Which professions require an educational certificate in the UAE?

Does the Cashier profession require an educational certificate?

Yes, Cashier requires educational certificate with attestation.

If the profession code starts with 1 or 2, the profession requires a university certificate.

If the profession code starts with 3 or 4, the profession requires a diploma or university certificate.

If the profession code starts with 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9, the profession does not require an educational certificate.

All these certificates should be attested from the home country and MOFA.

The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) classifies labor designations into nine professional categories covering 726+ job titles. The new occupational classification scheme is based on international standards, designed to streamline work permits and determine skill levels. 

The updated labor list is structured into five skill levels based on educational qualifications and job descriptions: 

UAE Labor Profession Skill Levels

Skill Level 1 (Managers/Professionals): Requires a Bachelor’s degree or higher.

Skill Level 2 (Specialists/Technicians): Requires a Diploma or higher.

Skill Level 3 (Technicians/Support): Requires a Diploma or high school certificate.

Skill Level 4 (Clerical Support Workers): Involves practical/vocational skills.

Skill Level 5 (Service/Sales Workers): Involves limited skills, often requiring a high school certificate.

Skill Levels 6-9 (Craftsmen/Operators/Labourers): Primarily skilled and unskilled manual laborers. 

Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation - MOHRE

Key Job Categories in the New List

Managers: General managers, HR managers, retail store managers, and catering managers.

Professionals/Specialists: Scientific, technical, and human field specialists.

Technical Professionals: Associates and specialized assistants.

Office Support: Clerical staff.

Service/Sales Workers: Service workers in retail, tourism, and related sectors.

Agriculture & Forestry: Skilled agricultural workers.

Craftsmen: Construction, mining, and related trade workers.

Plant/Machine Operators: Machinery operators and assemblers.

Elementary Occupations: General labor and simple professions. 

Important Notes on New Designations

Mandatory Titles: Foreign nationals must use a job title from the new, approved list for work permits.

Skill Certification: Skill levels 1, 2, and 3 require attested educational certificates.

Salary Thresholds: Workers earning less than AED 4,000 per month or lacking a degree may be classified as lower-skilled.

Salary Requirements: For 2026, private sector firms (50+ employees) are encouraged to increase Emiratisation by 1% in high-skill jobs by June 30, 2026. 

You can access the full MOHRE Job Descriptions list on their official site for specific codes and titles.