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Employment Visa
VisasUnited Arab EmiratesEmployment Visa
United Arab EmiratesUnited Arab Emirates•Asia
Open

Employment Visa

Work Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

7-20 days

Application Fee

Free

Stay Duration

3 years

Renewable

Yes

Job Offer

Required

Dependents

Allowed

PR Pathway

No

Remote Work

Not Required

Official Information
United Arab Emirates flag

Living in United Arab Emirates

Cost of Living
20% cheaper than United States
Avg SalaryAED 140,400
Quality of Life
176/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Sponsored by a UAE employer with an approved work permit from MOHRE. Most common work visa.

The UAE Employment Visa is the standard residency pathway for foreign nationals intending to work legally within the country. It is strictly employer-sponsored, meaning the hiring company must be licensed in the UAE and registered with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). The process begins with the employer securing a work permit and an entry permit, which allows the employee to enter the country to finalize their residency status. Once in the UAE, the employee must undergo a medical screening and biometric registration to obtain an Emirates ID, which serves as the primary identification document for residents.

This visa is designed for professionals, skilled workers, and laborers across all sectors, including private companies and free zones. It provides the legal framework for living and working in the UAE under the protection of local labor laws. The visa is typically valid for two to three years, depending on the contract, and is renewable as long as the employment relationship continues. It is essential for applicants to ensure their educational documents are properly attested by the UAE embassy in their home country and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as this is a common requirement for professional and managerial roles.

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant3 years

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Golden Visa (5/10 Year)
United Arab Emirates flagUnited Arab Emirates

Golden Visa (5/10 Year)

Validity10 years
Processing2-5 days
View Visa Details
Green Visa
United Arab Emirates flagUnited Arab Emirates

Green Visa

Validity5 years
Processing1-3 months
View Visa Details
Investor Visa
United Arab Emirates flagUnited Arab Emirates

Investor Visa

Validity3 years
Processing10-20 days
View Visa Details

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Must have a valid job offer from a UAE-based company.

The employer must be registered with the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).

The employer must apply for and obtain a work permit on behalf of the employee.

Applicant must be at least 18 years old.

Must pass a mandatory medical fitness test at a government-approved center in the UAE.

Must obtain an entry permit (pink visa) before traveling to the UAE for work purposes.

Must complete biometric registration for an Emirates ID.

Must sign an official labor contract registered with MOHRE.

KEY CRITERIA

Job Offer

Required

Education

none or higher

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity.

Recent passport-sized photographs with a white background.

Signed employment contract.

Work permit issued by MOHRE.

Copy of the employer's valid trade license and establishment card.

Attested educational certificates (if required for the specific role).

Medical fitness test results.

Emirates ID application form.

Application Process

1

Secure job offer: Receive formal employment offer from UAE employer

2

Employer applies to MoHRE: Employer submits work permit application to Ministry of Human Resources

3

Receive work permit: MoHRE issues work permit approval

4

Apply for entry permit: Employee applies for 60-day entry permit

5

Enter UAE: Arrive on entry permit

6

Medical test: Undergo medical fitness examination

7

Apply for residence visa: Complete residency application at GDRFA

8

Get residence stamp: Receive residence visa in passport

Application Forms

MOHRE work permit application—

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