is a part-time work permit valid for? The permit is typically valid for up to one year and can be renewed.
- What happens if I work a second job without a permit? Working a second job without the required MoHRE permit is a violation of UAE labor law and can lead to fines for both the employee and the second employer, as well as potential visa cancellation.
- Do I get benefits with a part-time job? Yes, part-time employees are entitled to benefits such as end-of-service gratuity and annual leave, calculated on a pro-rata basis according to their contract and actual hours worked.
- What are the rules regarding working hours with two jobs? Your total working hours must not exceed the legal limits specified in the labor law. Typically, this is 48 hours per week, with specific rules for part-time work that may allow for additional hours up to a certain limit.
- Can Golden Visa holders and Green Visa holders work multiple jobs? Yes, Golden Visa and Green Visa holders have greater flexibility and can often work for multiple employers, freelance, or run their own businesses with more ease, as these visas are self-sponsored.
- Where can I find official information about the part-time work permit? Official information can be found on the websites and smart apps of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) and the relevant local government entities like the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
Part 2: The “Second Salary” Investment Program
- What is the “Second Salary” program by National Bonds?
It is an investment-based savings program that allows UAE residents to save a fixed amount of money monthly over a chosen period (e.g., 3 to 10 years). After the savings period, they receive their principal and accumulated profit as a monthly income for a specified duration, like a “second salary.” - How does the National Bonds “Second Salary” program work?
The program has two phases: a saving phase where you invest a fixed amount monthly, and an income phase where you receive monthly payouts from your total investment and its profits. - What is the minimum monthly investment required for this program?
The program is designed to be accessible, with a minimum monthly commitment starting from as low as AED 1,000. - What kind of returns or profits can I expect from the program?
The program offers a competitive anticipated profit rate (e.g., 3.25% per annum), which is reinvested monthly to maximize returns. - What are the benefits of the “Second Salary” program besides the monthly income?
Participants also gain entry into the National Bonds rewards program, which offers cash prizes and draws, increasing their chances of winning. - Can I choose the length of my savings and income periods?
Yes, the program offers flexibility, allowing customers to choose their preferred savings and income tenures to align with their financial goals. - What happens if I need to withdraw my money early from the program?
The program allows for a full redemption of the invested amount after 90 days. - Can I make a lump-sum investment instead of monthly payments?
Yes, customers can opt for a lump sum investment to enhance their monthly income during the payout phase. - How is the “Second Salary” program different from a regular savings account?
It is a structured savings and investment plan with two distinct phases. It is designed to generate a consistent, predictable income stream in the future, rather than just accumulating a lump sum.