Teachers License in Dubai

With its diverse population and a flow of newcomers into the country, the UAE has a stable demand for teaching and tutoring services. Working as a teacher in Dubai requires not only the proper education and skills but also a license proving that you have them. When it comes to schools with international curriculum, you would typically need a Bachelor’s degree in education and certificates from acknowledged educational authorities such as the British Council. But overall, a UAE teacher’s license is mandatory for those willing to work in the country’s educational institutions.

Since 2017, the UAE has implemented the Teachers Licensing System (TLS) managed by the Ministry of Education (MOE), which is unified for both public and private schools, including those in Dubai under the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). It is important to distinguish between a professional Teacher’s License (TLS) and a trade license for educational services or tutoring, which is required if you plan to open a training center or work independently via a free zone or mainland company.

How to Acquire a Teacher’s License in Dubai

In order to regulate the licensing process for teachers, the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) established the Teachers Licensing System (TLS), setting the eligibility requirements for teaching in public and private schools of the UAE. 

Steps to secure your TLS certificate

1. Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria:

• A valid UAE residency visa
• A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject area or education
• Attested educational qualifications with an equivalency certificate from the MOE (especially required for the transitional license)
• For private schools in Dubai, a recognized pedagogical qualification (e.g., B.Ed or PGCE) and, for English teachers, certifications such as CELTA, DELTA, or TESOL
• Original transcripts of education and training certificates proving your expertise
• Police clearance certificate ensuring the absence of criminal records
• Medical fitness report

2. Register on the TLS website:

• Visit the official TLS portal (https://tls.moe.gov.ae) or the MOE website and sign up for a MOE ID.
• Alternatively, if you are employed by a private school, your employer may initiate your registration via the KHDA Educator Permit System
• Activate your TLS account in the follow-up e-mail

3. Add your basic information and credentials:

• Passport
• Residency visa and Emirates ID
• Police clearance certificate
• Education and professional training certificates and transcripts
• CV and references
• English language test score
• Contact information

4. Submit the information and wait for the MOE approval:

Once you’ve submitted the required information, it will be checked and verified. You will receive a letter from the MOE specifying the details of the tests you must take to secure a license.

5. Pass the TLS tests:

Obtaining a TLS license requires passing two tests, one in your specialization area and the other in your teaching proficiency. Exam dates are scheduled by the MOE multiple times throughout the year and can be booked via the TLS portal; specific dates depend on the current MOE schedule rather than fixed months. The first one is typically held in April, the second – in September. Candidates who do not pass have the option to retake tests for an additional fee.

6. Collect the issued license:

Once you’ve successfully passed the tests, undergone the verification process, and met all the requirements, the MOE will issue your teacher's license. The validity of the professional license is determined by the MOE, and its maintenance is tied to continuous professional development (CPD) and e-portfolio requirements.

7. Renew your teacher’s license in time:

Keep track of the license renewal process and make sure to renew it as required by the KHDA and MOE via the TLS portal.  To maintain certification, teachers must complete a series of mandatory professional development courses.

Costs of Getting a Teacher’s License in Dubai

There are no fees associated with the process of receiving a teacher’s license. However, if you want to be able to work throughout the license acquisition process, you can apply for a transitional license

A transitional license, which is a two-year temporary permit allowing you to work while completing the full certification, also involves a modest government service fee of approximately AED 50. It should be noted that while the direct government fees are low, total costs for a candidate (often estimated between AED 15,000 and AED 50,000) typically include expenses for document attestation, medical tests, residency visas, and private consultancy services.

Documents Required for a Teacher’s License in Dubai

• Passport and visa copies
• Passport-sized photographs:
• Emirates ID
• Police clearance certificate
• Medical fitness certificate
• Education certificates and transcripts
• CV
• Professional training and experience certificates
• Professional references (e.g., recommendation letters)

Why Do You Need a Teacher’s License in Dubai

A Teacher's License in Dubai is required to ensure that educators in the Emirate meet certain standards and qualifications. The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai oversees the licensing process for private schools through the Educator Permit System, while the MOE regulates the national TLS standards.

Quality Assurance

The Teacher's License is a mechanism that ensures the quality of education provided in schools. The KHDA aims to enhance the overall quality of teaching and learning in Dubai by setting specific standards and requiring educators to meet them

Professional Standards

The licensing process ensures that teachers adhere to professional standards in terms of education, ethics, and conduct. This helps maintain a high level of professionalism among educators

Credential Verification

The certification process is aimed at verifying educational qualifications and teaching credentials to ensure that individuals teaching in Dubai schools possess the necessary qualifications and expertise in their respective subjects.

Continuous Professional Development

Teachers are subject to continuous professional development as part of their license renewal process. This guarantees that educators remain up-to-date with the latest pedagogical approaches, educational technologies, and subject matter expertise.

Language Proficiency

The licensing process may include a language proficiency requirement, ensuring that teachers can effectively communicate in the language of instruction, typically English.

Regulation of the Teaching Profession

Licensing regulates the teaching profession by establishing clear standards and expectations, contributing to the accountability and credibility of the education system.

Enhancing the Reputation of Education Institutions

The reputation of educational institutions in Dubai is enhanced by having licensed and qualified teachers. It reassures students and parents that the educators have met certain standards and are committed to professional development.

Alignment with International Standards

Education in Dubai is geared towards the best international practices. The licensing requirement for teachers is part of this effort to ensure that the education system is in line with global standards.

Acquiring a Teacher’s License in Dubai with Professional Help

You can obtain a teaching licence in Dubai on your own, but the process often involves multiple approvals, paperwork, and administrative steps where small errors can lead to delays. With professional support, you can go through the same procedure more smoothly and with clearer guidance at every stage.

Emirabiz can support you end to end — helping you prepare the right documents, navigate the requirements, and keep the application on track, so you can focus on your work while we handle the process in a structured, compliant way.