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Employment Visa
United Arab EmiratesUnited Arab Emirates•Asia
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Employment Visa

Work Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

2 days

Estimated Cost

From AED 200

Other charges may apply

Stay Duration

2 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Official Information
United Arab Emirates flag

Living in United Arab Emirates

Cost of Living
20% cheaper than United States
Avg SalaryAED 126,000
Quality of Life
169/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Employer-sponsored work residence for UAE employment with MOHRE-approved job offer.

The UAE Employment Visa is the standard work residency for foreign nationals. It is employer-sponsored through a company registered with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). The employer secures a work permit and entry permit, enabling the employee to enter, complete medical screening, and obtain an Emirates ID.

The visa is valid for two years (or shorter if the employment contract is shorter) and is renewable. Federal ICP fees total AED 300 (application 100, issuance 100 per year, smart services 100); VAT and additional medical/Emirates ID costs apply. Processing takes approximately 2 days. Educational documents must be attested for professional roles.

This visa is ideal for professionals, skilled workers, and laborers seeking employer-sponsored work authorization and the ability to sponsor dependents.

Cost Breakdown

Application feeAED 100
Residence permit issuance (per year)AED 100
recurring
Smart service feeAED 100
TotalAED 200

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant2 years

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Golden Visa (5/10 Year)
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Golden Visa (5/10 Year)

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Processing2–5 days
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Green Visa
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Green Visa

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Processing2 days
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Investor Visa
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Validity3 years
Processing1–3 weeks
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Requirements

PUBLISHED 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.

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.

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Full work authorization for the duration of your UAE employment contract
  • Sponsor dependents on residence visas: spouse and children included
  • Residence visa valid for 2–3 years renewable as long as employer sponsorship continues
  • Protected by MOHRE-registered employment contract and UAE labor law
  • Affordable baseline fees at AED 200 + 5% VAT excluding medical and Emirates ID costs

Worth Knowing

  • Visa tied to employer—termination of employment cancels your residency status
  • Spouse work authorization is restricted and requires a separate work permit application
  • End-to-end processing takes 7–20 days; residency visa stamp alone takes approximately 2 days after entry
  • Remote work not permitted—you must be physically present and working in the UAE
  • Employer must maintain MOHRE work permit registration and active sponsorship throughout your tenure
  • Must have job offer from a MOHRE-registered UAE employer before visa processing begins
  • Failure of mandatory medical fitness test or police clearance disqualifies you from entry

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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