Operating a Damascus office from a UAE base requires proper work permits and business visas for employees traveling between the two countries. Whether sending UAE staff to Syria or hiring Syrian nationals, understanding permit requirements is essential for legal compliance in both jurisdictions.
Table of Contents
Syrian Work Permit
Required for all foreign employees in Syria. Valid 1 year, renewable. Processing: 4-6 weeks.
Business Visa
Multiple-entry business visa for UAE staff visiting Syria. Valid 6 months.
Employment Contract
Syrian labor law requires written Arabic contracts. UAE contracts do not substitute.
Work Permits for Syria
| Permit Type | Validity | Processing | Cost USD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foreign Employee | 1 year | 4-6 weeks | 500-800 |
| Investor Permit | 2 years | 3-4 weeks | 400-600 |
| Contractor Permit | 6 months | 2-3 weeks | 300-500 |
| Project-Based | Project duration | 3-4 weeks | 600-1,000 |
| Temporary Assignment | 3 months | 1-2 weeks | 200-400 |
⚠️ Important: Working in Syria without a valid permit is a criminal offense. Fines: SYP 200,000-1,000,000 plus possible deportation.
Business Visas from UAE
UAE residents traveling to Syria can get: (1) Business visa on arrival at Damascus Airport for GCC residents (30 days), or (2) Pre-arranged business visa through Syrian Embassy in Abu Dhabi (3-6 months, multiple entry).
Syrian Employment Contracts
Contract Requirements
Must be in Arabic. Specify salary in SYP or USD, max 48-hour week, 21 days annual leave, 1-3 month notice period.
Salary Payment
Can be in USD or SYP. Social security: employer 18%, employee 7%.
Termination Rules
Syrian labor law favors employees. Termination without cause: 1-3 months severance.
Compliance
Employers must: register with Social Security within 30 days, provide health insurance, maintain 5-year employee records, submit annual workforce reports to Ministry of Labor.
✅ Tip: Use a local PRO for work permits and social security registration. One error restarts the entire process.
ℹ️ Note: The UAE-Syria Labor Agreement (2022) allows easier transfer of social security benefits for dual-country employees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hire during company registration?
No. You need a commercial license first. Use service agreements for consultants during registration.
Ramadan working hours?
Reduced to 6 hours/day for Muslim employees. Non-Muslim employees may continue standard hours.
End-of-service benefits?
Yes. 15 days salary per year for first 5 years, 30 days per year thereafter.
Resources
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Omar Al-Khatib (عمر الخطيب)
Legal Research Analyst. Specializes in Syrian commercial law and UAE-Syria cross-border regulations with 6 years of research experience.
