A UAE work visa is an official authorization that allows foreign nationals to legally work and reside in the United Arab Emirates. It consists of three interconnected components: an entry permit (allows initial entry), a residence visa (stamped in passport), and an Emirates ID (official identification card). These documents are sponsored by UAE employers and processed through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP).
The work visa system in UAE operates on a sponsorship basis, meaning your employer acts as your sponsor and is responsible for processing, maintaining, and renewing your visa documentation. As of 2025, the standard employment visa validity is 2 years for most positions, with options for 3-year visas for skilled professionals and 5-10 year visas under Green and Golden visa schemes.
Do You Really Need a Work Visa?
All foreign nationals require a valid work visa to legally work in the UAE, except citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries – Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, and Qatar. Working without proper authorization is illegal and carries penalties including fines starting from AED 50,000 and deportation with re-entry bans.
Tourist and visit visa holders cannot legally work in the UAE, even for short periods or unpaid positions. Violators face fines, deportation, and permanent entry bans. Business visitors attending meetings or conferences don’t need work visas, but cannot engage in paid employment or sign employment contracts while on visit status.
Students on university-sponsored visas require separate work permits for part-time employment or internships. Family dependents (spouse or children over 18) sponsored by relatives need work permits from MOHRE to take up employment while maintaining their dependent visa status.
Types of Work Visas Available
Standard Employment Visa (2 Years)
The most common visa type issued to private sector employees. Requires employer sponsorship, valid for 2 years, renewable indefinitely as long as employment continues. Processing takes 2-3 weeks from application to completion.
Skilled Worker Visa (3 Years)
Available for professionals with specialized qualifications in categories 1-3 of MOHRE’s classification system. Requires bachelor’s degree or higher and minimum salary of AED 5,000. Includes managers, engineers, doctors, teachers, and technical specialists.
Green Visa (5 Years)
Self-sponsored residence visa for skilled employees, freelancers, and investors. Minimum salary requirement of AED 15,000 per month or bachelor’s degree with employment contract. Allows sponsor to remain in UAE for 6 months after employment termination to find new opportunities.
Golden Visa (5-10 Years)
Long-term residence for investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, outstanding students, and specialized talents. Requires significant investment (AED 2 million), specialized talents, or exceptional academic achievements. Provides residence stability independent of employment status.
Domestic Worker Visa (2 Years)
For household employees including drivers, housemaids, nannies, and cooks. Processed through Tadbeer centers with specific requirements for sponsor’s income (minimum AED 25,000) and accommodation provisions.
Mission/Temporary Work Visa (6 Months)
Short-term employment for project-based work or seasonal requirements. Cannot be converted to regular employment visa without exiting UAE. Single renewal possible for additional 6 months maximum.
Freelance Permit
Available through select free zones and mainland authorities. Requires proof of specialized skills and often bank guarantees ranging from AED 5,000-20,000. Allows working with multiple clients without fixed employer sponsorship.
Step-by-Step UAE Work Visa Process
Step 1: Job Offer and Labor Contract Approval (2-3 days)
Employer submits job offer to MOHRE through online Tawtheeq system. Contract must specify position, salary, benefits, and duration. MOHRE reviews and approves based on company quota and Emiratisation requirements.
Step 2: Entry Permit Application (3-5 days)
Employer applies through ICP with approved labor contract, passport copy, photographs, and educational certificates. Security clearance conducted for certain nationalities and professions. Permit valid for 60 days from issue date.
Step 3: Entry to UAE
Candidate enters UAE within entry permit validity. Immigration stamps 30-day entry visa at arrival. Change of status possible for tourist visa holders (additional fees apply: AED 550-650).
Step 4: Medical Fitness Test (2-3 days)
Mandatory screening at approved health centers within 30 days of arrival. Tests include HIV, Hepatitis B/C, Tuberculosis, and Syphilis. Costs range from AED 320-500 depending on emirate and visa type.
Step 5: Emirates ID Application (5-7 days)
Biometric registration at ICP customer centers. Application linked to visa process automatically. Card delivered by courier to registered address.
Step 6: Residence Visa Stamping (2-3 days)
Final visa stamped in passport by ICP. Valid for 2 years from stamping date. Original passport required for processing.
Step 7: Labor Card Issuance
MOHRE issues digital work permit linked to Emirates ID. No separate card issued since 2020 digitization. Status checkable through MOHRE app or website.
Documents You’ll Need
Required from Employee:
- Original passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- 8 passport-size photographs (white background, 4.3cm x 5.5cm)
- Educational certificates (attested by home country and UAE embassy)
- Previous employment certificates (for experienced positions)
- Police clearance certificate (for specific professions)
- Marriage certificate (if sponsoring spouse)
- Children’s birth certificates (if sponsoring dependents)
Required from Employer:
- Trade license copy
- Establishment card
- Signed labor contract (MOHRE format)
- Quota approval
- Medical insurance policy
- Accommodation proof or allowance declaration
Attestation Requirements:
Documents must be attested in sequence:
- Notary public in home country
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs in home country
- UAE Embassy in home country
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs in UAE (MOFA)
Processing time: 2-4 weeks depending on country.
How Much Does UAE Work Visa Cost?
Government Fees (2025 rates):
| Service | Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Labor Contract (MOHRE) | 300 |
| Work Permit | 300 |
| Entry Permit | 500-1,000 |
| Medical Test | 320-500 |
| Emirates ID | 370 (2 years) |
| Visa Stamping | 500-1,000 |
| Total | 2,290-3,470 |
Additional Costs:
- Document attestation: AED 500-2,000
- Translation (if required): AED 100-200 per document
- Typing center fees: AED 50-100
- Change of status (if inside UAE): AED 550-650
- Urgent processing: 50-100% additional
Payment Responsibility:
UAE Labor Law Article 13 states employers must bear all recruitment costs. However, practices vary:
- Large companies: Usually pay all costs
- Small companies: May deduct from salary
- Free zones: Often split between employer and employee
What Happens When You Get Your Visa?
Immediate Steps:
Once your residence visa is stamped, you become a legal UAE resident with specific rights and responsibilities. Open a UAE bank account using Emirates ID and employment letter. Most banks offer salary accounts with benefits like zero minimum balance and credit cards.
Legal Status:
Your visa ties you to your sponsor employer for the duration specified. Changing jobs requires visa cancellation and new application process. Absconding (leaving job without proper cancellation) results in employment ban and legal consequences.
Family Sponsorship:
With residence visa, you can sponsor family members if meeting requirements:
- Minimum salary: AED 4,000 (or AED 3,000 with accommodation)
- Profession listed in approved categories
- Adequate accommodation proof
- Processing takes 1-2 weeks per dependent
Additional Services:
- UAE driving license (some nationalities can convert directly)
- Etisalat/Du postpaid connections
- School enrollment for children
- Health insurance coverage activation
- Property rental agreements
Travel Considerations:
Multiple-entry visa allows unlimited travel. Absence over 6 continuous months cancels visa automatically. Re-entry permit required if Emirates ID expired while outside UAE.
Final Thoughts
The UAE work visa process is straightforward when proper procedures are followed and documentation is complete. Recent reforms including Green Visa, flexible work permits, and simplified job mobility rules make the UAE increasingly attractive for international talent.
Key success factors include choosing reputable employers, understanding contract terms, maintaining proper documentation, and following legal channels. The total process from job offer to completed residence visa typically takes 3-4 weeks when all documents are ready.
Remember that UAE immigration laws change frequently. Always verify current requirements through official channels: MOHRE (mohre.gov.ae), ICP (icp.gov.ae), or your employer’s PRO department. Avoid illegal practices like purchasing visas or working on visit status, as violations result in serious legal consequences including fines, deportation, and permanent entry bans.
For urgent queries, contact:
- MOHRE Call Center: 600590000
- ICP Support: 600522222
- MOFA Help Desk: 800624
